Do rabbits prefer hot or cold temperatures? Find out in our latest post, where we explore the fascinating world of rabbit thermoregulation. Discover expert tips on creating the ideal environment for your bunny, and gain valuable insights into keeping your furry friend happy and healthy all year round. Don’t miss out on this essential guide to rabbit care!
Rabbits are much more tolerant of cold temperatures than hot. Domesticated rabbit breeds kept outside will be tolerant of temperatures near freezing provided they are kept in a well-insulated hutch or enclosure with plenty of bedding material. A companion rabbit can also help.
Keeping a pet rabbit comfortable is a very important part of ownership and while they can tolerate colder temperatures for short periods, cold temperatures will certainly be uncomfortable and even detrimental to their health after longer periods.
Fortunately, there are plenty of things owners can do to keep a rabbit warm and comfortable, even outside during winter, we’re going to cover some of these later on in this post.
What Cold Temperatures Can Rabbits Tolerate?
Wild rabbits have evolved to handle colder weather. They have thick fur that protects them from the chill of the winter and allows them to function well outdoors.
They also have the luxury of a burrow, this is a complex network of underground tunnels that provides a safe home out of the elements. The body heat of multiple individuals ensures that it stays warm and cozy during the winter as well as cool during the summer.
In contrast, our pet rabbits, who are usually above ground do not usually have the comfort of a burrow to retreat to if the temperature falls below freezing. Even with a companion, when the temperature falls below 30oF (-2oC), your rabbit will start to feel uncomfortable.
For this reason, a lot of pet owners will bring their rabbits indoors as the cooler months approach. For those who have reasons for not wanting a rabbit in the home (such as allergic family members, or young children) an outhouse or disused garage could also provide the pet with shelter from the direct cold, wind, and disturbance.
Can Rabbits Die From Cold?
Although rabbits fare better in cooler weather, extremely cold temperatures are dangerous and should be a serious concern especially if the rabbit is not housed in a suitable enclosure that offers protection from the elements.
You should always ensure that your pets have a clean, dry hutch/cage/enclosure that is not exposed to a continuous draught however good air circulation is also important to prevent it from becoming, damp and moldy.
If the rabbits live in a damp or draughty home, this could lead to them becoming wet themselves. Despite their relative tolerance to cold, being wet and cold is another matter entirely and can quickly lead to deadly conditions such as hypothermia.
As tragic as an unnecessary death will be, it is not the only concern. For older rabbits, conditions such as arthritis will likely be a lot worse in cold weather and will cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
How Do I Know If My Rabbit Is Cold?
One of the best and most effective ways to tell if your rabbit is cold is to take his temperature. A healthy rabbit should have a body temperature between 101.5 – 104.2oF (38.6 -40.1ºc).
However, not everyone has a thermometer lying around and the whole experience can naturally be a little stressful for a rabbit. Fortunately, there are other ways that you can assess how your rabbit is feeling and make changes to get him more comfortable.
The ears can also be a good indication of a rabbit’s body temperature as they are less furry and the skin is more exposed. If the ears are cold, you should take the rabbit out of the cold to warm up.
Shivering, lethargy, hunched posture, and mouth breathing are all other indications of a cold rabbit that should be taken very seriously.
Do Rabbits Get Cold At Night?
Nighttime is a particularly cold time for rabbits, especially during winter. Hutch or cage covers can of course be useful but they can negatively impact circulation and do little to stop the cold.
The best way to keep an outside rabbit warm during the winter months is to insulate the hutch or enclosure with cardboard, provide lots of warm bedding, a dry insulated area to sleep in, and a companion to snuggle down with. Microwaveable heat pads can also be used for a little additional heat.
The bottom layer of bedding should be made up of an absorbent material such as shavings. You might then add layers of straw which is soft and comfortable for your pet. Some people will choose hay but you should be mindful that some varieties can be quite scratchy.
Many pet owners also choose to give their rabbit a blanket or an old towel for added warmth, especially during the winter although if you choose to do this, be sure to monitor the blanket to ensure it doesn’t become a toilet.
Remember, rabbits are extremely hardy when it comes to the cold but if you are still concerned you may also like to read our related post here (link to how to keep a rabbit warm in winter) for some more tips on steps you can take to make them comfortable.
What Warm Temperatures Can Rabbits Tolerate?
Warm temperatures are even more dangerous to a rabbit than cold and they can quickly become very ill from heat stress/exhaustion and hyperthermia if exposed for prolonged periods.
This is partly due to the fact that rabbits are not well adapted when it comes to getting rid of body heat. They do not have the luxury of external sweat glands, instead, they have very small ones located in the mouth which are for the most part useless.
Instead, rabbits rely on large blood vessels in the ears to cool their blood and lower their body temperature.
Rabbits can tolerate temperatures up to around 85oF (29oC) for short periods but if you live somewhere where the temperature often exceeds this, you will need to ensure your pets have sufficient shelter out of direct sunlight.
Again, in the wild, rabbits have the option of retreating to the burrow to get out of the direct heat but in our backyards, this is not an option. Therefore, during extreme temperatures, the best option is to keep them in a shaded, well-ventilated outhouse, shed, or garage.
If you want some other tips on how you can keep a rabbit cool in the summer you can also read our related post here (link to How To Keep a Rabbit Cool in the Summer).
Wrap Up
Like us humans, rabbits have tolerances of both hot and cold, and going outside of both of these can result in some serious health issues.
While rabbits will fare much better in a colder environment than a hot one you should always aim to locate their home in a location with a happy medium. Keeping the temperature between 15ºc and 18ºc will be the most suitable for your bunnies.
Further Reading
What Temperature Is Too Cold for Rabbits? khpet.com
Rabbit Winter Care Advice RSPCA.org.uk
Winter and Summer with Rabbits purinamills.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature do rabbits like?
Rabbits are most comfortable in temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 70°F (21°C). It’s important to monitor and maintain this range for their health.
What temperature is too warm for a rabbit?
Temperatures above 80°F (27°C) can be too warm for rabbits and may cause heat stroke. Always ensure they have a cool, shaded area to rest.
How can I tell if my rabbit is too hot?
Signs of overheating in rabbits include rapid breathing, lethargy, drooling, and hot ears. If you suspect heatstroke, consult a vet immediately.
Do rabbits feel the cold at night?
Yes, rabbits do feel cold at night. If temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C), they may need additional warmth like insulated hutches or indoor housing.
What is too cold for a rabbit?
Temperatures below 40°F (4°C) are too cold for rabbits. They need shelter, warmth, and protection from drafts to prevent hypothermia during cold weather.
