How Do Rabbits Get Through Winter? Winter Warmth and Care Methods
Rabbits are very gentle and cute, rarely aggressive, making them one of the most popular pets for humans to keep, and also one of the most common species. So, how do rabbits get through winter?
1. Keeping Warm
As winter gradually approaches, the rabbit hutch should have all the small cracks filled in except for the ventilation holes that must be kept, and then straw curtains should be hung on the doors and windows. On sunny days, open the windows and doors more to let fresh air into the rabbit hutch and ventilate it. At night, if the temperature inside the rabbit hutch is relatively low, a stove can be used inside to raise the temperature in the hutch, and then the bedding straw in the rabbit cage should be frequently replaced with dry straw to make the rabbits very comfortable on it. The temperature is best kept between 6°C and 11°C.
2. Feeding
In winter, green feed is very scarce, and rabbits also use up a lot of energy, so in normal times, feed them more concentrated feed, and the energy in it should be relatively high, and the protein should also be relatively high; there are also some roughage items, such as carrots, green vegetable leaves, etc., and the so-called amount should be 1/3 more than in other seasons. If in the area where rabbits are raised, green feed is extremely scarce, then some elm, willow, and poplar branches can be fed. When feeding dry grass, it is best to first soak it soft in potassium permanganate water (0.06%), and when feeding water, it is best to use warm water at around 36°C.
3. Exercise
For rabbits raised in cages, on sunny days within every 7 days, the rabbits should be placed in an activity area and allowed to move freely, and each release should last about 120 minutes. If it is those rabbits raised in pits, and if the light in the pit is poor, they should also be placed in the sunlight to move freely on sunny days, at least 2 times within 7 days.
4. Hygiene
Although in winter, some bacterial diseases occur relatively less, some viral diseases and parasites will be relatively more common. In addition, some rabbits are prone to frostbite, constipation, colds, and similar illnesses. Therefore, the environment inside the rabbit hutch should be cleaned frequently, and some food bowls, cage equipment, etc. should also be cleaned frequently, and the bedding straw should be replaced about once every 4 days.
The winter climate is cold, and rabbits are afraid of the cold. If they are not properly protected, they are prone to getting sick, so everyone must take careful care of them.