house rabbit outdoors

Question
We have 4 dwarf lop male rabbits. (Two 1 year old, two 6 months old). They get on well and share an hutch. We have always kept them indoors to sleep, but let them out during the day with free run of the garden and use of an outdoor hutch.  When we let them out, one of the 6 months old has started sitting in the outdoor hutch whilst the other 3 run about in the garden. He used to join in running about with the other 3 but now he just sits inside the hutch on his own. Is this something we should be worried about? Should we stop putting him outside altogether?

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi,

I would definitely have him checked out, if you are not aware of why this behavior change has occurred.  He could have an injury that bothers him if he runs.  

Go to a good rabbit vet.  Not all are.  If there's a problem it will get figured out quicker and proper treatment faster with an experienced rabbit vet.  Start here:

www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

Every bunny should have a yearly wellness exam.  Especially rabbits because as prey animals, they do not 'broadcast' injuries, they hide them until they cannot any longer and you notice something's wrong.

In general any changes off their normal routine requires you to consider they are having some kind of problem.  Not excited about food or treats, not moving around normally, etc.

Lee