How To Keep Rabbits Warm In Winter
Keeping your rabbits warm in winter should be one of your priorities. Rabbits often live outdoors, and they are happy this way. However, you may feel that it is cruel to leave your rabbits outside during the winter months.
It is important to note that moving a rabbit indoors during the winter is riskier than leaving it outside. Sudden changes in temperature can seriously affect your rabbit’s health. Thus, the best measure is to isolate your hutch and regularly monitor its temperature.
At what body temperature should you intervene to keep your rabbits warm in winter?
Despite their fragile appearance, rabbits are quite tough when it comes to dealing with cold weather. The organism of a rabbit will always be in better condition in a cold climate than in a hot one.
The average body temperature of a healthy rabbit is 38 to 39 degrees Celsius. This body temperature is maintained even when the outside is at temperatures close to 0 degrees Celsius, and even lower.
As a keeper, you should monitor your rabbits’ body temperature regularly throughout the winter. If your rabbit is above 38 degrees Celsius, your rabbit is healthy. However, if your rabbit’s temperature is 37 degrees Celsius or below, your pet is hypothermic and you must act immediately.
What are the symptoms of hypothermia in rabbits?
It is essential that you be able to recognize the signs of hypothermia in rabbits. In addition to body temperature, you should be aware of the following symptoms:
- Cold extremities, such as the tips of the ears and feet.
- Fresh to the touch and pale appearance.
- Uncharacteristic lethargy. Most rabbits are most active in cool temperatures.
- A weak, unstable heartbeat.
- Shallow breathing
- Lack of coordination and possible loss of consciousness.
How can hypothermia be treated in rabbits?
Treatment of a hypothermic rabbit is relatively simple; the main point is to heat them up quickly. Wrap your rabbit in a thick towel or blanket and take him home. Once you have done this, increase your body temperature. There are two simple techniques for this:
- Fill a bottle with hot water and let your rabbit lie on it. Remember that the water should be hot, but not hot enough to burn your rabbit.
- Put a towel in the microwave for 30 seconds. Repeat this until the towel is warm, but not hot enough to be dangerous for your rabbit. Wrap the bunny in the warm towel.
Keeping Rabbits Warm In Winter: Can Rabbits Live Outside All Year?
You will notice that your rabbit wants to get more exercise during the winter. This is natural, as rabbits become more playful when the temperature drops. Allow your rabbit to run and play in the yard during winter, but be careful not to get his fur wet. A rabbit’s body temperature can drop sharply if it’s wet.
You can take several steps to keep your outdoor rabbits safe all winter long. These include:
- Make sure your bunny’s hutch has a safe, dry, and reliable roof.
- Place a lid over the door of your rabbit’s hutch, preferably clear plastic so your rabbit can see outside. This prevents cold air from entering without completely enclosing your rabbit.
- Provide a cardboard box full of hay. Your rabbit will use this as a separate, warmer bedroom.
- Make sure there are no direct drafts in the hutch, but allow for air flow. Otherwise, your rabbit could suffocate.
- Regularly check your rabbit’s water; make sure it hasn’t frozen. If necessary, offer your rabbit hot chamomile tea to warm him up.
- Clean your rabbit’s hutch during the winter. Straw and hay get wet in cold conditions and make the inside of the hutch cool.
- Increase your rabbit’s food intake a bit during the winter months. They will burn more energy by staying warm. Don’t worry about their weight, as they will also get more exercise.
