{"id":567,"date":"2020-04-07T15:31:54","date_gmt":"2020-04-07T15:31:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bunnyparents.com\/?p=567"},"modified":"2024-01-07T15:34:40","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T15:34:40","slug":"can-my-bunny-play-in-the-snow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bunnyparents.com\/can-my-bunny-play-in-the-snow\/","title":{"rendered":"Can My Bunny Play In The Snow?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
As the summer turns to winter, temperatures drop and depending on where you live, you may see some snow. Your bunny has been enjoying their time playing outside in your yard, bouncing around and eating grass and sticks. But now it\u2019s icy, and you\u2019re not sure if it is safe for your bunny to be playing outside in the extreme cold and wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bunnies can play outside in the snow. They actually prefer the colder weather to the heat due to their lack of ability to properly dissipate heat. It is recommended to limit their time to 10-20 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, some precautions should be made when letting your bunny play outside in the snow. Not all bunnies may be able to handle the extreme cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are searching for this question, you likely have an indoor bunny. Bunnies are generally best kept at temperatures of 13\u00b0 – 22\u00b0C (55\u00b0 – 72\u00b0F). However, letting them play outside in cold temperatures for short periods of time is okay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to only let your bunny to play in the snow when it\u2019s powder. Wet, slushy snow should be avoided. Dry your bunny well when they come back inside to avoid hypothermia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As house bunnies, there is no need for them to grow winter fur coats. Bunnies that stay outdoors will grow and shed winter and summer coats as the season’s change. This is something to take into consideration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your bunny doesn\u2019t usually play outside (especially during the winter) then taking them outside to play in snow may not be safe. They could get sick from the extreme cold. However, if your bunny is used to playing outside, then they will likely have a lot of fun out in the snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One thing you can do if your bunny is purely an inside pet is to bring the snow to them. Bring some snow into your house or a wet room and they can play but still be inside where it is warmer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You need to be careful with letting your bunny outside in the cold if your home is very warm. A sudden change of temperature from cold to hot or hot to cold more than 20\u00b0C can potentially put them into shock or make them sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bunnies tolerate cold very well as they grow their fur coats to withstand the dropping temperatures. This is why some owners house their bunnies outside all year round. However, it\u2019s important that proper shelter is given to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their shelter should be protected from drafts (opening facing away from the wind), moisture, and should be tightly insulated using straw, hay, shavings or newspaper. Check their hay every day as damp or moldy hay can make your bunny sick and needs to be thrown away and replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lots of insulation material gives your bunny something to bury themselves in. Cover mesh doors at night with Perspex or plastic but make sure there is still an opening for fresh air to circulate and that light can get in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Add blankets inside as your bunny will want to snuggle against them while they sleep. Another trick you can use is to take a cardboard box, place it upside down and cut a hole big enough in the side for your bunny to hop into. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fill it nicely with hay and it can be an extra insulated area for your bunny to stay warm. The hutch should be waterproofed from the roof to the sides and reapplied every couple of years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The roof ideally should be sloped to allow the water to drain away.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Raise your bunny\u2019s hutch from the ground to protect the bottom of the hutch from soaking in moisture and freezing. It will also prevent the bottom of the hutch from flooding and if your hutch is high enough, will make it harder for predators to get to your bunnies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Constantly check their toilet area as frozen urine can make it very uncomfortable. Make sure their bedding is dry as a wet bed could make your bunny sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winter proofing your bunny\u2019s hutch may not be enough for extremely cold temperatures and using additional pet items can be of use. This Self Warming Crate Pad (link to Amazon)<\/a> is a perfect layer to the bottom of the hutch. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow To Keep Your Bunny Safe In The Snow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How To Protect A Bunny From The Cold<\/h2>\n\n\n\n