Can I Leave My Rabbit Out In The Rain?
Although small, rabbits are hardy creatures. The short answer to whether your rabbit can go out in the rain is yes, but there are a couple of things you need to consider. If your rabbit is healthy without any health conditions, it will be fine to go out in the rain for short periods. Rabbits are wild animals themselves so are well-equipped to deal with the elements.
Extra care and consideration should be given to rabbits that are old, unwell or young. The main thing isn’t the rain itself, but the coldness that can come with it. That’s why it’s important to provide a dry, warm space for your rabbit to access at all times so they don’t become too cold. Despite this, excessively heavy rain should be avoided by your rabbits so it’s recommended you keep them inside when the heavens really open.
In this blog, we’re going to focus on the importance of creating a warm, dry and comfortable environment for your rabbits to protect them from the winter weather. If you’re interested in investing in one of Eggshell’s high-quality rabbit hutches or rain covers, all of our products are available to order today from our website. We are among the largest suppliers of chicken runs and rabbit hutches and have built up a reputation as one of the most trusted companies for providing protective solutions for your furry or feathered friends.
How To Protect Rabbits From The Elements
A Cosy Home
As we’ve said, a cosy home for your bunny is the main thing to consider to protect them from the elements. Whilst it’s fine for a bunny to be out in the rain, they need somewhere that they can come and dry off when they’re ready. Their housing should be waterproof, draught proof and well ventilated to ensure your rabbit is comfortable at all times. Holes and gaps should be monitored and if found should be repaired immediately.
A Sloped roof is also recommended to allow for excess rainwater to naturally drain away. This will help to prevent any pooling on the roof surface and protect the inside from leaks. Hutches should be raised off the ground, to avoid dampness from spreading.
Providing Warmth
During cold periods it’s important that your rabbits have a warm place that they can use regularly. Line your floors with extra hay or straw, or scrumple up old newspaper for your rabbit to burrow into. None of this is particularly expensive but will help to make your rabbit comfortable during the winter weather.
Companionship
Rabbits need friends too, you know. During the winter months, it’s really important to keep your rabbit stimulated, and one of the most effective ways is with another rabbit! You probably won’t need to worry about this if you have multiple rabbits in the same hutch, but if your rabbit is on its own, it might be time to arrange some play dates. Make sure to spend more time with your rabbit if they aren’t able to be around other rabbits.
Clean Hutch
Keeping your hutch clean is important at all times, but it’s even more crucial during the winter months. Your rabbits will spend longer indoors so you need to give them somewhere comfortable to stay. Wet bedding will also freeze on particularly cold evenings which can lead to your rabbit becoming unwell.
Why You Should Invest In A Rain Cover For Your Rabbit Hutch
If you’re worried about your rabbit this winter, it could be time to invest in a rain cover for your hutch. These simple, affordable solutions provide a wide range of benefits to you, your hutch and your rabbit. Most obviously, your rabbit gets extra protection from the elements such as rain, snow and wind. This will help to prevent them from getting cold, stressed or uncomfortable when the weather conditions take a turn. This is achieved without reducing the amount of natural sunlight let into the hutch
Additionally, your cover will heat up in the sun to give your rabbit a more comfortable environment to enjoy during the day. This heat will stay within the cover and help to heat up your hutch throughout the night.
This extra layer of protection will help safeguard against rain and damp-related issues. Excessive exposure to rain will cause the wood to become damp and rot, resulting in money being spent on repairs and replacements. Snow buildup or wet leaves will also cause dampness in your rabbit hutch – both of which can be solved by investing in a simple protective cover.
Eggshell manufactures a range of different rain covers to fit a selection of our rabbit hutches. Whether it’s for Windsor + Buckingham models, for our smaller 2-tier hutches, or for our 5ft+ models, you can be sure to find something that is right for you.
Why Your Rabbit Shouldn’t Get Too Wet
Although rabbits are well equipped to deal with rain, being cold is not something they will enjoy. Chilling from excessive wetness, cold weather or high winds can be bad for your pet’s health and can induce stress. Not only is stress uncomfortable for your rabbit but it also has immunosuppressive qualities. A weakened immune system will make a rabbit more susceptible to illnesses such as pneumonia or Pasteurella’s.
As well as this your rabbit can get stressed if it gets too cold. A stressed rabbit can act erratically and can even cause damage to its own body. It has been known for a rabbit to break their own spine when panicked, or to make wounds in their skin that can lead to infection. The risk of the latter is increased when in damp conditions as wet skin becomes softer and more delicate.
If you suspect your rabbit is getting too cold and showing signs of distress, take them inside and pat them dry with a warm, dry towel. This will help your rabbit relax and help to prevent any extra stress or sickness. Don’t use a hairdryer as this can increase stress levels. You should also take time to check their ears for water droplets and remove, and monitor them as needed – rabbits have sensitive ears and cannot shake off any droplets that may enter them! If left it can lead to otitis.
Rabbit Hutches with Eggshell
Eggshell provides a wide range of rabbit hutches that provide the perfect shelter for your rabbits. Our expert design team have developed a range of hutches that will keep your rabbits safe from predators and protected from the wet and cold winter weather.
Our hutches are manufactured from high-quality timber to ensure maximum protection and impressive durability whilst remaining affordable. They also provide enough outdoor space for your rabbit to get the exercise it needs without compromising security.
All of our rabbit hutches are in stock and ready for next-day delivery. To make an inquiry or to talk through which rabbit hutch is best suited for you, contact a member of our friendly team today. Call us today on 01903 756121 or send us a message directly through our contact form.
