Rabbits’ Resistance to Cold
Rabbits, like other small mammals, are very cold sensitive. Knowing how cold they can tolerate can help you decide when and where they need extra protection.
What Temperature Is Too Cold?
A rabbit’s resistance to cold is determined by their physiology, the area they live in, and their coat. Apart from those factors, an average healthy adult rabbit can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F).
Rabbits raised in warmer climates may have difficulty tolerating cool temperatures. In these cases, rabbits start to seek shelter and burrow when the temperature drops to 10°C (50°F).
What Extra Protection Do They Need?
If the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F), rabbits may need additional protection from the cold to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.
- Shelter: The most important thing for a rabbit is adequate shelter. It should be warm, secure and dry.
- Bedding: Soft bedding will help insulate a rabbit and keep them warm.
- Food: Eating helps rabbits generate internal body heat. Keeping them well fed during cold times can help them stay warm.
- Water: Providing fresh and unfrozen water is essential for rabbits.
Rabbits can be protected in the cold if necessary, but it is important to know their limits in order to keep them safe. With the right precautions, a rabbit can survive temperatures below 0°C (32°F).
