Rabbit Sanctuaries

Yards that act like rabbit sanctuaries and/or contain easy access rabbit hutches, provide safe outdoor shelter and can even secure some protection from predators. When attempting to attract rabbits to your yard, keep in mind they do not like strong, pungent smells like garlic, chili peppers, and predator urine. (If you have pets, then enticing them into your yard will be challenging.) Their sensitive noses are easily overwhelmed by powerful scents, so if your goal is to offer sanctuary and respite to these furry creatures, be sure to eliminate strong odors from your yard. On the other hand, if you are trying to repel bunnies from nibbling at your garden, these items will act as a deterrence.

Garlic and Onions: The strong allium smell acts as a natural turn-off.

Spices: Crushed red pepper, cayenne, or chili powder irritate their noses.

Vinegar: The sharp, acidic aroma keeps them away from borders.

Mint and Catmint: Strong, fresh mint oils repel them.

Lavender and Rosemary: Pungent, woody herbal aromas are unappealing.

Marigolds: Strong-smelling flowers can discourage nibbling, though results vary.

Rabbits are attracted to yards that offer an easy supply of food, safe hiding spots for shelter, and accessible water. Key elements include tender greens, brush piles, and open lawns. Food sources that will attract them include fresh shoots of lettuce, beans, peas, carrots, and kale. They also enjoy lawn weeds like clover and dandelions. Also, flowers such as soft leaf perennials, pansies and petunias and spilled grain or seed remnants from bird feeders.

Placing an easy to access/easy to escape rabbit hutch on the property along with other sheltered hiding places that include overgrown areas with tall grass can be appealing to our long-eared friends. Dense coverings like low bushes, shrubs, and perennial patches as well as debris piles, are sure to attract them. Though you will need to figure out how to best accommodate the bunnies and continue to maintain some semblance of an attractive landscape! Perhaps a corner of the yard that can be hidden with a few taller shrubs?

They will definitely need water and safe, easy access to the yard. Figure out how to provide standing water with either a pond, pondless waterfall, pooling spigot or a low birdbath. Be sure to keep pathways open in and out of the yard without pets! Perhaps low-level fencing can help here.

Rabbit Hutch Suggestions

A weather shield structure can be helpful. If you choose to build a rabbit hutch as a part of your sanctuary, consider using a waterproof roof. This will protect them from rain, wind, and harsh sun. An enclosed sleeping area will offer a quiet place to hide and feel secure.

• Try removable pull-out trays make daily waste cleanup fast and simple. Pans allow easy gathering of waste for garden fertilizer.

• Organize dedicated areas to hold food, water, and hay in fixed spots.

• Size matters: A hutch must be large enough for a rabbit to stretch out fully, stand up on its hind legs without touching the roof, and take at least three consecutive hops (ideally a minimum of 4’ x 2’ x 2’ though bigger is always better).

• A hutch should only serve as a safe sleeping or resting quarter; rabbits need constant or daily access to a larger secure exercise run or exercise pen.

• Wire mesh floors can cause painful sore hocks; always provide a solid resting mat, tile, or a wooden hide box inside so your bunny can get off the wire.

• Use untreated, non-toxic wood for any chewable parts, as rabbits love to gnaw on their housing. Avoid painted or chemically treated finishes on the interior.

• Use a thick gauge rabbit wire or thick cloth rather than flimsy chicken wire, and raise the structure safely off the damp ground.

• Position the hutch in a cool, shaded area away from direct scorching sunlight and heavy winter drafts.

• Ensure fresh water via a spill-proof bowl or a sturdy hanging bottle is available. Hang a dedicated hay manger and heavy food bowl within easy reach.

• Include safe tunnels and a cozy hideout box to satisfy their natural burrowing instincts.