Won’t use Snuggle Safe

[kbun]

Hi,

It’s been getting chillier here, so I bought a Snuggle Safe. My bunny doesn’t go near it though – if I put it next to him, he tolerates it, but he never seems to actually seek it as a heating source, or lie on top of it. Maybe the surface is too hard? 

I keep it in the cover that comes with it because I’m afraid it’d be too hot otherwise. With the cover, the pad doesn’t seem to get that hot to be honest..but when I touch the pad underneath the cover, it’s hot. So I think I’m using it right (followed the heating instructions).

Wonder if others experienced this an have tips to make it more attractive to my bunny – especially if I ever have to use it to warm him up if he’s not feeling well.

Thanks!

[Sarita]

I imagine if he’s not cold he’s not going to use it. Rabbits tolerate cold pretty well because they are all fur.

[kbun]

Thanks – his ears felt cold (they normally are quite warm).

I know rabbits use their ears to regulate temperature so this varies, and I may be equating human physiology with rabbit physiology, but I took this to me he was feeling cold.

I’m probably just a little bummed that he’s not quite as excited about the stuff I’m getting him as I am

[Flopsie]

I feel you I buy a ton of stuff and I get a “meh” response, bums me out

[BunLife]

I’m glad you posted this! Because I have the same thing. I bought it for the same reason. I work a normal Mon-Fir 9-5 so im gone most of the day and i know its going to be a rough winter! I bought this last year and i got the same reaction from my buns. I sumed it up as just like Sarita said Buns tolerate cold weather better then hot so the only reason they would use it or lay directly on top of it is in they are in outside hutch and their core temperature is too cold other wise their fluffness will keep them warm.
As long as you keep the room they are in 50-65 degrees they will be fine. Even if you think they are cool just maybe cover there cage with a light blanket..that will keep the cage nice insulated like our houses are.

[Bam]

Draft is not good, but other than that, rabbits cope very well with cold, as long as the adjustment from warm to cold is gradual. So sweet of you to buy a snuggle safe though!

When my bunny Bam came home from his neuter he sought the hot water bottle I’d put in his cage (with a towel around it) – he snuggled up close to it, so it was very good for that purpose.

[gingerg]

LOL! I’m glad I’m not the only one who did this. I bought a similar small animal heating pad for my buns, because I have their cage downstairs, which is significantly cooler than the second floor, and we have fairly cold winters. During the first cold snap a couple of weeks ago, I dutifully plugged it in and waited for the bunnies to try it out. They did hop on the pad a few times, but other than that pretty much ignored it (in fact, I think they were giving me dirty looks for taking up half of their party deck with a hot mat they found uncomfortable). 

The next time I went to see the vet, I asked how cold was too cold for my rabbits, and she almost laughed. Basically, unless it’s so cold I can see my breath, she doesn’t think the rabbits will be bothered. Unless I lose heat altogether, and am not home to move them upstairs, they probably won’t be interested in the pad at all. At least it didn’t cost a lot!

[kbun]

Thanks for all the responses! I’ve retired the Snuggle Safe for now.

[scubahood]

i live in canada and don’t keep my house super warm.. and bun is right now stretched out on the cold tile floor near a big warm sheepskin rug

[Author]

Messages