Rabbits are inimitable creatures with various adaptations that make them survive the four seasons well. During winter, they get different survival tips, leading us to this question: How do rabbits stay warm in the winter?

Rabbits stay warm in the winter by doing the following seven things:

1. Making Underground Shelter

Rabbits are very smart animals. Once they notice winter is approaching, they start making the underground shelter with twigs, grass, and leaves. This insulates their bodies against the harsh weather in winter.

2. Stops Shedding Fur

Rabbits usually shed fur in the summer to regulate their body temperatures and prepare a suitable environment for their young ones, especially when they are almost due. However, when winter approaches, they will no longer shed fur, maintaining warmth.

3. Less Picky on Their Diets

Since it is difficult to find food in the winter, rabbits suddenly change their picky behavior and start feeding on any food presented. So, what do rabbits eat in the winter?

Rabbits eat tree bark, pine needles, vegetation, and sticks.

In most cases, they will prefer feeds with a high fat content to enable them to develop fat tissues that will insulate their bodies against cold. For instance, pet rabbits will love pellets as they are rich in fats and other essential nutrients.

4. Develops Thick Fur

Rabbits highly depend on their fur to maintain warmth in their bodies. Winter is usually cold, and their bodies grow thick fur to help them curb the harsh weather. They will start shedding the thick fur to regulate their bodies against warmth as soon as winter is over.

5. Crowd in a Corner

Rabbits usually move closer to each other to keep their bodies warm. Usually, they get to the corner of their hutch, where they stick together to prevent heat loss from their bodies. This enables them to sleep comfortably.

6. Shiver

Shivering is an involuntary body action that occurs when your rabbit feels cold. The shivering enables body organs to move, causing the production of heat during cold seasons. However, when shivering persists even after winter, your bunny may be ill and should be checked by a professional to prevent sudden deaths.

7. Thick Fur Pads on the Bottom of Their Feet

Since rabbits lose heat through their feet, they develop a thick fur pad on the bottom of their feet that prevents heat loss. This unique adaptation enables them to survive the harsh weather since heat is maintained throughout.  

Do Rabbits Feel Cold in Winter?

Yes, rabbits feel cold in the winter, especially when they are not well prepared for the season. However, rabbits burrow soil to live underground, where the temperatures are ever-constant. Their bodies also respond well when they feel cold, and they start shivering as an involuntary action that produces heat during this cold phase.

Is It OK to Leave a Rabbit Outside in the Winter?

It is okay to leave a rabbit outside in the winter only if you have provided enough warmth. Rabbits also have various adaptations, such as thick fur that insulates the body. Cover their hutch and repair holes to prevent them from catching a cold.

How Do I Keep My Outdoor Rabbit Warm in the Winter?

If you want to keep your outdoor rabbit warm in the winter, consider following these five tips:

1. Insulate Your Rabbit’s Hutch

Insulation of your rabbit’s hutch is one of the key things in maintaining warmth during the winter. You can use towels, newspapers, cardboard, and blankets to cover the open spaces in the hutch. Ensure to leave some spaces for ventilation to prevent suffocation.

Also, you can use dry hay to keep your rabbits warm but remember to change them regularly to maintain hygiene.  

2. Keep Them in Pairs

Rabbits that are in pairs can snuggle together to keep warm. They also socialize and play together, making their bodies produce heat and, hence, maintaining warmth. Nonetheless, ensure the rabbits are compatible with each other to minimize fights.

3. Use Heated Blankets

Heated blankets are among the great sources of heat during the winter. Nevertheless, be cautious enough to prevent overheating that may be fatal to your bunnies. Ensure heated blankets stay in the hutch for a short period.

4. Dry Your Rabbits When Wet

Usually, there is snow in the winter, and your rabbits can play outside, thus getting wet by the snow. In this case, use a dry towel to absorb the wetness. This maintains warmth for rabbits.

5. Warm Bedding

Warm bedding facilitates heat production, which gives your rabbits a sound sleep. Line the bedding box with newspapers and add straws that will maintain warmth. Also, clean the bedding regularly to prevent infections.  

What Is the Best Bedding for Rabbits in the Winter?

The best bedding for rabbits in the winter is dust-free hay and straw. These straws should be dry and regularly changed after rabbits pee on them.

You can also have the newspapers presented to them, as they offer a certain level of comfort.

Do Rabbits Need a Heater in the Winter?

Yes, rabbits need a heater in the winter, especially when temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nevertheless, ensure to remove the heater after a while to prevent hyperthermia. A heater should only be used on rare occasions.

Where Do Rabbits Sleep in the Winter?

Rabbits sleep underground in the winter. They burrow soil and make good bedding that insulates their bodies. Besides, underground dens are always warmer than the upper surface.

So do rabbits sleep more in the winter?

No, rabbits do not sleep more in the winter. They do not hibernate, as they can easily tolerate cold weather rather than hot weather. They have fur that keeps their bodies active and warm during cold weather.

Should I Feed Wild Rabbits in Winter?

Yes, feeding wild rabbits in the winter is okay. Feeding them keeps them healthy during these tough times. However, they can depend on humans for food, which is sometimes risky as they can destroy your backyard. But do rabbits store food for the winter?

Yes. Rabbits store food for the winter. This prepares for the harsh season since it is difficult to find food during heavy rains.

What Temperature Is Too Cold for Rabbits?

Temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit are too cold for rabbits. This is very unhealthy, as it can cause pneumonia and other cold infections. Hence, providing extra care during the cold season is important, such as covering the cage, putting a heat lamp in their hutch, etc.

In addition, ensure your rabbits are not overheating when maintaining warmth, as it can be too risky for their health.  

How Do Wild Rabbits Survive Extreme Cold?

Wild rabbits shelter underground, where the temperatures are fairly warm. They burrow the soils and fill them with grass, leaves, and fur to maintain warmth.

Besides, they develop thick fur on their bodies and at the bottom of their pads, which enables them to prevent the loss of food generated in the body.

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