Watching the news this morning I got ever so excited at the prospect of SNOW!! My household is all prepared for the cold weather – thicker duvets, hats and scarves, central heating and double glazing, but then I started thinking about the bunnies!! (which happens quite a lot in my world).

Here is a list of pointers to help all you bunny owners over the cold winter months!!

Accommodation

  • Its important to make any repairs to your rabbits home and make sure it is water tight. You can buy roof sealant from DYI stores to patch any leaks you find.
  • Hutches should be raised up of the floor to prevent the base becoming damp. A brick in each corner will suffice if it doesn’t have legs.
  • Large mesh doors can be partially covered with clear perspex, allowing your rabbit to see out and the sun to come in but preventing wind and rain. Ventilation is still important though so leave several inches gap for this.
  • Covering the whole hutch will old blanket/carpet and the tarpaulin will help keep the heat in and the weather out.
  • Provide your furry friend with extra bedding. Newspaper can be used to line the floors/walls underneath the bedding.
  • If possible moving the hutch into a shed or garage will help keep it warm. Do not put it in a garage that you also use for your car as the fumes pose a health hazard.

Food and water

Outdoor rabbits will need more food during the winter months as they use more energy heating themselves.

Water bottles/bowls will freeze and need checking regularly, remember to always check the spout. Insulating the bottle can help, wrapping it up with an old towel and plastic. Or, Specially designed covers are available in our Boutique at the Lancaster surgery.

Care

Rabbits will need cleaning just as regularly in the winter as summer, so wrap up warm and give the hutch regular cleaning.

Your bunny will also need company, many rabbits are neglected over the winter when the weather isn’t nice for sitting outside playing with them. If your play times are usually outside consider moving them inside, rabbits can learn to be house trained.

If you would like more information on bunny care, please call one of our branches and a member of our friendly team will be able to help you