Moving Rabbit from indoors to outdoors

Question
We inherited a pet rabbit from our grandchildren (an ill conceived spur of the moment gift). While we love Mr. Biscuit (a small not miniature brown and white male lop) we are having trouble finding a good place for him, in our modest home, that accomodates him and us. He generally has play time 2x a day for an hour or more each  time. I would like to get him in a bigger cage (currently 36" x 24" x 36"H) or hutch but we do not have room in our home. He has always been indoors but I think outdoors might be better for him and us with play and social times still inside. Is this a good for him? He is appx 6 years old we have had him for almost 4 years. He is not a lap rabbit he likes to be petted but on his terms and he thinks he is pretty independent. Please give me any available advice.

Answer
Hi,

everyone's situation is different, but my own personal feeling is rabbits do best inside the house.  Especially rabbits that have always been indoor house rabbits.

You have had him 4 years.  He knows his territory, and considers it his.  It will be very, very stressful on him to put him outdoors most of the time.  Most likely he will become very depressed.  He will wonder why this is being done to him.

He is also 6 years old.  Technically he is an older rabbit at age 6.  If anything, you need to be able to watch him more carefully for health issues, and putting him outside, you are not going to be aware of issues as easily as having him inside and being around him more often.  The temperature is better for him indoors.  Insects and anything from outside is kept away and makes his health better.

I would not do it.  I would make changes inside the house, and either get rid of things you really don't need and carve out the room for him.  That's just me.  I know you love him, he is an indoor pet.  That is why he has been able to get very close to you and trust you to the extent he does now.  

Rabbits are creatures of habit and enjoy a more or less set routine.  Big changes stress them out.  Especially if they take them negatively.

Lee