Aileen
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Winter months careWhen the winter is here we cover all our rabbit hutches up with a old carpet with good strong plastic over the top of that to keep them warm and free from any drafts.We give them plenty of hay and straw in the hutches so they can make a burrow to help keep them warm as well.
Rabbits need a warm, snug bed area. This should be the equivalent of a box with an entrance hole. Often hutches have a bed area divided from the main hutch. If a sleeping section isn't available or its very large provide a smaller box as well, a smaller area will warm up around you bunny and keep them snug. This is only for sleeping you rabbit will still need plenty of space for exercise.
All the hutches we have are covered on the outside with insulation then wood over the top of it.it keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer months.The insulation on the walls also helps to keep any drafts out.The hutches are raised off the ground as well so if it snows the snow can't get into the hutches.We have stepping stones for the rabbits to get out the hutches in the summer to get a run about.
The entrance to your rabbit hutch should face away from the winds.
If your in an area that is at risk of flooding, you will need to ensure the accommodation is sufficiently high of the ground not to cause a risk to your rabbits.
If your rabbit is well covered up then they can stay outside all winter,just watch for the water freezing up.
If you are worried about keeping your rabbit outside in the winter months then you can keep them inside in a plastic cage made for rabbits.If you have a rabbit that is trained then they can run about the house without any problems.
There is also a new iteam that you can buy to add to yuor rabbits hutch and it will keep them warm for up to 10 hours
Snugglesafe iteams
Food & Water
Outdoor rabbits will need more food during the winter months, they use more energy heating themselves so need to take in more energy through their food.
Water bottles will freeze and need checking regularly,you can buy a iteam that wil wrap round the bottles to stop them from freesing up and they are called a bottle snug.
Its helpful to have spare bottle(s) to use whilst ice defrosts, and also because plastic become brittle in the cold and is more likely to crack or shatter.If you dont have a bottle snug then wrap the water bottles up with insulators designed for wine bottles or old clothes the palstic wrapped round that,you will sill need to check teh bottles each day and add fresh water for your rabbits,aslo check food bowls as well
Rabbits don't hibernate, if your rabbit becomes limp or sleepy its ill not hibernating for the winter, take it to the vet right away.
Keep a look out for winter respiratory problems, symptoms can include discharge from the nose, which might appear as 'dirt' around the nose and on the front paws due to washing, discharge from the eyes and nosy breathing.
Breeding in winter months:
We don't breed any of our rabbits in the winter months as we think its unfair to them and also its too cold.I do know breeders that do breed them in winter and have them in warm sheds.
We also like to give them a long rest so this gives them the time to rest up.
If you do need advice plz drop us a email or pm .
We can only give advice and help on winter months from what we know or have learned with our own rabbits.
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