Rabbits in a Hutch Outside during Winter

[Hureuen]

Hi,

I’ve had rabbits my whole life, but I’ve never had any rabbits in a hutch outside

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My current rabbits are in a hutch in my backyard, (they love it!, the fresh air and all).

I’ve never had rabbits in a hutch outside ever, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to anything extra to do.



The hutch is on legs, so its not right on the ground. We were thinking of putting the hutch on a warm side of the house that does not get a lot of wind/snow. 



But I was wondering if I should take any other precautions, like getting a heater. I am going to get some hay (not alfalfa/timothy that they have already), but bedding like that. 



Thanks!

[Sirius&Luna]

It would be helpful to know where you live, and what kind of weather and temperatures you get in winter.

Do they have access to a run?

[Wick & Fable]

This is not in English (so I don’t understand the video narration), but this Youtuber seems to do a lot of informative videos about equipping outside hutches for the winter, across varying stages and steps. http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKfZsxndjPFaNqFHMdr-1Jw/videos ! Are any of these things plausible for your set-up?

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[DarthVadar]

Moving the hutch out of the wind will do more good than anything else. I put tarps over mine on the sides most prone to getting wind, and that helps a ton, too.
Hay is good (you can buy it in bulk at a feed store, ask for the horse feed hay). Bunnies will use a ton of hay in the winter, between eating and use as bedding. I go through a bale every few weeks. Feeding them more pellets in the winter keeps their body temps up; oats are a good dietary supplement for cold weather. You will have to knock ice out of the water bowl and refill it a few times every day, to make sure they get enough to drink (rabbits that can’t drink won’t eat). Toys are important in the winter, too. Playing with them keeps them active and the blood flowing. Towels in the hutch for them to burrow into can help, just make sure they aren’t eating them like it’s going out of style. Having outside bunnies in the winter is a lot of work; i can’t wait for spring!!!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Depending on your area, another concern is rabbit viruses like RHD. It’s very dangerous to have outdoor bunnies in some places.

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