Symptoms include shivering (although this will suddenly stop when their temperature reaches dangerously low levels), pale lips and gums, low energy and a loss of coordination. Hypothermia is an emergency, so if you spot any of these symptoms, bring them into the warm and contact your vet immediately.
The recommended temperature range is 10 to 25°C. Outdoor hutches should be covered with a blanket or carpet on cold nights (taking care not to block ventilation). Indoor living areas should be in a cool, non-drafty room out of direct sunlight. Enclosed buildings should have ventilation.
Being cold and wet can lead to your rabbit becoming ill and could be fatal if action is not taken. Older rabbits can suffer from painful arthritis, so need to be kept warm and dry. Rabbits that are thin, young or do not have a thick winter coat may also need special attention to ensure they keep warm and dry.
How do rabbits survive the cold winter? Rabbits typically do well in colder temperatures. Rabbits stop shedding their fur during the fall and grow a thick fur coat that keeps them warm in the winter. They are relatively comfortable in temperatures as low as 32 degrees.
Placing a cardboard box filled with straw in the hutch makes a super-warm and insulated sleeping area and is easy to replace. You can also put a couple of these in the run. The hutch needs to be cleaned out scrupulously and regularly, so your rabbits are never sitting on a damp or soggy surface.
Rabbits can live both indoors and outdoors, but they will need some protection and extra bedding to keep them warm during the colder weather. That way, you'll help keep your rabbits warm, happy and safe from danger during the cold spells.
You may find that your rabbit is more likely to sit and sleep in a loaf position when it gets cold out, instead of sprawling out or flopping on their side. This is a way for rabbits to reduce the amount of surface area on their body that's exposed to the cold.
They can easily tolerate wintry periods with temperatures down to -10°C. However, they must be able to prepare! Make sure your rabbit has already lived outside in the summer and autumn months, so that it can fully develop its winter coat. Thanks to this extra coat they are protected against the cold temperatures.
Straw is warmer than hay, so stack your rabbit's home full of nice dry straw. Remember to mix in lots of hay too, so they still have hay to eat at all times. Nest boxes, hideouts or even cardboard boxes can all be provided as a cosy area for your bunnies to snuggle up in.
The bunny basics
For example, a rabbit's ideal outdoor temperature is between 12° to 21°C (55° to 70°F) and, while your bunnies can tolerate temperatures as high as 30°C (85°F), anything above that can increase their risk of heatstroke.
Rabbits are naturally insulated by their fur. Nature helps pet rabbits out by thickening their coats as the mercury drops and cold weather blows in. While you might not want to leave your bun out for prolonged periods in very low temperatures, rabbits can usually withstand temperatures as low as 15° Fahrenheit.
A rabbit's normal temperature ranges from 101.3-104F (38.3-39.4C). A temperature much below or above that means your rabbit is in danger.
When the temperature drops to 10 degrees or below, they are likely to be feeling the cold. They can cope with temperatures colder than this but it isn't something you would want to risk. Older rabbits will also struggle with cold weather more than the younger ones.
Heat lamp/self-heating pad
Depending on the outside temperature, rabbits may need a heat lamp. It must however be properly installed and used. Self-heating pads can also provide a good heat source but be aware they must be continually reheated.
It's important to ensure your rabbit hutch is free from draughts, but at the same time well ventilated. Placing the hutch in an area sheltered from the elements is the best way to keep your rabbits warm and safe. You should also insulate the hutch with newspaper and hay and remember to change this regularly.
Rabbits are fairly well-adapted for dealing with the cold, but they must eat more to meet the increased energy requirements for keeping warm. Therefore, the amount of feed provided during the winter months will need to be increased – maybe as much as three times.
Ideas on Preparing the Outside of Hutch
Line your shed to create a double wall and an extra layer of insulation. Add clear sheeting; plastic, plexiglass, or perspex sheets to the front of hutches and runs to keep them weather proof. Keeping the sheeting clear helps the rabbits to see out.
Straw bedding
Hay is dried grass and the most vital part of a rabbit's diet. Straw is dried stalks from grain crops and is much more suitable for bedding as it is warmer and less likely to be eaten. It's not a problem if rabbits eat straw but there are few nutrients and they must be given good quality hay to eat.
According to the PetLife website, most rabbits can comfortably handle up to 75 degrees F (or 24 degrees C). While that is mild for us, it may not be for your beloved rabbit especially if they are Flemish Giant or Angora rabbits who are more sensitive to heat.
All domesticated rabbits like blankets and pillows in the home. You'll likely be tempted to place similar items in your pet's hutch for added comfort. Blankets and towels are great additions to a rabbit's home. Just avoid old, threadbare blankets with holes as paws can be trapped.
To keep your rabbit happy and healthy, let it out of its cage at least once a day, giving it time to roam. Though at least one hour is necessary, aim closer to three or four. As a rule, never keep your rabbit cooped up for 24 hours at a time.
Expect your rabbit to be lonely.
If you only have one rabbit, you can give it some companionship, but it will still be lonely at night or when you are away at work. Sometimes a female rabbit will be fine on its own.
Temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit may be too cold even for healthy adult rabbits. Remember that the temperature inside the hutch may be warmer due to your rabbit's body heat, so check both the environmental temperature and the ambient temperature inside the hutch.