Wintertime For Outdoor

[brenda]

rabbits?

A friend of mine was given 2 baby rabbits at Easter this year, she loves them very much.From Easter to now they have lived in a spacious 2 compartment hutch .They have played outside their hutch for the most of their days.Even now they will play outside when the weather is fine but cold.

She is worried that as the weather become more wintery is there anything else she can do to keep them warm and safe.The hutch is waterproof and has a drop down cover over the front to keep out driving rain and falling snow.Their sleeping section has plenty of hay inside for them to cover themselves in if they wish.The living and food/water section has also hay on the floor.She tends them every day without fail.Any advice would be helpful and gratefully received. Sincerely Brenda.

[Blackiequine]

Sounds like they should be happy bunnies, well cared for I'd say, but no expert.

[boxtops]

My neighbour had rabbits outside in accommodation similar to what you describe - she just brought the hutch nearer the house for the winter months.

[sherrardk]

I leave ours outside but make sure that they have plenty of extra straw and that I defrost their water bottles every day.

[brenda]

Thanks all, very helpful.Just a further point ,can they still play outside when it is dry weather ,or do they have to stay in the hutch because the temperature is lower until spring comes again?Thanks Brenda

[sherrardk]

Wouldn't have thought it would make much difference, can't see the hutch being any warmer than the ground. I suppose it depends upon if they can get back in their hutch if they want to.

[brenda]

Thanks sherarrdk, they would be able to get back inside.Brenda

[viv38]

As everybody says above. Extra hay in the winter and there are two of them so they will snuggle up and keep each other warm. My two always had access to the outside (unless it was pouring down) and when they had had enough they just hopped back into their large hutch. Reading this makes me wish I had rabbits again, I love them.

[brenda]

viv, thanks for the extra reasssurance.Brenda.

[jules77]

I know people that bring them into the shed or garage during the winter and give them heat pads.

http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/care/winter.asp

[tamborine]

rabbits dig underground naturally for warmth as its too cold above. Lamps will keep them warm in winter

http://www.cagesworld.co.uk/p/Happy_Pet_Radiant_Heat_Lamp.htm

[brenda]

Thanks jules and tamborine ,for the links ,both very good.Brenda