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Cold Weather Advice
The long, dark days of winter can be a difficult time for pet rabbits that live outside. Bunnies that share our homes generally do not have too many problems. So, before the weather turns really cold it is a good idea to ensure that your outdoor bunny is going to be kept as warm and as comfortable as possible. It may be possible to move the cage into a shed or the garage during really bad weather. If the garage is to be used, do remember that exhaust fumes from the car will not be helpful to bunny's health. Many rabbits have to remain outdoors throughout the year, so the following may provide some ideas to maintain bunny's comfort.
The cage must be weather proof and warm. Simple checks to make sure that it is watertight and draught-proof are advised.
The felting on the roof needs to be intact, with a clear slope to allow rain to run off. An overhang will help prevent water from running back into the cage and getting bedding wet. Damp or wet bedding will freeze.
Rabbits do not tolerate draughts and damp well, so if it is possible move the cage into an area where it will be away from the driving rain, snow and wind. Perspex fitted over meshed areas can enable the bunny to see out whilst being away from the direct force of the wind or rain. Do remember it still needs access to plenty of fresh air so a ventilation space needs to be left!
Hutches, which during warmer weather were kept on the ground, should be raised slightly to prevent the base from becoming cold and damp - a wooden block or brick under each corner will be adequate if there are no legs. Ensure that the area where bunny is kept is not likely to flood during torrential rainstorms. Be aware that outside run areas may become muddy and wet.
The simple trick of turning a cage around can reduce the wind flow and make things more comfortable for bunny - or even placing something in front of the pen to act as a barrier.
At night, and during spells of very unsettled weather, a blanket or piece of carpet can be used as a covering, with some thick plastic sheeting or tarpaulin as a waterproof layer over the top - remembering a ventilation area at all times.
Plenty of dry fresh bedding (hay or barley straw) for the rabbit to snuggle in is recommended, as well as a thicker layer of shavings to line the bottom of the cage.
Feeding and Exercise
Be aware of a possible need for extra food. Colder weather means that the rabbit will use more energy to keep itself warm and so this will need to be compensated for by an increased food intake. However a rabbit that has had free time outside during the summer may now be confined to a cage for longer periods of time. So watch your bunny carefully, making the necessary alterations to diet as is needed. You don't want it to lose weight and condition, equally you don't want it to begin putting on weight - each bunny and each bunny's circumstances are different.
Water bottles can freeze. They will need regular checking and may even need changing several times a day. In particular check the metal spout as often this freezes while the remaining parts of the bottle appear normal. Insulating the bottle can help, with an old sock, towelling or purpose-made bottle covers. However these generally do not cover the spout. It may be useful to purchase an additional bottle since it may make your life easier while managing frozen bottles. Also in cold weather the plastic becomes brittle and is more likely to split if dropped. (Accidents like this always tend to happen after the shops have closed!)
Do not feed frosted and frozen vegetables.
Companionship
During the dark and cold days of winter it is a great temptation just to feed bunny and then retreat back into the warmth of the house. Remember that alone in a cage for long periods of time is a lonely existence for an animal and efforts should be made to ensure that bunny has time spent with its owners.
Run time outside is fine as long as bunny does not get wet and remain damp. Drying off feet and coats may be needed. Some rabbits do enjoy playing in the snow!
If you are planning to bring bunny into the house for a run around do remember that the warmer temperatures indoors will contrast greatly with the cold outside. It can cause health problems if bunny has spent the greater part of the evening in the warm house and is then put back into a cold outside cage.
Cleanliness
Cleaning out during the coldest, gloomiest days of winter is never much fun, but it is essential for your bunny. Dirty, wet bedding is uncomfortable and unpleasant and as much of a health hazard as during the summer.
A cage in a shed can be more pleasant for you as well as for bunny!
Health Issues
Respiratory problems can develop in some rabbits. Signs include dampness under the nostrils, wet patches on the inside of paws from cleaning a runny nose and even runny eyes. Sometimes noisy breathing or sneezing can be detected. These can be early signs of health problems and a quick trip to the vet can prevent more serious complications from developing. Remember also that rabbits do not hibernate, so if bunny seems to be unusually quiet and withdrawn it is not getting ready for a winter sleep - take it to the vet!
Other animals
Winter is also a time when survival is uppermost in the minds of many other creatures. Vermin can be attracted to a rabbit cage for shelter and a source of easy food during the cold days. Also foxes can be drawn to gardens for food from dustbins and the pet bunny can be an unexpected bonus. If you live in an area where there are birds of prey, it is not unknown for some larger birds to attempt a kill in a garden.