Rabbits outside...?

Question

So I have two pet rabbits that I normally keep inside my house. I really want to get a bigger rabbit hutch and keep it outside. Will they be ok since its so hot outside? Its like a 100 degrees most days, maybe more. Ive heard that rabbits can have heat strokes if they are out in the sun too long, but if they are in the shade would that be ok?

Answer 1

If your rabbits are in the house don't put them out yet wait till fall because they are used to AC and if you take them right out into
100 degree weather then you will kill them.Rabbits can't handle heat very well, next summer if they start out in the heat they should be ok. You need to have them in the shade and keep an eye on them they should be fine. I have 15 rabbits and the weather has not been good to us this year but we have not lost one yet. We give the bunnies a frozen 20oz ice bottle at the hottest part of the day, they will lay by it and it keeps them cool. If you do get a bigger hutch make sure it is a wire bottom because rabbits can't handle their own poop in the cages if you are like me and are never home to clean it out then it will build up and that can cause a infection which is not a good thing, to help their feet you can put a piece of wood in the cage besides sitting on it the bunnies will chew on it and it will keep their teeth from growing to long. Rabbits can also handle cold weather better then hot weather has I always put it they have fur coats and can stay warm that is why they will loose some of there fur in the summer so they can stay cooler. Rabbits are also a territorial animal which means 2 boys together will try to kill each other but yet 2 girls together are fine sometimes and a boy + girl = more bunnies. They like to have thier own cages because they are like teenagers and want thier own space to keep clean or dirty. I hope this helps!!

Answer 2

Rabbits should not be kept in temperatures above 85 degrees F. Sorry to break it to you, but 100 degrees is way too hot, even under the shade.

Here is a link from the House Rabbit Society that has additional reasons as to why a rabbit shouldn't be kept outside.

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/outdoors.html

Answer 3

I have one thing to say to those who think a rabbit will die if left outside........ OH PLEASE!!!! where do you think rabbits live in the wild?
I have had rabbits for years, and all have lived to at least 7 years or longer. I have kept every one of them outside. It is important to remember that the cage should be high enough off of the ground to keep dogs and other animals away from them. It is more important to keep the cage in the shade at all times. If a rabbit cannot get out of direct sunlight it will quickly become overheated. Make sure the bunny has fresh water at all times, and that it has a way to get out of bad weather like rain and snow. If in a hutch, make sure that at least part of the bottom of the cage is smooth (not wire) as the wire can hurt their feet. A rabbit who is caged must also have their nails trimmed regularly, as they are not able to dig, and there is no wear on the nail to keep them short. Let your bunny out every day for some exercise, and hold and pet them and let them know they are loved. If the bunny is used to an indoor climate, you could acclimatize them to outside gradually. Take them out and put them in the new hutch for longer periods daily. Start at night while the heat is not so bad and bring them inside later and later every day. Buy lots of bunny toys, and chew treats to put in the cage with them to keep them active, they do get bored.
So in answer to your question, yes the bunny can go outside. It is better that he/she has a buddy in the cage with them, so they do not suffer from lonliness.

Also as a foot note: I only bring my bunnies inside when the temperatures drop below freezing.

Answer 4

that would be great to build a hutch for your rabbits it will give them space to move
its ok to make ur pet a hutch and have it outdoors just remember to keep it in a cool place in the shade and have a fan in there
but please give it water all the time and give it a ice bottle to let them cool themseves also give them lots of attention because they are social animals and if u neglect them they will become bored an d die
i have a rabbit i keep it inside were i could keep an eye on him and not worry about other animals hurting it and i could give him lots of lots of love and attention and i let him out alot he is a hppy bunny he purrs alot thats when they grind their teeth

Answer 5

the rabbits should be okay in the shade. my mother has 2 rabbits that are strictly outside in hutches. just be careful, because if the rabbits have been living inside for a long time, and are used to that kind of environment, they can die of heartbrokeness, and being lonely. i had a rabbit that died from it. so just watch out okay.

Answer 6

Is it really humid too? If not then If you keep them in the shade and plenty of water..they will be fine. I would just make sure they have plenty of room in their cage so they don't get hot...if there are 2 or more..they will give off body heat. Just make sure they don't appear stressed or are panting...if they are then you'll have to keep them inside until the weather cools down.

Answer 7

Bunnies are okay to keep outside. When it is hot outside keep an eye on your bunnies, check them every hour or three. If you notice her panting, give her a bottle of frozen water. If you notice her panting along with soaked fur around her mouth and nose, bring her inside to the air conditioning.

Answer 8

As long as it's shaded they should be ok. My daughter has one at my mom's house and they keep it in a very shady area and it seems ok.

Answer 9

No they will not be ok. Why do you want them outside? Do they smell? Do they not use a litter box? If you go to this website they can give you tips on how to fix the problem. http://www.rabbit.org

Answer 10

they should be fine in th shade with lots and lots of water. Maybe a small pool for them too