Outdoor Winter Coat – Baby Holland Lops

[dwnyc]

Hi, I have 2.5 month old holland lops (twin sisters) born in July and happily living outside in a large weatherproof hutch & play run. Will they be ok for NY winter and shed to a thicker fur in time? I just read that babies only get their full thick adult coat 4-6 months after birth. That would be too late….I always thought they molt and adapt as needed but I wanted to triple check….thanks!

[Bam]

I think they’ll be fine, as long the temp wont drop below 10 F, and as long as they have access to a dry place.

The dry place should be elevated off the ground  by like at least 4 inches, and it must be protected against wind, rain, sleet and snow. The dry place should preferably have some isolation and be furbished with good quality hay, and/or straw, so the buns can burrow in it.

Rabbits that eat a lot of hay are very good at generating so much heat that they dont need an external heat source. You can reinforce their diet with a tiny amount of sunflower seeds and rolled oats, to make up for the extra energy expenditure.

If the temp drops below freezing degrees, you must replace their water twice daily, because they cant drink water that’s frozen solid.

Obviously check on them a couple of times per day. If they show signs of not doing well, bring them inside.

 

[dwnyc]

Amazing thanks!

[Author]

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