Can My Rabbit Live Outside During The Winter? - Welcome Home Nature

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Can my rabbit live outside during the winter?

A rabbit loves to be outdoors. We love to see them hopping around in the garden and enjoying the fresh air outside. But what about the foul cold winter months? Can I then still leave my rabbit outside? Can I let it sniff around in the snow without any problems? Below we give some tips to help your rabbit through the winter in a healthy way.

Adult rabbits can certainly withstand some cold, so you do not have to fear that. They can easily tolerate wintry periods with temperatures down to -10°C. However, they must be able to prepare! Make sure your rabbit has already lived outside in the summer and autumn months, so that it can fully develop its winter coat. Thanks to this extra coat they are protected against the cold temperatures.

It is better to place young and older rabbits somewhere in between. Put them in a stable, your garden shed or garage. There the temperatures are less extreme and they can adapt better.

Alternating between letting your rabbit live inside and outside is not a good idea. When you bring your rabbit into your living space during the winter, it is often much too warm with its thick winter coat. A nice warm living space for us is a true sauna for those pets. Then it is better to place them in a fresh space in between.

Read our tips below for a healthy pet all winter long.

Accommodation

Always make sure your rabbit's cage is protected from rain, wind and draughts. If necessary you can insulate the outside cage of your rabbit on the inside with some jute or cardboard, so it always has a safe place. Also make sure you have enough straw in the cage, so your rabbit can build a warm nest when it gets really cold.

Adult rabbits can certainly withstand some cold, so you do not have to fear that

Food

Rabbits always need dry food (pellets or muesli), hay, green fodder and water. In winter they may eat a little more dry food than in summer. Rabbits that live outside can use an additional layer of fat against the cold.

It is very important that water is always available. Sugar or salt will make the water freeze less quickly, but they are absolutely disastrous for your rabbit's health! Regularly check whether the water in his bottle or drinking bowl is not frozen. It is therefore important to regularly change and/or insulate the drinking bottle.

Make sure that the food is always in placed a dry place and is not affected by the wintry conditions.

Exercise

Keep your rabbit sufficiently active when it lives outside. By moving your rabbit can keep nice and warm, but it is also good for its digestion and circulation. You can also provide a toy that your pet can play with. But do keep an eye on your pet. If it is less active, this may indicate hypothermia or other health problems.

Company

Rabbits are group animals. That is why they do not like to be alone. It is best to keep two (or more) together. This is also very useful during the winter, as it allows them to keep each other warm.

Some rabbits really love snow. So do not hesitate to let them discover the white winter carpet and enjoy seeing them play and romp.

Do you have a great video or photo of your rabbit in the snow? Send it to us via [email protected] and who knows, your pet might get a special place on our Facebook page!

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