Do Rabbits Get Cold At Night, How Cold Is Too Cold?
Rabbits are one of the cutest and calm pets among others. This is the reason many people love to own them as their pets. But at the same time, you should be aware of all the details about raising them.
A lot of care and responsibilities come with the decision of owning a rabbit.
Rabbits being very rare pets among us, we know less about their care. Bunny care is going to be a different experience in comparison to any other pets like cats and dogs.
Another amazing fact about the rabbit is that they are not meant for children. Rabbits tend to refrain from the noisy and crowded environment.
Can rabbit catch cold at night and how far they can withstand it?
Well, rabbits can survive tough cold conditions at night. They can withstand the temperature as low as -2oC and survive in freezing conditions too.
But as a responsible bunny owner, you should keep a track of his body temperature. The same should not dip below 37.8 oC. They regulate their body temperature through their ears.
In this blog, we will explore more about the rabbit body temperature and signs of cold in them. This read will also help you with certain tips and tricks to help your rabbit in cold.
3 Signs of cold in rabbit
Being a bunny owner, you need to find out if your rabbit is in cold. This will help you take the necessary remedies to regulate his temperature. Rabbits find it difficult to handle extreme hot and cold weather conditions.
Hence, you should take proper care of them during such extreme scenarios. Let us explore a few signs to help you identify if your bunny buddy is suffering in cold.
1. Red and swollen eyes
If your bunny is in pain with watery and swollen eyes, he has a cold. Sometimes it is difficult to confirm whether the same is due to cold or any other ailments.
Similar symptoms with milky secretion from eyes also occur during dental problems. Hence, it is wise to consult a vet to confirm the exact reasons for such symptoms in your rabbit.
2. Loss of appetite
Like humans, rabbits also experience loss of appetite, depression, and sneezing in cold. In such cases, you should isolate the infected rabbit from others in the group. Consult a professional vet immediately to prevent the spread of infection.
3. Lack of movement
The restricted movement in your rabbit might be a sign of cold in him. When your bunny is in cold, he will refrain from moving around. Seek a veterinarian help to diagnose and treat the ailment.
Winter care for your bunny
During winters it becomes quite challenging to keep rabbits out of the cold. Exposing rabbits to extreme cold conditions can be fatal at times. Hence, it is necessary to take certain measures to protect them against cold. Appended are a few measures to keep rabbits safe against getting cold.
1. Do not allow your rabbit to get wet
Most of the rabbit breeds come with a thick coat. The coat helps the rabbit to insulate themselves against cold weather.
But if the coat gets wet, it will not help your bunny stay warm. The main reason for rabbits getting wet is the spilled water and food in their cages.
To avoid this, you can opt for the cages which come with a tray to accumulate spilled food and water.
2. Place the cage in a warm place
Try to keep rabbits indoors in winters to shield them against cold breeze. A garage can be the right place for keeping them safe against the cold.
You can also wrap a plastic sheet around their cage to keep the temperature regulated. While wrapping the cage you should ensure that there is enough ventilation for fresh air.
3. Use heat pads for warmth
Microwave heat pads are one good option to keep your cute pet warm. You can keep the heat pad beneath his hay. But you should keep a close eye and ensure that your rabbit is not overheated.
How cold is too cold for your rabbit?
As stated earlier, rabbits can withstand cold weather. You should be careful while handling them in the winter season.
Direct exposure of rabbits to the heaters used in the house can be harmful. It is a proven fact that rabbits can withstand cold in comparison to hot weather.
A healthy rabbits’ body temperature can vary between 38.5oC to 40oC.
If you are one of them who prefers keeping rabbits outdoors, try doing it from an early stage. The sudden decision of keeping indoor pets outside may prove fatal.
Can rabbits stay outdoors throughout the year?
There is a myth that the thicker quote of rabbits overheats them during summers.
But this is not true. The fact is, outdoor rabbits grow their coat during winters and shed them in summers. This helps them adjust to climate variations with ease.
Ensure proper shelter and adequate resources during winters to keep them warm.
Wrap up
Rabbits or any other animals are no different from humans. They are also prone to health ailments like us. Being a responsible and caring pet owner you should be aware of their requirements.
You cannot even imagine spending the cold nights outdoors but rabbits do. This blog must have helped you understand certain facts about dealing with the issue. Rabbits are cute little pet which every pet lover wishes to have in their family.
Another important thing to keep in mind during summers is their access to fresh water. You should ensure that their food and water remains unfrozen. Rabbits need more calories to keep them warm during winters. Hence, feed high-calorie food to help them regulate their body temperature with ease.
By following the aforesaid methods you can help your rabbit survive the cold. The vital ingredient to keep your bunny healthy is the warmth of your love and affection. Help them with the ambiance in which they can cherish the most.
