How to Keep Your Rabbit Warm in the Winter
As the days grow colder and the nights get longer, it is more important than ever to think about our furry friends who like to spend their time outdoors. Your rabbit most likely spends most of his time outdoors in his hutch, so will be feeling the brunt of the cold snap.
Here are some great and easy ways to help keep your bunnies and their homes protected from the winter weather.
1. Insulate the Hutch
Just as we insulate our homes in the winter, your rabbit will need his hutch warmed up too. Check that the hutch is completely 100% waterproof, and all wooden panels are dry and showing no signs of mould. To keep the heat in and wind out, line the walls of his hutch with newspaper, and be sure to pack in more straw and hay to keep him cosy and warm.
2. Keeping Them Warm
If you only have one rabbit, why not give him a fleece or a blanket? They can help mimic the warmth rabbits would receive from one another by huddling together in the wild.
3. Lots of Nutritious Food
Food means energy, and having lots of energy to burn off is important when fighting off the cold. An increase in your rabbit’s daily food intake can help keep his body temperature up, which is extremely important if he is going to be staying outside. A diet consisting of fresh hay, leafy greens and healthy pellets will allow your rabbit to thrive. For more on feeding you rabbit, see our blog post here.
4. Exercise
Make sure your rabbit is getting plenty of exercise. Jumping around and playing with toys will increase blood circulation, making them hot. Make sure the surrounding areas and anywhere they are playing is dry and clean. Rabbits tend to be very active in the mornings and late afternoons, so plan accordingly to ensure your rabbit is happy and healthy.
5. Keep an Eye on His Health
Rabbits tend to conceal any signs of illness or pain, so it is essential that you pay close attention to his health during the cold winter months. Make sure to keep an eye out for any winter respiratory problems. Bring your rabbit to a vet if you notice discharge from its nose, eyes or has heavy or wheezy breathing, which could all mean respiratory issues.
