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Rabbit Winter Care: Can Rabbits Live Outside in Winter? (Warmth, Feeding and Checks)
Quick answer: can rabbits live outside in winter?
Yes, healthy rabbits can live outside in winter if they have proper shelter, dry bedding, fresh water, and daily checks. The key is keeping them warm, dry, and protected from wind and damp.
Hutch and run setup for cold weather
- Position hutches out of direct wind and rain.
- Raise the hutch off the ground and check for leaks or draughts.
- Add a windbreak (tarpaulin, hutch cover, or old blanket) over exposed sides, leaving ventilation.
Bedding choices and how often to change
- Use plenty of straw or hay for insulation—change bedding at least twice a week, more if it’s damp.
- Top up daily in very cold snaps.
- Our range of small animal bedding keeps hutches cosy and dry.
Water: stopping bowls/bottles freezing
- Check and refresh water twice daily.
- Use bottle covers or insulated bowls to slow freezing.
- Place water inside the sleeping area if possible.
Feeding rabbits in winter (hay-first)
- Hay should make up most of the diet—offer unlimited fresh hay.
- Supplement with good quality rabbit pellets and fresh greens (introduced gradually).
- Browse our rabbit food and hay.
Daily winter health checks (what to look for)
- Check for signs of illness: not eating, lethargy, runny nose, or huddling.
- Feel ears and body—rabbits should feel warm, not cold or damp.
- Check bedding for wet spots and droppings.
When to bring rabbits indoors (common triggers)
- If your rabbit is elderly, unwell, or not eating.
- During extreme weather (heavy snow, storms, or prolonged freezing).
- If you notice any signs of illness or distress.
FAQs
What temperature is too cold for rabbits?
Below freezing can be risky—focus on shelter, bedding, and regular checks.
Below freezing can be risky—focus on shelter, bedding, and regular checks.
Do rabbits need extra food in winter?
They may eat more hay—always provide plenty.
They may eat more hay—always provide plenty.
How do I stop rabbit water freezing?
Check and change water twice daily; use covers or insulated bowls.
Check and change water twice daily; use covers or insulated bowls.
Is straw or hay better for bedding?
Both work—straw insulates well, hay is good for eating and warmth.
Both work—straw insulates well, hay is good for eating and warmth.
Can rabbits get hypothermia?
Yes—if they get wet, lose body fat, or are exposed to severe cold.
Yes—if they get wet, lose body fat, or are exposed to severe cold.
Should I cover the rabbit hutch with a blanket?
Yes, as a windbreak, but leave ventilation.
Yes, as a windbreak, but leave ventilation.
How often should I clean the hutch in winter?
At least twice a week—more often if bedding is damp.
At least twice a week—more often if bedding is damp.
Can rabbits stay outside in snow?
Yes, if dry and sheltered, but monitor closely.
Yes, if dry and sheltered, but monitor closely.
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