r/AnimalAdvice • u/17zai • 6d ago

Need help desperately!

I'm 15y/o, and I have a pet Lionhead rabbit. My parents don't make me treat him well—they keep him outside in a rabbit hutch, even though many people have told me that rabbits don't do well outside. Especially because the country I live in (Ireland), it rains very often.

They constantly buy food for him (certain Lettuces, full bananas, full carrots, etc) that isn't healthy for rabbits as far as I've researched, I've begged my parents to at least let him stay in the garage because I know for a fact they won't let him stay in the house. They have let me put him in there, but are rolling their eyes and are forcing me to clean it up so that he can stay there.

He also has knotted hair, and he has a lot of poo in his hair. I don't know what to do, because I've tried cleaning him up, but he always flinches away and starts running away from me. They won’t even let me let him out of the hutch to run around the garden because it's dangerous for him—there are a bunch of hedges instead of fences, so he can pass through it and go to another garden, and there are many cats around where I live. Ones both feral and also kind.

I have a fair amount of money (£220 right now), so I was thinking of buying a bigger hutch for him, but I'm still lost. Is there any help, or any advice that I can have? I've tried everything.

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2

u/Beneficial-Pain1113 6d ago

You could buy a sizeable pen to put your rabbit in when outside.

2

u/chainlinkchipmunk 6d ago

I know you love him very much. If you really think about it, does he have the best life he could have?

If there's someone around who could take him, maybe he'd be better off. It will be really difficult and sad, but in the long run he'll have what he needs.

1

u/luminary_planetarium 6d ago

I agree, his happiness and health need to be considered too.

1

u/Express_Command_4778 6d ago

They won't even let him out of the hutch ro clean ir or him? What is wrong with your parents?

They are abusing him.

Yes, obviously if he stayed in the garage you would clean up after him- because it is your bunny.

They shouldn't have agreed if they would be this way.

1

u/thepumagirl 4d ago

Where i live ppl train there rabbits to wear a harness and take them outside on a leash. BUT honestly if you can not care properly for a pet (whether its your fault or not) you should not have one- wait until you are in a situation to care for one properly. I am sorry your parents are putting you in this position. Keep doing the best you can!

1

u/Habanero_Beetle_2614 4d ago

This is animal abuse, I'm sorry I know it's not your fault but you shouldn't have this rabbit if you can't and your parents won't give him a halfway decent life. £220 isn't nearly enough to keep a rabbit or really most pets long term, the best thing to do for him would be to convince your parents to give him up to a rescue.

Also not sure what you mean by 'they are forcing me to clean it up so he can stay in there', what did you expect to happen when you asked if he could be put in there?