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.
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.
Rabbits need protection from extreme temperature and bad weather in all environments (including living areas and outdoor runs). 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).
If you bury your hand into their fur and hold it there you should feel the bun's heat. It should feel warm. If its lips are not pink and it doesn't feel warm when you try the 'under the fur test', bring it into a warm place (a back porch) with a wrapped hot water bottle.
Your rabbits need deep bedding of shavings or Megazorb under their bed of plenty of straw. Straw is warmer than hay because it's hollow and provides more insulation. Buy good-quality soft straw that's not spiky or dusty, such as barley straw.
Rabbits can handle the cold very well as they usually have thick fur and pads on their feet, but strong winds and damp environments can make them very uncomfortable. Their hutch should be dry and warm, and there are many things you can do to ensure this.
Indoor rabbits should ideally be housed in a room that does not have a heat source, because it eliminates the risk of the animals becoming overheated. Even without heat, a well insulated home can easily maintain temperatures of 45-50 degrees, which is perfectly comfortable for rabbits.
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 often very shy and can take a while to warm up to new people and trust them. It might seem like they are aloof or skittish animals by nature. However, if you give them time and teach them to trust you, you'll start to notice your rabbit choosing to stay with you and become more affectionate.
Body heat & Heat Stroke: Rabbits regulate body temperature by their ears. Very cold or hot ears could indicate a fever or a drop in body temperature. This, coupled with other warning signs, could warrant a trip to the vet.
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.
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.
Indoor. House rabbits should never be kept completely confined to a cage. Exercise is vital for the rabbit's health. All too often we hear well meaning but poorly informed people describe rabbits as easy to keep because “they can be caged and don't take up much space!”.
Use general age categories to categorize the rabbit.
A young rabbit is up to 9 months of age. An adult rabbit is approximately 9 months to 4 - 5 years of age. An elderly rabbit is 4 - 5 years upwards. Some rabbits live to be 10 - 12 years of age.
They should be brought inside overnight. They can only stay outside at night too from mid-May when there is no longer any ground frost. If your rabbits have first been gradually accustomed to being kept outdoors, they can stay outdoors all year round from then. Even the ground frost won't bother them after that.
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.
Can pet rabbits live outside in winter? Yes, they can. Rabbits have adaptations that help them survive the cold, such as thick fur coats and fur pads on their feet.
Rabbit spritzer
You can use a plant spray/mist bottle to gently spray water on your rabbit's ears which can help them to cool down.
We recommend a good quality soft straw as the ideal bedding for warmth and comfort, particularly for outdoor rabbits. It's warm because the hollow strands trap warm air and it's also absorbent. It's important to understand the difference between hay and straw.
It's no secret that rabbits love soft materials. 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.
Many bunnies enjoy cuddles and affection
Bunnies are super-soft, and many will love cuddling with you as much as you love cuddling with them. Once a bunny is comfortable in their new home, they may claim you as their own by rubbing their chin on you to mark their territory.