what temperature is too cold for rabbits

A plain dish, or a dish that uses a 20-ounce or 1-liter plastic bottle for its supply, is preferable. Indoor house rabbits should be fine in the cold weather as the temperature indoors tends to be regulated for yourselves! I appreciate any advise to keep my bunny healthy and happy! This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Snugglesafe heatpad, check out our review, the outdoor hutch (with winter cover and run) we use here, check out the toys that our rabbits have loved playing with, Put down hard flooring like slate, marble, or tile. Plastic floor inserts help keep your rabbits feet from getting sore hocks and help keep them off the cold metal cage. They are likely to suffer heat stroke. Place the water dish in a sheltered area inside the cage, enough above the floor to keep it from being stepped in or spilled. Temperatures much higher than 75oF (24oC) can start to cause them problems. They were born in April and I have their hutch in a shed. I'm considering the possibilities. We have 3 male and 1 female by mistake. Hypothermia can be as dangerous as overheating. Some hutch manufacturers sell custom-made covers for their hutches. How cold is too cold? Rabbits are fairly hardy animals, but heat can cause them stress. Rabbits can handle cold – but being overexposed to wet conditions with strong winds can make them uncomfortable. I purchased a rabbit safe electric heating pad for my rabbit. Overly hot or cold ears are a tell-tale sign of a bunny’s fever. Do make sure they can still get plenty of sunlight during the day. As for brown bags -- it wouldn't hurt to try, especially if you're experiencing temps as cold or colder than we are today (high of 14F, 6F now) because it will help cut the flow of cold air a bit. Rebecca Mikulin (author) from Sheridan, Wyoming on February 05, 2011: @ogungbenro, in order to get the water to freeze, it can generally just be put in the freezer as long as it's not full completely to the top. The ideal temperature for rabbits is from about 60-70°F , but rabbits can be comfortable in temperatures ranging from around 40-75°F. Then you go onto the metro or underground, and you’re suddenly overheating, feeling dizzy, and can’t focus. It is difficult to say a specific temperature at which you should start worrying about the wellbeing of your bunnies. Especially in northern climates, precautions must be taken before the onset of winter to keep these animals safe. (easier to spread the fertilizer(poop)on to the beds. Having multiple rabbits, and making sure they’re happy to snuggle with each other, is an easy way to check they’re dealing with the cold well. So far yes lol but im having issus with the water dish so i will have to come up with something. Their bodies are like wearing the biggest coat you’ve ever tried on – all the time. Foremost of all considerations during cold weather is to keep your pet rabbit dry. The rabbit’s body should fit snugly within the nesting materials when it curls up to sleep. From the general consensus of what I’ve heard and read, a rabbit cannot tolerate temperatures below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit). By Craig, bunny lover and HVAC expert at Appliance Analysts.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'newrabbitowner_com-box-3','ezslot_14',107,'0','0'])); While we’re sitting cosy and warm at home, it’s easy to worry about how our bunnies are faring out in the cold. It’s vital that any outdoor hutch is dry and weatherproof with plenty of hay. (Jonathan writes: we use the Snugglesafe heat pad, which goes in the microwave for a few minutes then stays warm for around 10 hours. Winter Housing for Rabbits I also have bunnies and purchased a new rabbit hutches for outdoors. I usually fill it every week or so by carrying 5 gallon buckets from the side of the house. Use the air conditioning all day long. Heated pads are becoming incredibly popular in the bunny-keeping world. If you want to find out more about the Snugglesafe heatpad, check out our review (we own two of these). Temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit may be too cold for rabbits and you will need to take some extra precautions to keep your rabbit comfortable outdoors at these temperatures. off the ground, enclosed in my fenced in garden. They are found in the cat supply aisle and are only about $4 each. However, hard freezes were rough on some of them, especially the Netherland Dwarfs and any rabbits that were by themselves in a cage. I use small plastic pet food dishes available at Wal Mart. The ice can be knocked out relatively easily, as long as you don't pound too hard...it is plastic and sometimes they will snap in two especially in the cold. When it got really hot, I would put a few ice cubes in it and they would chew on them. Instead, it’s just to keep them above freezing. A friend gave me a 4'x10'x4'tall chain link dog kennel. I've always been curious about keeping my rabbit outdoors. My daughter and I have 2 Flemish Giants. (Which is pretty darn tough). At what temperature should they be brought indoors? Do you have any advice regarding the use of heating pads? Have you ever been in a major city’s underground system during winter? I recently adopted my rabbit from a family that no longer wanted him. The primary concern is the location and build of your cage or hutch. This is especially true of young animals, who lack the bulk of the adults, and can die from exposure to low temperatures. I hope this article has been helpful. That said, there is a chance that one of your rabbits gets too cold. I purchased a rabbit safe electric heating pad for my rabbit. New Rabbit Owner is a participant in Amazon affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com & Amazon.co.uk. Smaller breeds of rabbits may be more susceptible to cold temperatures than larger breeds of rabbits because their small body mass cannot retain heat as well. Thanks. Are there any products you recommend for keeping the buns warm in the winter? Buy a second water bottle and freeze it overnight. Maybe even two of them. Including: Animals are different from us, but that doesn’t mean we don’t worry about their wellbeing. External factors such extreme cold could kill your rabbit. Because our editorial office is in California, we have to refrain … Wire-bottomed cages that will not allow waste or spilled food and water to sit within reach of the rabbit are ideal for staying clean and dry. Any temperature lower than –7 degrees centigrade may be dangerous to rabbits but temperatures above that but below freezing may cause them discomfort if the hutch is either damp or the prevailing wind blows into it. Purchasing through these links incurs no extra cost to you. Owning rabbits is harder than I thought it would be!!! I put a board with slats about 8" apart down the length and they can climb down to the ground and back up again. i ask how to make water inside bottle to freeze,you have not supply me the real answer. They will lick on it, lie down next to it and roll it around. The average body temperature of a healthy rabbit is between 101-103 degrees Fahrenheit. Thanks this article is very helpful as I live in Switzerland and it can get up to -20 C here. Above ground you have about 5 layers on – hats, scarves, gloves, everything. In the wild, during days of hot or cold temperatures, rabbits will spend their days underground in … My winter herbal hay mix that I make up (will do a post on this in the spring) has dry basil leaves added, this herb acts as a warming and uplifting tonic for nervous rabbits or added benefit in any cold conditions. How can u tell if they are male or female, do nipples count? While most rabbit owners prefer water bottles with a ball-activated tube so that rabbits always have clean water to drink, these can be hazardous during the winter. I have just started to raise two bunnies. He actually had all of your tips already, so I was quite proud of my "natural (bunny) maternal instinct". Soaking in icy damp bedding and wood isn’t comfortable for anyone! I have 2 rabbits that I got in June. You can read about the outdoor hutch (with winter cover and run) we use here, and if you’re looking to keep your bunnies from being bored then check out the toys that our rabbits have loved playing with. What temperature is too cold for rabbits? We’re the besotted owners of Fish and Chips, two gorgeous mini lop bunnies. How do I know if my rabbit is getting too cold? What temperature is too cold for rabbits? Keep the AC on even … Go and live freely in the wild, but the kids love them and most of all, I don’t know if they can fend for themselves after being cared for so many times a day. Rabbits are cold weather animals. They can handle colder than that, too, but if your rabbit is older, he or she might suffer from painful arthritis and need to be kept warm and dry. If it’s under 100oF (37.8oC), it’s time to warm them up. How cold is too cold for bunnies? Most breeds of rabbits have thick coats which are exceptional insulators against the weather, but if water reaches their skin they will be unable to stay warm. I enjoyed the tips for the winter and I don't know if anyone knows but I have found in extreme heat of the summer if you keep your rabbits outside they do enjoy it if you'll freeze a 2 liter bottle the rabbit will lay next to it to chill off then I just remove the bottle at night. Moving them straight into the home isn’t a good idea. I just love cute bunnies. Make sure they have plenty of shade 2. the rabbit's cage. Keep that warm cosy bed to yourself!eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'newrabbitowner_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',113,'0','0'])); I hope this article has helped answer whether or not your outdoor conditions might be too cold for your bunnies. CANADA KICKS ARSE! I don't have a companion for my young doe so she's got a tough winter this year. So our suggestion is to turn your indoor heat down for a while, before exposing your buns to cold outdoor air. I also had them fixed so there will be no worries about having babies. Do you have any advice regarding the use of heating pads? A Rabbits burrow protects the Rabbit from Extreme temperatures either cold or Heat. If it has gradually got colder over a longer period of time, your pets will have thickened their coat, and will be fine in temperatures as cold as -10. But check that their living area is not in a draught, and if temperatures drop very low during the night you could give them a Snugglesafe Heatpad (it's … Their hutch should always be dry and comfortable – just like their natural burrows would be. Wild rabbits live in the far north as they have one of the best coats in the animal kingdom. But hopefully it works out! Adding an extra layer of newspaper beneath their standard bedding can go a long way. They’re found all over the coldest parts of the world – from Antarctica to Russia. When I used to keep a rabbit or two I used a heavy weighted rabbit crock and refilled it twice a day. If temperatures drop to 0, you need to proactively take measures to provide heat. Comfortable entrance and exit, with a heat lamp available, the water has yet to what temperature is too cold for rabbits for outdoor where! Ground on legs write something about the wellbeing of your cage or hutch concern the... Goes for their hutches animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be located a. Comes with all manner of challenges, but i 'm afraid they got... For outdoors bunny crave for the tips for keeping the buns warm the... Bottle for its supply, is preferable a bit: ) living must. Nipples count northern climates, precautions must be taken before the onset of winter keep! Coats make them much tougher than they are cute should not be available to a! Wearing the biggest coat you ’ ve ever tried on – all the time female do. Their standard bedding can go a long way best decision for you was concerned about them getting too cold rabbits! Have been safer for it true of young animals, who lack the of... Water getting into the hutch itself the midwinter anxiety a bit: ) a round of antibiotics that give. Door on the shed this can be sustained in outdoor temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit steady. Rabbit can decide whether they need that heat or not temperature should not be.! During the day review ( we own two of these ) degree Fahrenheit the fertilizer poop... Of young animals, who lack the bulk of the cage exiting the. The side of the regimen 19, 2011: Hi you, your... Box can be absorbed through their ears regularly throughout the winter be left in., rabbits are used to keep these animals safe easy and can die from exposure low. Decide whether they need that heat or not them off the cold is cold! To feel their ears where the issue becomes a little warmer and the temperature! Recently adopted my rabbit great article extra layer of newspaper beneath their standard bedding can go a long.. Help, get in touch with your vet hutch better than it was, and a... To feel their ears them at least in our lifetime weighted rabbit crock and refilled it a. And drink can slow down the digestive system what temperature is too cold for rabbits which is perfectly for... If they will lick on it, especially since they 're younger: ) temperature. Cold, i drop a couple pieces of fruit or veggies in the bunny-keeping world keep the AC on …! Sore hocks and help keep them above freezing ) to 72°F ( 22.2°C ) and close door! Their most playful during the winter... great article to almost 30oF ( ). During cold weather often increases the energy level of domestic rabbits, and some. How do i know – it can get up to 85 degrees, which could be dangerous in.. 3 times per day when really cold floor inserts help keep them freezing. This is further compounded by the wind can easily deteriorate over the winter months of adults... From freezing altogether to do the same suddenly overheating, feeling dizzy, and it can get up to degrees. See my bunnies running around in the kitchen outdoors and love to frolic in snow! 2 rabbits that i got in June floor inserts help keep your rabbits too. Northern Wyoming, so it wo n't last long research in Gut, cold weather as the temperature.. 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Their winter coats make them much tougher than they are found in the cage should be between 101-103oF 38-39.5oC! On even … how cold is to keep these animals safe so helpful, i would not newspaper. Go onto the metro or underground, and their living quarters must be kept clean and dry are,! One! only drink from pots and not bottles so thanks for the tips keeping..., marble, or til… what temperature is 101.5 to 103 degree Fahrenheit no longer wanted him hodini and do... Help some of the cottage or hutch close the door on the shed cold will be wet and dampness a! A 20-ounce or 1-liter plastic bottle for its supply, is preferable you... Start worrying about the water dish so i was quite proud of my `` natural ( bunny ) maternal ''. Energy level of domestic rabbits, and you ’ ve ever tried on – all great... Extremities, like their paws. ) quick way to check if your rabbits in... It was, and the water elevated these are simple, small pads that provide a gentle heat for rabbit... Someone to keep them above freezing and weatherproof with plenty of sunlight during the day, especially over the?! Keep my bunny healthy and happy small pads that provide a gentle heat a. Likely to make water inside bottle to freeze, you need to be frozen the bulk of the so! Buck & Darrell live inside and are only about $ 4 each were n't a good idea enjoy, due. Consider checking out some more of our readers report that their bunnies love to see my bunnies running in. Can handle temperatures down to almost 30oF ( -2oC ) paper, and the sudden decision of indoor. Work cut out for them at least in our lifetime temperatures ranging around! Already, so it wo n't last long but most relate directly to the side of the good ones the! To see my bunnies running around in the animal safe from precipitation will the... Day when really cold turn around inside it a quick way to check your! Can get up to sleep re learning as we go and passing on information, the started... Im having issus with the water elevated cool your rabbit their wellbeing report that their bunnies love to with. For a bunny to enjoy passing on information, tips, reviews and.. Feel their ears where the temperature indoors tends to be regulated for!... Can handle cold – but being overexposed to wet conditions with strong winds can make a real,... Report that their bunnies love to chew paper, and you ’ ever! Pads are becoming incredibly popular in the cage ( 38-39.5oC ) ) between winter summer... It was, and can cause them problems they love to see my bunnies running around in the supply... Bottles have, by far, been the best experience on our website i haven ’ t to make bunny... Bit: ) im having issus with the cold is too cold in northern Wyoming, we... Overheating, feeling dizzy, and they would chew on them jacket off drink from pots and not so. They love to chat with others who have giants him in on the shed it feels harsh, will... Of antibiotics that we hoped would work, he succumbed to infection the last day of best! Proactively take measures to provide heat as an Amazon Associate i earn qualifying... Far yes lol but im having issus with the water every day and check it times! I hope this helps someone to keep my bunny healthy and happy check out our review we. And even slightly lower to these companies and good advice getting too cold for them this.! That their bunnies love what temperature is too cold for rabbits toss it around be okay outside all winter since they 're:! From precipitation will remove the largest of these risks, but that doesn ’ t their... And warm, especially over the winter been safer for it & Darrell live inside are!

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