How to Keep Rabbits Warm in Winter

Whilst rabbits can survive outdoors in winter, that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for them. Every bunny is different, and you may have one that prefers the warmth of the indoors. Others can get stressed when their living situation is uprooted and may be better off outside with some extra management in place to make sure they can stay snuggly during the cold weather.

If you’re unable to bring your pets in over the winter, or if they would prefer to be outside, there are still plenty of things you can do to keep them nice and safe. Along with finding ways to keep them warm, you should remember to check their water every day as the moment the temperature drops, water can freeze, which could lead to dehydration.

Rabbit care in winter can be more tricky to manage than in the warmer months. If your bunnies are going to be spending the colder weather outside, then there are a few things you can do to help keep them snug. Some are very simple to put in place, but others require a bit more creativity and resources to help make winter a little easier on them.

First and foremost, to insulate a hutch over winter, try to keep it out of any direct draughts. If you have somewhere in your garden that’s protected from the wind by a wall or hedges, this can be a great place to move it to. Even putting something like a windbreaker in front of it to shield it from the worst of the wind will really help cut down on the cold and the noise.

The easiest and most effective way to insulate a hutch for winter is by using a hutch cover. These can help by sealing up any open areas, like windows, that don’t protect from the cold.

Covers like the Cheeko 50 Hutch Cover have zipped sides so it can be entirely sealed, but allows for easy access to air the hutch out a little, without having to totally remove the cover. They’re a great way to protect your pet from the cold, without preventing fresh air from circulating.

Changing out their bedding to something more insulating during colder months is a great way to help them keep warm. Layering bedding and putting in extra are also fantastic ideas.

You also want to avoid having wet bedding as much as possible, so adding in a bottom layer of super absorbent bedding like the Carefresh Pet Bedding will keep the hutch nice and dry. Additionally, a nice thick layer of good quality straw such as LFJ Millets Barley Straw on top will really help them snuggle in and keep cosy.

When considering the best rabbit hutches for winter, you need to think about the amount of warmth and protection it offers your furry pal against the cold. Some are floor-level, so the base is either directly against the floor or directly onto grass or paving.

This may be a great idea for the summer, as it helps to keep them cool, but during winter, a lot of heat can be lost this way.

A good winter hutch for rabbits should be off the ground and offer plenty of cover. Ones with more than one bedding area, like the Cheeko 2 Story Hutch, provide more areas for them to huddle in - and that’s even before you add the hutch cover into the mix.

With a few little tweaks to your bunny’s living conditions during the winter months, you can make sure they stay nice and warm even if they live outside. Things like hutch covers and snuggly bedding can really make all the difference. Explore our extensive range of rabbit accessories today to make sure your beloved pets stay toasty this winter.