Helping Rabbits Cope with Heat
Here are some things I’ve found that help keep rabbits cool in hot temperatures…
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Most people know about ice bottles; freeze plastic bottles with water in them, then toss them in rabbit’s cages, making a cheap, cool toy.
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Keep air moving, I have full windows on three sides in my shed opened constantly to keep air moving.
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Sprinklers on the roof help keep the inside cooler.
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No air conditioning? Just fill a bucket half full with cold water (water from a hose from underground is great!) and set a fan in front of it. The fan will blow the cool air off the bucket into the shed. I do this on really hot days and the inside of my shed feels air conditioned!
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Remember heat rises, so have an opening at the highest point of your shed to allow the heat to escape.
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Misting your rabbits with a light spray of cool water will cool them off quickly. (be sure to have a mister handy while traveling to help rabbits suffering from heat stroke/exhaustion).
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If you like to play with your rabbits, wait to do it until the cooler times (early morning, late evening) to help avoid overheating, avoid excessive handling during the hottest parts of the day.
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Be sure your cages are large enough to allow rabbits to stretch out in order to cool off.
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Most importantly, don't forget to water your rabbits. Cool, fresh watter available constantly is more important than anything else, especially on hot days!
