[aileen_1971]

I have a space of 25ft by 25ft sectioned off, fenced and chicken wire and large rocks around so they cannot dig out. I give them shelter from sun, fresh tub of water, fresh fruit and veggies and human contact. I have allowed them to burrow and reproduce in their shelters but not over populate the area. Is this enough or is there something more I can or should be doing for my rabbits? I have been letting them live this way for about a year and half and all goes well. I have had only 1 loss due to age? They all seem healthy and happy not being caged but I do want to be responsible.

[Eileen G]

One thing I would add is lots of wood to gnaw. Rabbit teeth grow very fast and need a lot of chewing to keep them down to a useful length.

[shazamataz]

If you keep this set up you are going to have a HUGE problem in a year or so.

Rabbits breed like well... rabbits.
Your set up sounds great in terms of how they are being housed, but it's the open breeding that bothers me.

Altenweg is our bunny expert so I know she will have more to say about it, but personally I think it's pretty irresponsible... sorry.

[aileen_1971]

Over population hasn't been a problem as I keep them separated. If they weren't separated I would have a HUGE problem in a matter of weeks let alone years.lol I do have wood chewing blocks, toys and all the proper food, salt licks etc. I was wondering if there were any suggestions or other concerns with them being outside. I have read a post regarding life expectancy.

[Alty]

Your housing set up sounds good. I see you live in California so the weather isn't a problem (cold) and as long as they're sheltered, warm (not hot), well fed and watered, then there's no issues there.

I do have huge issues with you allowing them to breed. These aren't wild rabbits, you have the option to spay or neuter and that's the responsible thing to do. Why allow them to breed when there are so many unwanted rabbits already in the world?

I used to volunteer at the humane society, the number of rabbits euthanized every year rivals all the other animals in the shelter. Too many people buy the cute little bunny in the store and then get rid of it when it become the aggressive adult. A simple spay or neuter could fix the majority of the issues people have with their pet bunnies, and education, which sadly is lacking.

An un- altered female has a life expectancy of around 3 years where a spayed female can live up to 12 years depending on the breed. There's also different life expectancy of indoor rabbits versus outdoor. Indoor rabbits live longer, it's a sad fact.

It sounds like you've done everything possible to make them comfortable and happy, but not healthy. I wouldn't hesitate to say that you only fall short in the responsibility category. A responsible person does not allow their pets to breed at will, especially if they can prevent it.

Please have them fixed.