Bunnys outside at night?

[Vonnie]

hello, i know i'm early, this just in case i forget tomorrow. this is a picture of my Velviteen/Mini Rex mix bunny, Al, he'll be 10 months old on Saturday the 19th. I live in Glendale Arizona, and i know it doesn't get as cold her as in other places, but it can get to close to or below freezing at night here. Al lives in my room for now, but my dad doesn't want him in my room once we get the new floor down. I let Al run around out back during the day (we live on a 1/3rd of an acre "horse property"), and i like to bring him in at night so he doesn't get sick, hurt, or possibly eatten by an owl or hawk. Dad wants me to leave Al out all the time, but i don't.
i don't have a big bunny hutch for him yet, and am nervous to leave him out at night in winter, seeing as how the last rabbit we had, lived out back all the time, got sick, and hid from us untill it was too late.
Am i doing the right thing by bringing him in at night, or am i just being an over protective mommy? also, are sun flower seeds ok for my Al to eat?

[Dr. Jennifer Lander]

I just googled your weather and it's about 40 degrees? Rabbits can do well with outdoor living - day and night, but you do need a bunny hutch. Being elevated high off the ground will protect Al from cold ground and from predators on foot. A partial wire mesh bottom is okay, but there should be a solid floor also. Wire mesh for part of the hutch and full coverage with wood on the other part will provide shelter for wind, snow and rain - also from airborne company. Bunnies love to snuggle in straw or even in their hay (which they can snack on, too). Make sure an outdoor pet has a water source that isn't frozen and extra food. Staying warm takes extra calories. You can be a good bunny mommy by making sure that Al gets time with you everyday and that you're watching closely for signs that he might not be feeling well. Unfortunately, many pocket pets are good at hiding illness until it's too late. So, he can live outdoors safely and come in to visit whenever your dad lets him!