Take Care of Your Rabbit in Winter and Freezing Temperatures

In cold weather, Rabbit in Winter can be dangerous. Like other small animals rabbits do not hibernate, so it is vital to keep them warm, dry, protected from the elements, and kept them happy.

Keep rabbits dry, warm, and secure

It’s important to keep your rabbit indoors dry and warm, so they don’t become depressed when it snows or drops. Like us, rabbits can become hypothermic and even frostbite. This is why it’s important to maintain their body temperature. It is important to check on your outdoor rabbit at this time of the year more frequently.

Tips for keeping your rabbit comfortable outside

If they are too stressed or unable to go inside, you will need to make some modifications to their hutch in order to snowproof it.

Get the hutch up from the frozen ground

You can raise the hutch up from the frozen ground by using bricks or wooden pals. To keep the heat in, you can also place a few blankets on the roof, covered with waterproof tarpaulin. As your rabbit is likely will eat the hutch, make sure that there is nothing overhanging it.

Buy heat pads for rabbits

There are heat pads that are bunny friendly. They can be heated up in the microwave, then placed inside their hutch. This will release heat and keep them warm for several hours. Do not let your rabbit touch the hot water bottle. He could get too hot and chew it.

Avoid blankets

Use blankets inside the rabbit hutch is not a good idea. They can become wet and freeze solid. To ensure your rabbit is comfortable, make sure you have plenty of bedding and keep it clean.

Keep the hutch Rabbit in Winter good condition.

You can cover the hutch’s floor with newspaper, and then add lots of straw and hay to allow your rabbit to burrow into it. Keep in mind that wild rabbits would live in warm underground burrows. If you want to replicate this environment, fill a cardboard box with straw. It will keep them warm and allow them to display their natural behaviors.

Hypothermia in rabbits

Hypothermia happens when your rabbit’s body heat drops below freezing, often after being exposed to cold temperatures or having had wet fur in cold and windy weather.

Frostbite in rabbits

Frostbite is a condition that can be caused by very low temperatures. It can freeze the extremities of the victim’s ears, nose, and toes. It isn’t usually life-threatening but could cause hypothermia.

The lack of blood circulation can cause skin to become pale with a blue-white tint. Even ice can form around the affected area. Warm towel can be applied to the affected area to prevent the tissue from becoming damaged and further damage. You should not use a hairdryer, radiator, or heat source to warm them up. This could cause blistering and burns. Use tepid warm water to gradually warm them, and then dry them thoroughly. Talk to your local veterinarian to ensure that you don’t need any additional treatment.

Get your Rabbit in Winter moving

No matter what the weather, rabbits still require regular exercise. You should designate an area in your home that your rabbit can use during snowy conditions. If you are unable to do this, remove snow from your outdoor run. Also, don’t let them out too early or late in the morning when the temperatures drop.

You should consider both young and old rabbits

Like humans, older or younger rabbits can experience more severe cold-related symptoms in extreme temperatures. This is also true for rabbits suffering from chronic health issues. Their immune systems are less effective at fighting off illnesses due to the cold.

If your rabbit falls under one of these categories you need to pay extra attention to how they are doing during winter. Always ensure that they have warm and dry areas to sleep and rest in.