We got a rabbit for my daugther this year, and have kept it in a hutch outside for the summer - wondering if its ok to keep rabbits outside in the winter or not - we are near EDMONTON ALBERTA (CANADA) so it can be cold for Dec & Jan.. we have a unheated barn we could move the hutch to or is this still too cold ( I know it would need water of course) thanks
2006-08-04 17:58:31 · 3 answers · asked by CF_ 7 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
That's probably way too cold for your rabbit. I would buy a new cage to bring her indoors with during the winter and keep her outside in the hutch during the summer.
The barn might be okay because it takes away the wind chill factor (which is the main problem with cold weather). It would still be a problem to keep the water from freezing over though.
I think the best thing to do would be to bring her in, but if you must keep her in the barn, make sure she has lots and lots of hay (eating keeps rabbits warm) and is well shielded from the wind.
2006-08-04 18:24:23 · answer #1 · answered by skillet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the hutch is moved into the barn your rabbit should be ok. Rabbits can take cold but not wind and wet. I would also place a covered nest box in the hutch with straw or hay in it to give the rabbit a place to get warm. The problem like you said will be water. You will need to bring water to the rabbit morning and evening and let it drink.
2006-08-05 00:06:10 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WAY too cold near Edmonton! I would bring the rabbit in when it gets too cold outside. If it is too cold for you to go outside with anything more than a light to medium jacket on, it's too cold for your bunny. You can test the temperature in your barn with a thermometer, it MAY be warm enough, but it's probably still too cold. You could put a heat lamp near the cage in the winter if that is possible, that could be enough, but with no added heat, I wouldn't risk it.
2006-08-04 18:04:42 · answer #3 · answered by Robin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋