Weather and bunny behaviour

[M&MBunnies]

hi all – Does weather have an impact on bunnies behaviour? Particularly wet, gloomy weather. 

We have been having a lot of rain here, with no sun. My buns have been snoozing a lot more and not as active. Just a bit mopey but still eating and pooping.

Also does winter make them sleep more?

[LBJ10]

I have found that hot weather makes them sleep more. Doesn’t matter if they are inside where it’s air conditioned.

[Bam]

Rabbits are sensitive to light. Light inhibits melatonin, the sleep hormone, so less light makes them less active.

They also get less active when its hot, during the day. A sprawled out resting bun doesnt generate so much body heat (muscular work raises body temperature), plus the bigger surface area makes heat disperse more readily.

Humans function much the same way, we sleep more during winter. When it’s hot we generally dont feel like doing much, although we have the advantage of being able to thermoregulate by sweating. Rabbits mostly rely on their big ears for thermoregulation.

As long as your buns’ appetite is good and their poop is good, I think this is fully normal.

 

 

[M&MBunnies]

Thank you so much! I didn’t know about the light situation so that actually makes sense.

 

[Author]

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