Reducing the risk of overheating in Rabbits

The precautions listed below will minimise the risk that your rabbit will overheat:

• Keep their environment between 16 and 21°C

• Make sure that they can always get out of the sun into a shady, well ventilated place

• Ensure they have plenty of water and vegetables

• If overweight manage with a suitable diet or has a thick fur coat consider clipping them

• Try not to scare or chase them - keep them relaxed

• Minimise stress

  • Examples of stressful situations include exposure to predators and being confined in a small space.

If the weather is particularly hot you can try these ideas:

• Move their accommodation to a cooler area

• Set up a fan to blow air past them (but not directly onto them)

  • Do not place any electrical cords within reach

• Put a large ceramic tile in the hutch for them to lie on

• Make ‘cool packs’ by freezing plastic bottles filled with water; place them in their cage

• Mist their ears with cold water.