Rabbits in the Summer

by Marit Emilie Buseth, Rabbit Behaviour, Health and Care
 
Rabbits do not have sweat glands in the skin, other than a few on the lips, wich means that they cannot sweat. They also cannot pant, as they breathe through the nostrils, and are therefore at risk for heatstroke at high temperatures and in direct sunlight. 
This post will address necessary adaptions and provide practical solutions for rabbits in the summer.
 
It is important to protect domesticated rabbits against extreme temperatures, both from the heat in summer and cold in winter. Wild rabbits live in underground tunnels, where they are not exposed to large variations in temperature. In the summer, the burrow remain relatively cool, while they are sufficent warm and dry during winter. This ensures that rabbits are adaptable to the seasons.
 
However, the problem arises when we take the rabbits out of their natural habitat and keep them in cages. The hutch is above ground level and ensures that the rabbit is exposed to all kinds of weather and temperature, from which in the wild they would have sought refuge. Rabbits do not tolerate humidity, draughts and damp conditions, and they must always have access to sheltered caves or houses. The optimal temperature for keeping rabbits is 15-21°C
 
 
The species does not tolerate high temperatures and should never be confined in hutches exposed to sunlight without the possibility to move about to find cooler areas.
   In countries and areas where the temperatures gets extremely high, rabbits should move indoors during summer. A house in such a climate will often be ventilated and consequently provide a cooler and more pleaseant environment than the garden.
 
Heatstroke
Symptoms of heatstroke can be rapid respiration or the rabbit gasping for breath, loss of appetite, bluish or grey lips, and a generally exhausted and hot rabbit. If one suspects that a rabbit is hit by heatstroke, the rabbit must be wrapped in a towel lightly moistened with cold water. The towel should not be soaked but only be comfortably humid and chilly. 
A rabbit affected by heatstroke should never be put in water as this might provoke shock. Being the rabbit`s thermostats, ears should not be cooled down, as this might interfere with the regulation of body temperature.
 
Freezer blocks or bottles of water can be stored in the freezer and presented for rabbits on warm days. Wrap the frozen items or water bottles in towles and put them near a hot rabbit.
 
            
 
The rabbit`s hindquarters should be examined three to four times a day in warm periods, to aviod development of flystrike. Signs of wet faces or soaking of the skin with urine must be removed immediately, and the rabbits must be offered a diet rich in fibre to prevent the onset of digestive problems. The droppings should always be round and nearly porous, while the caecotrophs should be be eaten directly from the anus or immediately after if the rabbit leaves it on the floor in advance of eating it.
   Humid and dirty substrates will pave the way for a fly larva attack and must be avoided. Clean the litter tray daily during summer.
 
 
Regardless of climate and temperature, one must ensure that the rabbits have suitable and safe housing. In addition to a free roaming of the house or a secure run outside, the animals must have acecss to a safe area for sleeping and retiring to for rest and shelter.
 
 
Captivity often prevents animals from performing their natural behaviour. In the case of rabbits, restrictions on the ability to move about have serious consequences, and one should have knowledge on the species`needs and preferences when considering types of living arrangements. Get a thorough understanding of the rabbits`natural habitat, health, social behaviour and all topics vital to offer them suitable living conditions in a domestic setting in  Rabbit Behaviour, Health and Care.

 

 

 

Summer specials

  • Rabbits must be sheltered from direct sunlight to prevent heatstroke.
  • Clean the litter tray daily during summer.
  • The rabbits`hindquarters shoud be examined daily to prevent flystrike.
  • Rabbits must always have fresh water.

Beat the heat with blocking curtains and shades, or leave the door open. Harald and Even is cooling off.

Contact

Rabbit Behaviour, Health and care

© 2014 All rights reserved.

Make a free websiteWebnode