RWAF Hot tips for keeping rabbits warm this winter. Amongst our members and supporters there is a huge wealth of knowledge, so we asked everyone to share their tips. Some are well tried and tested, but others are ingenious and we wonder how we hadn’t thought of them already! Keeping rabbits warm is important, because in the wild they would live in underground burrows where the temperature changes slightly between summer and winter. By keeping them above ground we are subjecting them to extremes of temperature changes and we need to help them stay warm and dry. Damp and draughts can be deadly to bunnies at this time of year. We always recommend that rabbits are kept in pairs, and there is no nicer way to keep warm than by snuggling up to your friend. To stop water bottles or bowls freezing: Cable tie a plant pot to the inside of the hutch and put the water bottle in there. Once the hutch is insulated it reduces the risk of the bottle freezing. Lift water bowls off the floor of the shed or hutch, and place a snugglesafe underneath to stop it freezing. Wrap bottles with bubble wrap, a thermal sock or glove. Companionship is often overlooked, and can be even more important in the winter months. Naturally, because of the dark nights we are less inclined to spend time in the garden, so we less of our rabbits who are kept outdoors. You must make sure you check them regularly (at least 3 times a day, but more is always better) and check that the hutch or shed is not leaking, that their bed is dry, and that they always have hay and water. Put old blankets or duvets over the hutch and run, but under the tarp for extra insulation. (Make sure the bunnies can not nibble any of it) Buy a snugglesafe heat pad to use over night. Use Silver backed beach mats to insulate the hutch and run. Put wind breaks up around the hutch and run. Line sheds to create a double wall and an extra layer of insulation. this make sure there is still good ventilation, perhaps leave a small gap along the top. Add a cardboard box with a small hole to the bedroom area and fill it with dry straw or hay. Add a low wattage heater to a shed, but make sure the rabbits can not chew the cable! Make sure bedding is kept warm and dry. Straw is warmer than hay so makes a better bedding, but nothing is warm if it is wet. Your cleaning schedule needs to be scrupulous in the winter and don’t be stingy—make sure you provide a deep bedding of something like shavings or megazorb under the straw. This advice is for rabbits who are in good body condition. Those who are old or thin may need even more care and we advise owners of such bunnies to bring them in for the winter.
Posted on: Thu, 05 Dec 2013 06:58:07 +0000
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