Faith Farm

Rabbits and Hot weather 05/13/2008

Posted in Homestead Barnyard

Rabbits like cool weather, Its just a fact.  They have no way to cool their little bodies so special consideration must be made for keeping rabbits cool in hot summer months.  Here are a few quick tips:

1> freeze 2-litter bottles of ice and put them in the cages.

2>Ceramic tiles-my favorite method!  Freeze ceramic tiles in the freezer and put in the cages.  Have plenty on hand because you have to change them frequently.

3> Always provide plenty of cool water for them to drink.

4>Commercial mister systems.  Use with caution-there are alot of downfalls with this method.  Be sure to do your research first.

5> Locate the cages in a deeply shaded breeze way.

6> Dual roofs to keep the sun's heat off of the rabbits.

7> provide a fan to move the air around them.

Signs of distress to watch for:

1. lethargy

2.  heavy breathing

3. a very wet nose and muzzle

4. sprawling on the floor of the cage

5. Note any changes in diet

If you see these symptoms cool your rabbit immediatly.  This can be done by using a cool garden hose and wetting down its entire coat or dipping a rabbit in a shallow bucket of water.  Treat for shock.  I have never had to do this myself so I suggest doing some research on this subject ahead of time to be prepared.  Rabbits just don't like hot weather.  Imagine what you would feel like if you had a fur coat on in 90 degree weather.  A little preplanning will make both you and your rabbit happier.  Blessings>faithfarm