Heating Pads

[Pomandcourt]

Hey all! 
I was wondering if anyone has tried microwaveable heat pads like snugglesafe and if they actually retain heat for 10-12 hours as they claim. I’m a bit nervous to try a plugged in pet heating pad even if the cord is well covered as I don’t trust my one bunny won’t eat the pad itself -_-

I have one free run bun and two in a large hutch that’s only closed when I’m not home or asleep (they’re monsters and eat everything.) I’m concerned mainly for when we travel to the mountains. My sister and her husband live a few hours away and during the summer they stay in the shed or a hutch in their garage. During the fall the garage has been warm enough with a small electric heater or two, but as winter approaches, I’m very concerned this won’t be enough especially since they’re used to living at around 18-20C. I’m equally paranoid that they’ll overheat if I put too many heaters near the cage as I won’t be able to judge their temperature as well with the rest of the garage so chilly. 

They can’t stay inside because her husband has severe allergies plus they have hunting dogs who terrify the bunnies. I usually bring them along because it’s quite a hassle for someone else to take care of them for a day or two let alone an extended period additionally, I tend to visit them during holidays when most people are also away or busy. They also enjoy being there and exploring outside when it’s not too cold and inside the garage when it’s chillier. There’s nothing for them to get into and the cars don’t run in the garage so there’s no huge concern for fumes.

I think the best solution would be to get a heating pad (or two) so they have somewhere warm to snuggle if needed. Has anyone tried these pet pads? Or any other ways to keep them warm?

[Vienna Blue in France]

Hi, a pad with a cord – however well hidden – doesn’t sound like a cunning plan, surely it’s not worth the risk, (my rabbit is houdini!)….
Will a ton of straw not do the trick on a thick cardboard base? If they snuggle in under the straw together, it will be nice and cosy.
Or maybe someone else has more experience to answer more imaginatively…
Good luck :! :o)

[Pomandcourt]

Thanks!
That was my thought. I know people here use them with their outdoor buns, but I imagine they keep them under the cage itself and not actually in it. Not sure though. Long term, I can build a box to separate them from the pad and cord, but until then I’ll have to find another solution.

The hay will help, but I’m not convinced it will be warm enough. The garage is well insulated, but it’s still going to get well below freezing in the winter.

[Mimsy]

I’m not sure about regular use. I’ve got a few of the snuggle pads that I use for after surgeries.

The biggest warning I would give is don’t over heat them. Make sure there is plenty of space to get away from it if they don’t want the extra warmth. Check it often for chewing. They stay warm for a very long time, a good 10 hours.

[sunshinesocks]

Not sure if they’re available everywhere but there are these stuffies that have microwaveable middles like this guy

I’ve found these give a double bonus as they heat up an area in the hay which keeps them warm and if you find they are really snuggling in that area you also know they are getting cold. They don’t overheat as they’re made for kids and you can microwave them as many times as you want..

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I wouldn’t use any with a cord-they would chew it in a heartbeat. Also electrical heaters are known fire starters. What about those pillows filled with oats that you can microwave?

Do you have the option to board or hire a sitter instead of bringing them along?

[Pomandcourt]

Turns out, we have an electric fireplace from our old house in the garage. We thought my parents were delusional talking about how hot the garage would get. They were using a completely different heater -_- Well. They’ll have that, a heating pad and blankets if needed.

Good to know, Mimsy! My main concern was that they wouldn’t actually stay warm that long. I found something similar at a vet supply store near me and while it’s not HOT it does give off a bit of warmth for approximately 10 hours as it claims. I’m going to tuck it into one of their pet beds so they’d have to eat through quite a bit of fabric to get at it. They have yet to chew on their beds so I’m hoping they won’t start now, but I’ll have a heads up before they get to the heating pad.

I have one of those stuffies! I like the idea, sunshinesocks, but I’m not sure what the heating pack is filled with and I’d be worried they’d eat whatever grains or pellets are inside and the only ones available near me (that I’ve seen) have long plush that I know the little bunnies will eat.

Kokaneeandkahlua, they make ones for “small animals” and it has a pictures of a rabbit with the pad, but I don’t really trust pet companies. (Yogurt rabbit treats anyone?) The electric heater is well outside the cage on cement so it’s not near anything flammable and even if it were, if it’s not on completely level ground it shuts off so it being knocked over and rolling into something isn’t a concern.

I’m unlikely to find a sitter available for holidays let alone someone willing to come by twice a day. Unfortunately, we don’t have any reliable small pet boarders in my area. There is one and while they seem like an excellent place to leave your dog, I’m not confident in their ability to care for rabbits nor are they likely to take three.

Thankfully, we have a proper heater now so all is saved!

Thanks for all your suggestions and feedback!

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