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winterizing bunny hutch2007-11-25 17:00:51

I live in cold and windy New Hampshire, my bunnie's companion died last spring and i want to make extra sure she can keep warm this winter. I have a solid floor, 4 solid walls with an entrance on the side , so she can stay on one side away from the wind. I stuff the entire room with hay. On windy nights i cover the whole hutch (leaving the bottom open) with a tarp. Is there any other way to keep her warm enough? (Bringing her inside is not an option, 2 people allergic.)

Answers:

You have your work cut out for you and I'm happy that you are taking steps now to be assured that your rabbit makes it through the winter. It is too bad that you can't bring her inside for the winter (and always) as bunnies do better indooors. Just as an aside, I wonder if your family who is allergic is allergic to the hay and not the bunny? If so, you could store the hay elsewhere. I am allergic to all animals but bunnies don't seem to bother me at all.)

I did a little research and other answers have given you lots of help. Bunnies do better in the cold than in the heat, but still extra care needs to be taken during the winter. Here is something from the Ontario House Rabbit Society:

鈥淧roper 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.鈥?br />Source: http://www.ontariorabbits.org/hot_topics.