rabbits outside?

Question

I have 2 rabbits that are kept outside. Will they be ok out all winter? They have a "bedroom" in the hutch that has plenty of hay in it. I have heard that rabbits' fur changes as it gets colder so that they adapt to the cold. Is this right?

Answer 1

I'm sure they will be okay, but honestly animals CAN freeze to death. make sure that they have FRESH hay at all times. if it gets wet...they get wet, and if they are wet they can die from hypothermia.
a heat lamp is okay, as long as it's one that mounts up high and can't get near the hay...you don't want a fire on your hands.

talk to your vet about anything else you can do. he/she would have some hints that could really help out.

Answer 2

They should be OK as long as you provide adequate protection from the wind. Rabbits can take cold temperatures. In fact, they can take temperatures down to about -10 F. However, rabbits cannot take a cold draft very well. You want to make sure that your pen has 3 of its 4 sides closed to protect the rabbits from the wind. If you have two or more sides open to the wind then a draft can form in your rabbit hutch that can cause your rabbits to get pneumonia and die within 1-2 days. If the temperatures get down to -10 F or less bring your rabbits inside. Their ears can start freezing at these temperatures. The rabbit's ears are the thinnest extremities of its body. This makes the ears the most susceptible part of their body that is prone to freezing.

In the winter you want to make sure you water your rabbit at least twice a day. The water will freeze quickly so you need to do it at least twice. Also, do not use a water bottle in the winter. When the water bottle freezes the rabbit is left without water. Use a bowl instead. When the water freezes inside the bowl the rabbit can still get some water even if the bowl is frozen by licking the ice. It won't be able to get as much water as it would when the water is unfrozen, but at least it will have some water available instead of none at all like it would with a water bottle.

As for the fur, in the summer a rabbit will start molting out its old coat of fur. This allows it to stay cooler in the summer. As it reaches fall it starts growing new fur and grows a slightly denser coat of fur for winter.

Answer 3

the fur of rabbits becomes denser as the weather gets colder, thats how they survive in the wild. with my 2 rabbits they had been in their hutches in a shed for 1 winter then they were outside for the next winter and they were fine, and thats with them having to adapt to not having the shelter of the shed.
Give them some protection from the chill and put some kind of plastic sheet covering over the hutch and remember to keep the water from freezing (putting a thick sock around the bottle works) and your rabbits should be fine! =D

Answer 4

There is no way I'd keep my rabbits outside. Outside rabbits have much shorter lifespans than the ones who are kept indoors as house rabbits. Outdoor rabbits are also subject to insect infestations and attacks by predators. Raccoons are notorious for breaking into outdoor rabbit hutches and eating the poor rabbits alive.

Rabbits can be litter box trained and learn to respond to verbal commands. They have been described as cartoon characters come to life. You will never experience the wonderful personalities of your rabbits if they are locked in hutches outside away from the family.

I agree with one of the other responders. I feel that this is unkind. Why have the rabbits in the first place if they aren't going to become part of your family?

Answer 5

yea, they should deffenetely be ok outside during the winter, i used to have mine outside, but now it is inside (not because it couldnt handle it, just because we had room inside for it) and it is true that rabbits fur changes, it gets thicker, and wormer during cold weather, and then sheds it off like crazy during the summer!
Hope this helps you out!

Answer 6

I'm not sure... I've heard if they have adequate shelter they will be okay... but it just seems kinda mean to me.

Have you thought about bringing them in? I have a house rabbit and he's the cleanest little guy! I pick up after my dogs and cats WAY more than I have to pick up after him! He's got a dog kennel that I converted into a pen for him, which he stays in overnight and while I'm at work. The rest of the time, I put up a baby gate and he's loose in my kitchen. He usually just hangs in his pen anyway, but the door is open for him to explore. He runs up to me and greets me sometimes if he wants "pets". He's really cool. Totally litter box trained (although he was fixed really young.. I've heard that makes it easier). Anyway... I took him outside in his cage one day, thinking he'd love to nibble on the grass. Poor guy was terrified. I brought him back in... now I just bring the grass to him. :)

Anyway... just thought I'd mention it. They really make great indoor pets. A great bunny resource is www.rabbit.org. They've got info on EVERYTHING bunny related.

Answer 7

they should be fine but give then plenty of attetion and DONT 4get about htem because my friend once had a rabbit that lived outside and one night it snowed and they lefted him outside and he froze 2 death he also had a room full of hay but still froze so take them inside wen it snows or wen it gets relli cold

Good luck
<333

Answer 8

Yes, they will be just fine, the only thing you have to watch is their water. If they have plenty of water, they will be just fine. And it's NOT mean, LOL.

Answer 9

yes it will be fine I have a rabbit and i KEEP IT OUT ALL WINTER

Answer 10

yes, I have heard that also, that as long as you keep them out of direct weather theyw ill be fine.