Cold Weather

How to keep your rabbits safe in the winter.

Rabbits can be surprisingly resilient to cold weather in the UK, as long as they are healthy, provided with cozy, dry and draught-free spaces to snuggle, and are in a happy bonded pair.

Once temperatures drop below zero and the freeze sets in, however, it’s up to us to make sure they stay happy and healthy.

Our top tips for outdoor rabbits during the winter

• Have two bunnies! It might sound obvious but if your bunny has a friend to snuggle up to in the cold, they’ll keep each other warm.
• Use straw in their bed areas. They still need access to fresh hay to eat at all times, but the hollow nature of straw makes it a good insulator.
• Protect their hutch or enclosure from the worse weather. There are a number of cheap and easy ways you can do this. Plastic tarp or insulation foil bought from any hardware store can be attached over roofs and to cover large exposed sides of runs, to make sure your pet stays dry. Always make sure to leave enough ventilation though!
• Microwave heat pads. Typically these last 6-8 hours once heated up so they are perfect to ensure your pet has a warm spot all night long.
• So now your bunny should be nice and cosy, but winter brings other challenges too. Water bottles and bowls are likely to get frozen overnight once temperatures drop below zero, so be sure to check them every morning to make sure your pet always has access to fresh water.
• In winter you may also see a rise in unwanted visitors to your bunnies home. Make sure all mesh on your pet’s accommodation is small enough to prevent mice or rats from gaining access, and sturdy enough to prevent against predators.