Advice for keeping your outdoor rabbits happy in winter

As the colder weather hits it is important that your bunnies are cosy and happy in their home.  If you can’t bring them into the warmth of your home, shed or garage (free of car fumes) here are a few steps you should make sure you have taken:

Make sure that your hutch is weather proofed and there are no leaks, the hutch should be raised off the ground to make sure the floor does not become damp.  Wood should be treated with a pet safe preservative every couple of years.

Ensure that the cold wind cannot get into your bunny’s home by using old carpet or tarpaulin to cover the hutch but allow some daylight and ventilation to get in too, perhaps opening up the covering during the daytime.  If your rabbit has a run make sure that this has a waterproof covering too.

Provide plenty of bedding – hay, straw and old blankets will do but if providing blankets you need to be confident that your bunny isn’t going to chew them as this can create a dangerous intestinal blockage.

Continue to regularly clean out the hutch to make sure your bunny’s surroundings are always dry.  Wet bedding can freeze and this would be miserable.

Make sure that your rabbit can always stay hydrated.  If your bunny’s water bottle has frozen over you will need a spare one to swap it with quickly.  You can also buy bottle snugs to prevent freezing.

If you notice your bunny has had fun digging in the snow give them a little dry off with a warm towel to help them get snuggly again.

Has your bunny been to the vet this year?  They should get a check over and vaccinations at least once a year.  Your vet can also advise you on care during winter.

Picture of Alfie provided by Emma Louise