Rabbits are good for cold weather.They are warm during the winter because of their coats and physical activity.Cold weather can make your rabbit playful.It can be hard for a rabbit to survive in sub-zero temperatures.It is important for you to keep your rabbit warm when it is cold outside.
Step 1: The room is waterproof.
If your rabbit stays outside, it can stay warm and dry in a well-ventilated, waterproof enclosure.Water stains and/or dampness can be found in the inside of the Hutch.If there are signs of water coming from the roof, you can either repair it or replace it.You can get roof sealant at your local home improvement store.Follow the instructions on the label when applying it to the wood.You can use wood or paint.If you want to prevent your rabbit from chewing the product, apply it only to the roof.If the sides are leaking, patch them up as well.
Step 2: The hutch needs to be lifted.
If you keep your rabbit on the ground, there will be snow and rain.Extra protection from the sub-zero temperatures can be provided by keeping the hutch off the ground.The amount of money you raise is up to you, but placing 1 brick under each corner would suffice.If it doesn't already have legs, you could build them for it.Visit your local home improvement store to learn how to add legs.
Step 3: The hutch should be moved.
The front of the rabbit's enclosure should be facing away from the wind.Warming air can enter the hutch if it is facing away from the wind.Try to place the hutch against the side of your home to protect it from the wind.If you don't know which way the wind is going, stand outside and wait for it.Repositioning the hutch will keep rain and snow out of it.
Step 4: The bedding should be placed inside the hutch.
It's important to have lots of warm bedding to keep your rabbit warm.Good bedding choices are straw and hay.Straw provides better insulation and is less likely to be eaten by your rabbit.If your rabbit doesn't like nest boxes, you can either fill them with straw or place the straw on the floor.Newspaper should be placed under the bedding for extra insulation.If you don't use hay for bedding, put plenty in the hutch to give your rabbit something to chew on.
Step 5: The bedding needs to be replaced frequently.
With sub-zero temperatures, your rabbit will likely stay in the straw to keep warm and likely urinate and defecate in it.The straw should be replaced with clean and dry straw every 2 days.It is less effective at keeping your rabbit warm and dry when it is cold outside if the straw is soiled and damp.Put wood under your rabbit's bedding to absorb the rain.When the wood is damp, replace it with something else.
Step 6: Insulate your rabbit's house.
You don't have to buy expensive insulation material for your rabbit's hutch.It is possible to make excellent exterior insulators with thick blankets and tarp.The blankets should be placed directly over the hutch.Hutch covers can be found at your local pet store or online.You can cover the mesh door with plastic to keep out drafts.
Step 7: The hutch needs to be wellventilated.
Even with sub-zero temperatures, it is important to make sure your rabbit has fresh air.If you use any type of insulation, leave it partially open during the day and completely closed at night.Ammonia can be toxic to your rabbit if it accumulates.Your rabbit urinating would cause Ammonia to accumulate.High ammonia concentrations can be prevented by replacing the bedding regularly.
Step 8: Your rabbit should be getting more calories.
Your rabbit will be using more energy to stay warm.Your rabbit will get more energy from the extra calories.Extra calories can be found in corn and alfalfa hay.Feed them small amounts of corn and hay because they can cause health problems.Before adding corn or alfalfa hay to your rabbit's diet, talk with your vet.Continue to provide your rabbit with his usual diet.
Step 9: Do not feed your rabbit too much.
This is very important.Even with the extra calories, your rabbit needs to be slim.It will be difficult to lose those extra pounds once the weather warms up, even though it may be tempting to feed your rabbit a lot more.Every now and then, weigh your rabbit.Discuss the best way to reverse the weight gain with your vet.If your rabbit doesn't have the energy to stay warm, you will probably need to adjust his diet.
Step 10: Provide your rabbit with plenty of water.
Fresh water is equally important when it is cold or hot.Water bottles can freeze and crack in sub-zero temperatures so place the water in sturdy water dishes.If the water in one dish starts to ice over, you can easily replace it with another one.To keep the water dish from freezing, you could warm up a small microwaveable heating pad and place it on top of the dish.Your rabbit may be tempted to chew the heating pad.If you replace the water dishes regularly, you may be better off.It is important for your rabbit to get the maximum amount of energy from the food to stay warm.
Step 11: Slowly, move your rabbit inside.
You can bring your rabbit inside if you don't want to keep it outside.rabbits don't like temperature changes very muchIt's best to make the move over a few weeks.If you want to keep your rabbit warm, you should move it to a warmer area for about a week or two.During the week in which you have moved your rabbit to this warmer area, make sure to check it for signs of overheating, including panting, weakness, and reluctance to move.There is a risk of heatstroke when rabbits are in high temperatures.Your rabbit is unlikely to develop heatstroke if the shed or room is not warm.You should keep an eye on it and give it plenty of fresh, cool water.
Step 12: There is a draft-free area.
Even when rabbits are not housed outside, exposure to drafts can be fatal.As you transition your rabbit to heated indoor housing, choose an area that is free of drafts.A non-drafty outdoor shed or enclosed porch would be a good place for your rabbit.It's a good idea to have a draft-free room in your home.You could use an exercise pen or a large rabbit cage for housing if you can't bring your entire rabbit home.In the area, place his food and water bowls, bedding, toys, and hay.The fumes from your car can be harmful to your rabbit.Do not put your rabbit in the garage.
Step 13: Your rabbit will be housed in a heated room.
Transition your rabbit to a heated room after a week or two.If you were using a large rabbit cage or exercise pen in an unheated room, you can simply move the housing into the new room.Food and water bowls, favorite toys, comfortable bedding, and other rabbit comforts need to be moved as well.Since the new room is heated, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your rabbit.Place cool (not cold) water on the rabbit's ears, feet, and fur to cool it down.If you have to treat the overheating, give your rabbit water with ice in it.
Step 14: Check your rabbit for signs of cold.
Hypothermia can be made susceptible to by the sub-zero temperatures.A rabbit has a normal body temperature of 103 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit (38.6 to 39.4 degrees Celsius).Your rabbit will be hypothermic if his body temperature is below 100 degrees.Take your rabbit's temperature by placing a flexible, well-lubricated thermometer about 1 inch into the rectum.You can get lubricant at your pharmacy.Hypothermia can include a weak pulse, pale limbs and ears, and shallow breathing.Stupor can occur with extreme cold.Hypothermia in rabbits can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the temperature.
Step 15: Treat your rabbit.
rabbits need to be treated quickly for hypothermia.There is a heated room where you can bring your rabbit.Put your rabbit between the towels and warm up some water bottles.You will probably need to change out the water bottles as they cool down.Warm the water in a pot on the stove.Put the bottles in the water.You could warm up some towels in the dryer and wrap your rabbit around them.It is important to warm your rabbit up slowly.Rapid rewarming can cause your rabbit to go into shock by causing an increase in blood flow to the core and away from the extremities.There are ears and toes.
Step 16: Take your rabbit to the vet.
Immediate veterinary care is needed for hypothermia that becomes severe.Start warming your rabbit up at home and get it to your vet as soon as possible.Your rabbit should be warm in your car.In order to warm up your rabbit, do not blast the heat in your car.Your rabbit could be shocked by the sudden temperature change.