Rabbits can be kept outdoors all year round but ideally their resting area should be brought into a shed or unused garage with natural light and ventilation for the
winter months
or else protected with tarpaulin from
bad weather
.
How do you keep a rabbit safe outside?
For a less stressful transition, consider moving your rabbit outdoors in the milder days of spring when the difference between the temperature inside and outside isn’t too stark Make sure your bunny is warm by putting
extra hay
in his hutch for him to snuggle into, and covering the hutch with a blanket or a tarpaulin.
Do you need a roof on a rabbit run?
Outdoor rabbit runs should always have a roof A rabbit will jump and climb 3-4′ – even higher if there is something to jump from like a box. A roof is not only to stop your rabbit escaping but also prevent predators getting in.
Why rabbits should not live outside?
Outdoor rabbits can develop flystrike, where flies infest the rabbit’s rear and maggots feast on their flesh Fleas and mosquitos can spread diseases such as myxomatosis. Extreme weather. Hot temperatures in summer can cause rabbits to dangerously overheat.
What temperature is too cold for outdoor rabbits?
Temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit may be too cold for rabbits and you will need to take some extra precautions to keep your rabbit comfortable outdoors at these temperatures.
Should a rabbit hutch be off the ground?
The hutch should be raised off the ground on legs to repel predators and prevent the base becoming sodden wet The roof should be sloping to allow rain run off and covered with roofing felt to keep the hutch watertight.
Should I cover my
rabbits cage
at night?
In the daytime, keep the front of the hutch uncovered for ventilation purposes. It is fine to cover more of the hutch during the night but you should still leave a small area open for ventilation Add extra bedding for your bunny to snuggle into. This can be lined underneath with newspaper for increased insulation.
What do you put in bottom of rabbit cage?
But if your cage or enclosure has a wire or plastic floor, then you’ll need to take measures to protect your bunnies’ feet. Cardboard, hay, and paper make excellent flooring for a cage or hutch. You probably already have some in your home right now. Wood bedding, marmoleum, and fleece work well, too.
Will my rabbit be OK outside in the winter?
Can rabbits live outside during the winter months? Yes, as long as your pet rabbits are healthy and have a hutch that will keep them warm and dry, letting your bunnies stay outdoors for the winter months shouldn’t be a problem.
Are rabbits happier inside or outside?
Indoor rabbits will benefit from time outside so they can get some fresh air and enjoy some
fresh grass
. However, the sudden change in temperature when going from a warm house to a cold garden can come as a big surprise for them.
What animal kills rabbits at night?
Raccoons and badgers , which are nocturnal and hunt at night. Birds of prey, such as hawks, falcons, kestrels, and owls.
Should a rabbit hutch be on grass or concrete?
Rabbits with enclosures on concrete, slabs or decking (or in grass runs with a wire mesh skirt around the perimeter) will not be able to dig out, making them more secure.
What do you put on floor of rabbit Run?
- Grass. This allows rabbits to dig and snack while they exercise.
- Dirt. Gives rabbits a chance to enjoy their natural environment.
- Concrete or paving stones. Dig-proof and helps to keep bunnies’ toenails ground down.
- Linoleum. Some types are non-toxic
- Gravel.
Do rabbits need to be on grass?
Rabbits are herbivores (they eat plant material). Providing a constant supply of grass and/or grass hay (e.g. timothy, oaten, wheaten, pasture, paddock, meadow or ryegrass hay) is paramount in providing a balanced diet Grass/hay should make up 80% of your rabbits’ diet and is vital for gut health.
Can rabbits be left alone for 8 hours?
Rabbits are not particularly independent, so they can’t be left on their own for more than two days However, if it’s just a weekend or a working day, we can make sure they get everything they need, so we can spend time away from home without worrying too much about their health.
How do I keep my outdoor rabbit warm in the winter?
Cover the outside of the hutch with silver-backed mats to add an extra layer, and if the weather drops below zero, wrap an old blanket or duvet around the hutch Invest in a good-quality tarpaulin with eyelets that you can put right over the hutch and run and secure when it’s very cold, wet or windy.
Are rabbits OK in the cold?
Being cold and wet can lead to your rabbit becoming ill and could be fatal if action is not taken Older rabbits can suffer from painful arthritis, so need to be kept warm and dry. Rabbits that are thin, young or do not have a thick winter coat may also need special attention to ensure they keep warm and dry.
What is the best bedding for rabbits?
The best bedding for rabbits can help to keep your pet healthy for longer. A rabbit’s bedding must keep them safe, comfortable, and warm. Rabbits often eat their bedding, so it cannot be toxic. Shredded paper, Aspen shreds, specialist litter or pellets, and hay are all safe options.
How high does a rabbit run need to be?
Daily Rabbit Exercise Again the exercise run should be a minimum of 2 foot 6 inches tall and be as large as possible to allow your bunny freedom to move around.
How big should a rabbit enclosure be?
On an average, a rabbit cage or hutch should at least be 4 times larger than the rabbit’s size As a rule of thumb, you can get 30 inches x 36 inches for a bigger rabbit and 24 inches x 36 inches for a smaller one. The two-story condo-style hutches are much loved by rabbits as well.
References
Can pet rabbits live outside? – how to keep your bunny safe outside in summer and winter