Wow, somehow I missed this whole thread. I've been keeping house rabbits on and off for over 20 years. I'd just like to add that the more rabbits I've had, the more I've seen just how amazingly different each one can be.
I know there are stories of those bunnies that chew and destroy absolutely everything. But some generalizations about rabbits aren't true for every rabbit (or even most rabbits, in some instances). All of my rabbits have been able to run around on the carpet without chewing it. (with one exception -- and he wasn't obsessive about it, so it could be contolled). In fact, most of my rabbits have had carpet in their cages.
I have found that it's mostly a matter of getting to know your individual bunny(s) and working around them. Barricades that work for one bun may not work for another. With each bun, it seems, I've learned to give them more & more freedom. My current pair have free reign downstairs all day long. I just leave the cage door open.
I've gotten all of my rabbits from rescues (which I'd highly recommend) so they are already fixed. Fixed rabbits do litter train easily. Just know that it's mostly about the urine. Almost all rabbits will drop the occasional poo. But bunny poos are dry, and odor-free so not a big deal. I've never really had an issue with a rabbit peeing anywhere other than their litter box. I've had more clean-ups from my dog than from my rabbits.
But really, as I said, each rabbit is unique. The advantage of getting a bun from a rescue that is already fixed is that their personality is more evident. And if you want a pair, getting an already bonded (fixed) pair GREATLY simplifies things.
Since housing rabbits indoors (much like a dog, as someone else described) can be difficult to imagine, I've created a website for the express purpose of showing people what it can be like to have indoor rabbits. Perhaps the site, with its photos and videos, might offer a perspective that words sometimes can't convey.
Just click
here to be directed to my site. Hope you enjoy it.
