Why garden safety matters for rabbits

A garden can be a wonderful place for a rabbit. There is grass to graze, shade to doze in and plenty of interesting smells to investigate. But the same space that offers freedom and enrichment also hides hazards that a curious rabbit will not recognise as dangerous. Rabbits are built to nibble first and ask questions later, and their small size means even a modest gap in a fence or a shallow pond can become a serious problem.

The good news is that most garden dangers are easy to manage once you know what to look for. A little preparation before your rabbit hops outside will let you relax and enjoy watching them explore, safe in the knowledge that the everyday risks have been dealt with.

Check every plant before your rabbit does

Rabbits are natural grazers, and to them almost everything green looks like lunch. Unfortunately, a number of common garden plants are toxic to rabbits, and some can cause serious illness after only a small mouthful. Before letting your rabbit loose, walk the garden and identify what is growing, paying particular attention to anything within reach of a determined bunny.

Plants to keep well out of reach include:

• Foxgloves, lupins and delphiniums, which contain compounds that affect the heart.
• Buttercups and poppies, common in lawns and borders and best treated as off-limits.
• Lily of the valley, ivy and yew, all highly toxic and often found in established gardens.
• Rhubarb leaves, potato leaves and tomato leaves, which are harmful to rabbits even though the vegetables themselves are safe.
• Bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths, which are especially dangerous if dug up and chewed.

Always check any plant you are unsure about before your rabbit has access to it. If you cannot identify something with confidence, fence it off or remove it. It is also worth remembering that pesticides, weedkillers and slug pellets can linger on foliage, so avoid treating any area your rabbit uses, and never let them graze on grass that has been recently sprayed.

Make your fencing truly rabbit-proof

Rabbits are remarkable escape artists. They can squeeze through gaps that look far too small, and many will happily dig underneath a fence given half a chance. A boundary that keeps a dog in is not necessarily one that keeps a rabbit in, so it pays to think like a rabbit and check your garden from their level.

Walk the perimeter and look for:

• Gaps under gates, along fence panels and where walls meet the ground.
• Loose or broken boards that could be pushed aside.
• Climbing routes over low walls, planters or log piles.
• Soft ground along the base of fences, which invites digging.

Fit galvanised wire mesh around the perimeter, burying the bottom edge a good 30 centimetres into the ground and bending it outward to deter digging. Mesh should be small enough that a rabbit cannot poke its head through. If your garden has an open pond, drain or road beyond the fence, this step is not optional. It is also wise to check fencing regularly, as rabbits will find and exploit any new weakness surprisingly quickly.

Cover ponds, drains and other water hazards

Rabbits swim far better than many people expect, but they tire quickly and cannot easily climb out of steep-sided water. A garden pond is one of the most serious risks a rabbit can face, particularly if the edges are slippery or the water is deep.

Either fence the pond off entirely or fit a sturdy mesh cover that supports the rabbit's weight. The same applies to drains, water butts, open bins and anything else that could trap a small animal. Even a shallow paddling pool or a full watering can should be emptied after use. If your rabbit uses a run, make sure the ground beneath it is firm and free from holes that could collect rainwater.

Store chemicals, tools and compost safely

Rabbits explore with their noses and their teeth, so anything stored at ground level is fair game. Garden sheds, garages and greenhouses should be securely closed, with no gaps at the bottom that a rabbit could slip through.

Keep the following locked away and well out of reach:

• Fertilisers, weedkillers, pesticides and slug pellets.
• Antifreeze, paint, oil and BBQ lighter fluid.
• Sharp tools, wire, netting and twine.
• Compost bins and heaps, which can contain mouldy food that is toxic to rabbits.

Cocoa mulch deserves a special mention. It smells appealing and contains theobromine, which is poisonous to rabbits, so choose a rabbit-safe alternative such as plain bark or straw. Never leave a bucket of anything liquid within reach, and always store chemicals in their original labelled containers so you know exactly what you are dealing with.

Supervise, shelter and enjoy the garden together

Even with all these precautions in place, the best protection is your presence. Supervise your rabbit while they are out, and keep outings short during the hottest part of the day. Provide plenty of shade, a constant supply of fresh water and a secure hutch or run they can retreat to when they have had enough.

Check the garden after storms, when fences can loosen and debris can blow in, and get into the habit of a quick safety sweep before every outing. With a little forward planning, your garden becomes exactly what it should be: a safe, stimulating space where your rabbit can graze, hop and explore to their heart's content.