Cold weather and your Rabbits & Guinea Pigs

Cold weather and your Rabbits & Guinea Pigs

image of rabbits In the extreme low temperatures Britain is currently experiencing please ensure that your rabbits and guinea pigs are protected from the cold. Shockingly, last year many rabbits froze to death outside and the temperatures are currently much lower.

If you don’t have the facilities to move your rabbits inside during this weather then try to move the hutch into a shed or garage. Or move it to a more sheltered area of the garden free from draughts. Cover the hutch with something to insulate it from the weather. You can now buy hutch covers for many modern hutches but an old duvet covered with some plastic sheeting or tarpaulin can work just as well.

Again water bottle protectors can now be bought to stop their water freezing but an old sock over the bottle can work just as well. Check every morning to ensure the water is not frozen. Covering the wire front of the hutch so stop cold air coming in will also help – but remember they still need some fresh air.

Inside the hutch you should pack it full of straw or hay bedding. Lining the hutch with thick newspapers, old carpets or rugs can also help insulate it. You can also now purchase heat pads which your rabbit can sit on. These can be put in the microwave for a few minutes and the heat lasts several hours.

And finally don’t forget that your rabbit and guinea pig will need more food to keep warm in this cold weather.

If you require any further information please don’t hesitate to contact one of the Burns Nutritionists on the Free Pet Advice Helpline 0800 083 66 96

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