Hot topic - Winter Woes - Ontario Rabbit Education Organization

WINTER WOES: Why you should house your rabbit indoors

Throughout the year, we receive many queries through this website about housing rabbits outdoors. If you have rabbits that are housed in outdoor hutches or porches, now is the time to bring them inside where it is warm and dry.

Inclement Weather
Even though rabbits are covered with fur, they do feel the cold, too. A rabbit can't tolerate prolonged exposure to cold (below 50F or 10C), or damp conditions. Prolonged exposure to wet conditions or freezing temperatures may cause the rabbit to become ill.

Neglect

Even if your rabbit doesn't become ill from being outdoors, remember, that you will have to go outside everyday, regardless of how cold and wet it is to feed and water him. In addition, you will have to monitor water sources, which easily freeze in cold weather, closely.

Even if your outdoor rabbit is well-fed and well-cared for, indoor rabbits probably live longer than their outdoor counterparts. Rabbits hide symptoms of illness well, and can decline rapidly when ill. It is much harder to catch the subtle signs of illness in outdoor rabbits than in indoor rabbits.

Predators
The threat of predators, especially at night, may be even greater in the winter than in the warm months when food and water are more plentiful and easier to find. Even if the predator cannot get to your rabbit, a frightened bunny may panic and injure himself by running around in his cage. He may even die of fear-induced shock.

Proper Housing
If you cannot bring your rabbit indoors, then provide him with a wooden or plastic box, stuffed with hay or straw to burrow in for warmth, inside of his cage. Make sure that the cage is sheltered or placed in a barn or shed. The hutch should be free of leaks, have a sturdy, solid roof, be sheltered from the wind and have a locked door (raccoons can be very clever!). To further guard against predators, enclose your rabbit's cage inside of a covered metal dog run, or even in a barn or shed. Remember to take advantage of daytime sun and place the hutch in an area that provides some sunlight for warmth.

It is very difficult to ensure that your rabbit will be warm, safe and comfortable if housed outdoors. Rabbits make excellent house pets. We urge you to bring your rabbit indoors, and give him a chance to be a treasured member of your family. By bringing your rabbit into your home, you will give your rabbit the opportunity to shine. You will get to know him better, become appreciative of his quirky, special personality, laugh at his silly antics and admire his cuteness. Our website offers information on indoor housing, litter training and essential bunny proofing to help you help your rabbit adjust to indoor living.