So change the water bottles five times a day to make sure the rabbits get enough unfrozen water. This is a sign that they are trying to cool down their body temperature on their own.5. The simplest way of keeping rabbits (and guinea pigs) warm and their bottles unfrozen, is to move their living quarters indoors or into a shed or unused garage (not a used garage because of car fumes) during cold weather. Reddening of the ears: If the inside of his/her ears appear to be pink or red? This can continue at outside temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit and even a little lower. Getting too hot is dangerous for them. Moisture, warmth, and odor attract flies. If the hutch is covered in this way it MUST be uncovered every morning.You can also keep the rabbits warm at night with a SnuggleSafe microwave heat pad available from A rabbit owner writes ” I have made wooden panels for the front of my hutches, attached by small swivel pegs for use at night. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see

they seem to be panting and are stretched out. During the day roll up this bottom broom handle and put it back into the clips. Typically, molting occurs in early spring and late fall. They get rid of their body heat through their ears but they will die if they get over-heated (Harcourt-Brown 2002).If the desired temperature is between 15-20 degrees,  then any temperature above 20 degrees will begin to stress a rabbit. I have never seen anyones rabbit set up so I dont know how rabbits normally act. caution when your rabbit's health is involved.

Also put down a cool tile for them to lie on and leave a frozen bottle from the freezer in a place where the rabbit cannot be freeze burned by it. The advice in this section should be taken only at the owner’s own risk. They can’t pant or sweat to get rid of the heat. If the desired temperature is between 15-20 degrees, then any temperature above 20 degrees will begin to stress a rabbit. At 28 C or 82 F they get dangerously hot (Brown, 2001). It’s vital that any outdoor hutch is dry and weatherproof with plenty of hay. Hot hutches also make a rabbit vulnerable to fly strike and good hygiene is essential in hot weather. Put both broom handles under the roof, with clips for both, letting one hang down in front like a blind in severe weather.

This example could … Salivating: Rabbits in general don’t drool. Lack of appetite: This is one of the earliest warning signs.

Changing their diets too quickly could cause other problems.2. Put bubble wrap round the water bottle but the nozzle may still freeze in really bad weather. Lethargy/acting confused: Is your rabbit just lying around and doesn’t seem interested in attention or playing?

Some signs that you rabbit is overheating include: 1. She is happy and healthy.

In an emergency, you can keep the hutch temperature higher by insulation at night. Many of them are molting right now, for several reasons. A rabbit always prefers to be cold rather than hot. Weakness/slow movement: Watch to see if they are moving very slow or seem out of energy.3.

Adding such foods to rabbits' diet should be done gradually. All sick animals should be seen by a vet.General advice of the kind found in this website is no substitute for an individual consultation with a vet or qualified behaviourist working on a vet’s referral. Daily cleaning out of all dropping and soiled material is a must. Lack of appetite: This is one of the earliest warning signs. This is why shade must be provided in the run.

If open sores are present, or if thick fur is dampened with urine or feces, flies will head toward these warm incubation areas to lay their eggs. Panting: Is your bun having difficult time breathing?

The chances are greater if the rabbit is outside, but it only takes one fly indoors to do the damage.

Dehydration: There are several signs for dehydration:Here are some things that you can do to help your rabbit (or even other furry loved ones):Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. My first rabbits died from the heat(100+ for over a month). However, several factors can trigger this: stress, illness and/or heat. Put iced water in the water bottle/bowl. Maintaining a watchful eye, keeping your … They cannot sweat like we do and they cannot pant like a dog. Any temperature lower than –7 degrees centigrade may be dangerous to rabbits but temperatures above that but below freezing may cause them discomfort if the hutch is either damp or the prevailing wind blows into it. If you have a damp hutch you should buy a new one anyway.The ideal temperature range is 15-20 degrees Centigrade. Within 24 hours, rabbits can enter a terminal state of shock due to maggot infestation. Meet Winnie a beautiful New Zealand adult. A rabbit’s bottom should be checked twice daily and Rearguard used.Brown, S. A., (2001), ‘The Domestic Rabbit: Husbandry and Clinical Techniques,’ These notes are my copyright.

Fix a blanket between the front of the hutch and the polythene at night. Also put down a cool tile for them to lie on and leave a frozen bottle from the freezer in a place where … It is important to watch that your rabbit has an appetite and is drinking plenty of water during the heat.1. I have a fresh stock and now Im paranoid that they are going to get too hot. This is why shade must be provided in the run.

They can’t pant or sweat to get rid of the heat.

The sudden temperature change is extremely bad for him.Rabbits tolerate heat less well than cold. I am also usually happy to have the exact words reproduced on websites, in return for a link, my name, and All normal safety precautions should be taken when dealing with animals. It is 97 degrees out side right now.

Staple heavy duty polythene between two broom handles and use this to cover the hutch.

I then drop the plastic sheeting over the hutch with a wooden strip stapled on to the bottom to give it some weight.”It is very important not to take your rabbit into a warm house, then put him out into a freezing hutch for the night.