How do you know if a rabbit is cold? Tips and care

What is the temperature of a rabbit?

Before learning how to tell if your rabbit is cold, it's essential to understand a rabbit's temperature and how drastic changes affect them when winter arrives.

A rabbit's normal body temperature ranges between 38°C and 40°C, which influences their tolerance to cold.

While it's true that wild rabbits can withstand temperatures as low as -10°C with shelter, domestic rabbits are comfortable in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.

However, cold tolerance can vary depending on the breed, the individual rabbit, or other factors.

Some breeds, like Lionhead rabbits, are much more sensitive to cold because they are smaller and have shorter fur. This means they don't have the same insulation layer as long-haired rabbits, like Angoras, which have a much better ability to withstand the cold.

Still, each rabbit can feel cold to a greater or lesser extent regardless of the breed, so being attentive to symptoms is the best way to tell if a rabbit is cold. Moreover, you should make sure their body temperature never drops below 36°C.

Symptoms that a rabbit is cold

It's a common concern; all rabbit owners have wondered: How do I know if my rabbit is cold?

Well, even though each animal may show it differently, there are always symptoms that indicate a rabbit is feeling cold:

Standing hair and tremors

A good way to tell if a rabbit is cold is to look at their fur. When they puff up their fur, it's a natural response to trap more warm air close to their skin. You might also notice them shivering, as it's an involuntary attempt to generate heat. Both of these signs are clear indicators that a rabbit is feeling cold.

Loss of appetite

Rabbits are usually known for their big appetite, so if they suddenly start to eat less or drastically reduce their food intake, it can be a clear sign that they are uncomfortable due to the cold.

Loss of appetite helps us to tell if a rabbit is cold, but it can also be due to other issues. If this behavior persists, you should consult a veterinarian.

Decreased daily activity

Another way to tell if a rabbit is cold is by observing their behavior. Inactivity is a symptom that a rabbit is feeling cold. If your rabbit is usually playful and curious but suddenly becomes less active, you should pay attention and take quick measures to warm them up.

Remember that rabbits don't hibernate in cold weather. If your rabbit seems apathetic or sleepy, this is a sign of poor health and will require veterinary attention.

Snorting or gasping

When rabbits feel cold, they may show symptoms of respiratory distress. So, if you notice your rabbit starting to snort or pant more than usual, it can be a clear sign that the cold is affecting them significantly.

In addition to the previous symptoms, other ways to tell if a rabbit is cold are if they are huddled up or if their extremities are cold. In any case, if your rabbit starts showing any of the above symptoms, you should pay attention and warm them up as soon as possible.

Tips to care for your rabbit during winter

In nature, rabbits live in underground burrows, which protect them from lower temperatures, rain, and snow. Domestic rabbits, whether they live indoors or on a terrace or garden, need specific care during the winter months.

Location of their hutch or cage

Rabbits can handle colder temperatures during the winter months safely and comfortably as long as they have a warm and cozy home to protect them. You might already have their hutch or cage sheltered, but if not, you should place it in a warm and secure location. Also, make sure that the area where their cage is located doesn't have drafts that could make your rabbit feel cold.

During the preparation for winter, rabbits shed their lighter fur and grow a thicker layer of fur to protect themselves from the cold. You should monitor the temperature of any indoor room where your rabbit's cage is located, as it can become too warm if the heating is turned on.

On the other hand, if your rabbit has an outdoor hutch, you should consider these aspects during the winter:

• Check the roof of the hutch to ensure it is watertight, waterproof, and in good condition. The wooden joints and floorboards should be dry and not show water stains that could indicate rain is seeping in from under the roof.

• Make sure all the walls of the hutch are also in good condition and treated against rain, as the roof is not the only area that can allow moisture and rain to penetrate your rabbit's little house.

• Moisture can also come from below, so make sure the hutch is always elevated from ground level to allow for free air circulation and prevent moisture rising through capillarity.

Comfortable Environment

Just like any other animals, rabbits also need a comfortable and warm habitat when winter arrives.

For instance, you might consider insulating the floor of their cage or sleeping area with a thick bedding that you change regularly, and adding extra straw for them to snuggle into!

Provide a good diet

During the winter season, it's crucial to pay attention to your rabbit's diet to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients and energy to stay warm during the colder months. Therefore, you should provide quality hay as the fundamental base of their diet, as well as give them more fruits and vegetables, as these are rich in nutrients and water.

Similarly, the water should always be fresh and lukewarm. In winter, the water can be colder than usual, so you should pay close attention to your rabbit's water bottle to prevent them from drinking water that's too cold.

Encourage exercise

Your rabbit will need to stretch their legs and run during the colder months, so try to take them out during the warmer hours of the day instead of the early morning and evening. Allow your rabbit to use a room in the house or another indoor area to exercise.

To encourage exercise, you can play with your rabbit or provide them with rabbit toys such as a tunnel.

Another highly recommended option is interactive toys like scent mats, where you can hide their favorite rabbit treats to help them develop their instincts and move around.

In summary, now you have all the guidelines on how to tell if a rabbit is cold, and all the care they need during the winter. It's important to follow these tips to keep your little companion happy and healthy.