Rabbit outside in the winter...

Bente · Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2004 2:45 pm Post subject: Rabbit outside in the winter...

Hi

I was just wondering if rabbits can survive in an outdoor cage during the winter? The cage is placed under a roof and on poles
(so it doesn't stand on the frozen ground).
I live in Norway so we get temperatures down to 20 degrees below zero (celsius)...
It's not my bunny, but our landlord's daughter, and she doesn't take care of him at all, poor thing Crying or Very sad

I'm really worried what will happen when the frost sets in.

She never cleans the cage, for the last two months i've been doing that.
I couldn't stand to se him locked in that dirty cage all day long...
I don't know these people very well, I just talk to the parents sometimes. But i think it's wrong that i don't even get a thank you...
I love animals, so i don't mind doing this, but i really don't think this girl should own a pet when she doesn't take care of it!
They have four daughters, so i don't know whos rabbit it is. But my hubby promised me he'll talk to the father abot this (i'm too shy Embarassed

)
Maybe i can adopt him, then he will be treated right without having to move Very Happy

charmedagain · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2224 Location: uk

Hi the outside of the hutch should be insulated with old carpet with a piece that can hangover the front of the cage this will help keep out any draughts and snow, Also putting a thick layer of hay and straw will give it extra comfort and warm.
Water needs to be warm when it goes first given to the rabbit it will also need to be change a few times a day to stop it freezing over.

Mike

Bente · Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 9:52 pm Post subject:

Thanks Mike Very Happy

This is him. Or maybe her.. I don't know Smile

Trixiepoo · Member Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 292

My bunny lives outside and he has been fine. He will be goin on his 7th winter outside this year and the temp. is not as low as -20 but it is around 0 degrees sometimes make sure he/she always has unfrozen water but during real cold times Spunky comes in the garage cuz my mom is allergic Confused

SugarLovesPits · Member Joined: 04 Oct 2004 Posts: 116 Location: NE PA

Even with all the winter adjustments are there are times when the animal simply MUST be brought in. There is noway that animal can survive at 20 below zero. You are obviously already doin alot for the little guy and he's lucky to have you! I was wondering is there anywhere in your house he could hang out when it is that cold? Also you know they make warming water bowls, so the water dosn't freeze, I think you would probablly need an extension but I don't think it would take much power. I f worst come to worse I would call animal control and find the poor guy a caring home (LIke yours???? Wink

maybe!!)

IHeartShihPoo · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2004 Posts: 22

I have a grey mini lop named FooFoo who lives outside on my family's deck. It's gotten pretty cold once or twice already and he seems to do OK. We have an old dog house stuffed with a lot of hay and a light bulb that's on all day and night. We find that he likes to sit outside though, even when it's freezing! Maybe all his fat is insulating him as well lol! He's a chubby little thing XD

TweetyBirdBusterBlue · Member Joined: 04 Dec 2004 Posts: 28

well i dont know how cold that is.. but i heard like little little rabbits should be inside.. but i had a Holland Mini Lopped Eared and she was out during the winter but i was out there EVERYDAY giving her fresh warm water, and i would feel her ears and if they were really cold i would bring her inside for awhile till she warmed up and then she'd be back outside, and since my mom and dad watch the news EVERYDAY we watch for the weather and if it got cold she'd be inside, same with during the summer, if its too hot she came in or would have an ice block for her to keep cool with and she loved it... if i were you i would ask if i could have it or i would buy it from them! lol

Bente · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 11:05 am Post subject:

I have just adopted the rabbit!! Surprised

The childrens mom came out as I was cleaning the cage, and we started talking about how children often get tired of the responsibility (sp?) that comes with a pet. And she said they have been trying to give it away since this summer, and I offered to take him. She said I could have the cage too, so I don't have to worry about getting him a new one.

I'm so happy right now! Very Happy

This rabbit is going to get a new and better life!

And thanks for everybodys advice Your the best

faeriedust1127 · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:53 pm Post subject:

Great news Bente!! Surprised

Aqueous · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 2:41 pm Post subject:

Congrats! That's great news.

Blau_the_cow · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 8:39 pm Post subject:

Thats awesome news! Im sure the bunny with be much happier and more well-looked after with you. Your the best