How to Care for Rabbits During Winter: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Rabbits Warm
Winter is coming, which means you’re going to be making a lot of changes at your homestead and in your garden, getting everything ready for freezing nights and chilly winter days. But one thing you don’t have to worry about is your rabbits, that is rabbits naturally have a beautiful fur coat that keeps them warm throughout the winter, and they actually prefer the colder months over the heat of summer. You’re going to find that your rabbits are invigorated by the colder temperatures and often more playful during this time.
However, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to help your rabbits have an even better winter. Here are the top tips for keeping your rabbits healthy and safe during the colder months.
1. Rabbit Shelter
As you prepare for winter, shelter is the number one priority. Over the entire year of keeping rabbits, you want to ensure you’re protecting them from anything that could get them wet. Make sure they’re under a sturdy roofed structure that keeps them dry year-round, especially in winter. You must keep your rabbits dry and protected from wind, otherwise it can be danger for your rabbit.
We keep our rabbits inside a barn with a dedicated horse stall where we have their cages set up. This keeps them dry with a roof and at least three sides to block the wind. A rabbit hutch with all sides covered and a small entry hole for the rabbits works well, as long as it’s protected from rain and wind. The key is to keep them safe from getting wet and cold drafts. I say my things because you can follow this or if you have better idea about winter you can implement this.
2. Ventilation: Don’t Forget Airflow in Rabbit Shelters
Most people don’t think about ventilation during winter, but it’s just as important as in summer. Make sure the rabbit shelter has good airflow. Proper ventilation helps reduce ammonia smells from their urine and odors from feces while providing fresh air. This is essential for rabbit health throughout the year.
3. Can You Breed Rabbits in Winter? Absolutely!
Many people often ask a common question: Can we breed rabbits during winter? The answer is very simple, yes. If take proper care of your rabbits, there will be no problem in breeding them even winter. You can also read “how to care rabbit”.
Just follow the same shelter guidelines for adult rabbits. Make sure the mother rabbit has a good nesting box with plenty of bedding and hay to keep the babies warm. Additionally, make sure she’s pulling enough fur to cover her babies. If she isn’t, you can supplement by saving shed fur from earlier in the year or by using cotton from old blankets.
4. Water: Keep Rabbit Water Bowls Fresh and Unfrozen
Just like humans, rabbits need fresh water during winter. Providing rabbits with enough fresh, unfrozen water is essential. You’ll notice that water freezes faster in the winter, sometimes within an hour. Plan to refill your rabbits’ water bowls at least twice per day, more often if there are kits or multiple rabbits sharing a space.
In summer, we use an automated watering system, but in winter, we switch to fresh bowls due to freezing. While this adds a bit of time to the day, it’s crucial for the rabbits’ hydration and health. Without enough water, rabbits won’t eat, which is especially important during cold months when they need more energy to stay warm.
5. Rabbit Food: Increase Rabbit Food and Hay During Winter
As temperatures drop, your rabbits will burn more energy keeping warm. Increase the amount of food and hay you provide without overfeeding. Test how much you usually give and add a little more. If they’re still clearing their food each night, increase the amount slightly.
We also like to add black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) to their diet as it gets colder. These seeds add a bit more fat, helping rabbits stay warm. You can easily find BOSS at a grocery store or online—just sprinkle six or seven seeds on their feed. Be careful not to overfeed, as you don’t want overweight rabbits. You can also read “what to feed baby bunny”.
6. Do Rabbits Like Winter?
Yes, They Love It! Rabbits love winter. Winter is a time when rabbits become more playful and active, and you don’t need to completely overhaul their setup. As long as they’re protected from getting wet and wind, and you’re feeding and watering them regularly, there’s not much else to worry about.
We got our rabbits in winter and have had great success. You might need to make a few more trips to bring them fresh water, but beyond that, caring for rabbits in winter is pretty similar to the rest of the year.
Conclusion: Essential Winter Rabbit Care Tips
By following these simple tips—ensuring proper shelter, ventilation, fresh water, and slightly more food—you can keep your rabbits happy and healthy throughout the colder months. Rabbits thrive in winter, and with a little extra care, they’ll enjoy the season just as much as you will! You can also read “rabbit care guide for new owners”
Finally, everything shared and mentioned here is from my personal experience. In other words, I have shared with you the arrangements I made for my rabbits during winter and how I managed to keep them well. If there is any lack of information, feel free to let me know in the comment box. Also, if I missed anything, you are welcome to share your opinion.