Many thanks to all who replied, privately and publicly, to my question regarding the pros and cons of indoor rabbits (mine are outdoor, in case anyone missed that).
Some people suggested I post a summary of the messages, so I'll give it a shot. Opinions varied, of course, but most listed the same general points. My apologies to anyone whose opinions are not adequately represented by this summary.
Indoor rabbits:
Some people also feel that indoor rabbits:
Many proponents of indoor bunnies think that outdoor bunnies are OK
if:Many people also stated that only the bunny person really knows how well he/she takes care of the entrusted bunny, and that personal judgement needs to be involved (as with any pet - Barb's addition).
Well, I gave everyone a chance to speak, so now I'll get on my podium, so to speak. I cannot argue that indoor bunnies get more attention, and that medical problems are probably detected more quickly. That goes without saying (or should). As a proponent and spokesperson for outdoor bunnies, let me address a few issues with my opinions. (Some of us can't have indoor bunnies, but that doesn't mean we are doomed to a life without fuzzy friends!)
Indoor bunnies can be ignored just as much as outdoor bunnies sometimes. Being indoors is no guarantee. I have seen this with my own eyes.
Weather doesn't have to be a factor - barn bunnies, or put a "house" in the cage. Give plenty of straw for a nest in colder weather (you'd be surprised how warm a bunny can stay if he makes a good nest!), and shade and airconditioners (frozen water bottles) in the summer. (I would rather outdoor bunnies, period, than garage bunnies - carbon monoxide).
Even our outdoor bunnies get to come in for a romp once in a while, or hop on the lawn under very close supervision.
Yes, you need to make an extra effort (especially in winter) to see that your bunnies get the necessary company and attention, but it shouldn't be something you dread if you truly love your rabbits.
Predators - what can I say? Life is a risk - you can't make everything foolproof (fools are too damned ingenious!) Do your absolute best to prevent anything from happening, but I think there are just as many dangers in the home. Maybe you need a heavy wooden hutch with a heavy, padlocked door instead of a flimsy wire cage. Putting the cage up off of the ground also helps (I'm talking 3-4ft.; we did this).
One person stated (can't remember who), something to the effect that the rabbits may be startled by every little sound and think a predator was after them. (My apologies if this is an incorrect interpretation). I've thought about this for a couple of days, and this just doesn't seem likely at all. Well, let me explain further. Our rabbits were born outside, some actually outside and some in the barn. In either case, they were always kept in the same general area, exposed to the same sights and sounds their whole lives as when they were born. They wouldn't be startled by the familiar sounds - that seems logical. I don't think an unfamiliar sound would be any more detrimental than, say, a telephone with a new kind of ringer would be to a house bunny. The one exception to this might be if you get a rabbit who has been indoors all its life - then, yes, the outside might be scary. Some of our rabbits were terrified of being in our house, but calmed down as soon as they were back outside!
And regarding personality development - if the bunny is given enough attention, I can vouch that they have more than enough intelligence and personality for everyone concerned :-) :-) :-)
There you have it. Again, I'm reading digest form. Please direct comments to blhass@mtu.edu, and if you reply to the list, or respond to replies, PLEASE be kind enough to put my address on the "cc" or "copies to" line. Many thanks!
