Caring for rabbits
Essential winter care tips for happy, healthy rabbits
As temperatures drop, it’s important to make sure your rabbits are safe, warm, and comfortable throughout the winter months. Rabbits are hardy animals, but cold weather, damp conditions, and draughts can put their health at risk if they’re not properly cared for.
Here’s everything you need to know about keeping rabbits warm in winter, whether they live outdoors or inside.
Can Rabbits Live Outside in Winter?
Yes, healthy rabbits can live outdoors during winter, as long as they are well protected from wind, rain, and damp conditions. In fact, rabbits often cope better with cold temperatures than sudden changes in warmth.
The key is preparation, insulation, and the right diet.
Insulate the Hutch or Run
A warm, dry living space is essential for winter rabbit care.
Top tips:
- Move hutches to a sheltered spot, away from wind and rain.
- Raise hutches off the ground to prevent cold rising from below.
- Line the hutch with newspaper, cardboard, or insulation boards.
- Cover mesh areas with clear plastic or hutch covers (allowing ventilation).
- Ensure there are no draughts, but still good airflow.
Never completely seal a hutch — ventilation is important to prevent damp and respiratory issues.
Bedding: Hay Is Essential in Winter
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep rabbits warm is plenty of fresh hay.
Why hay matters:
- Hay provides natural insulation for nesting and burrowing.
- Rabbits can snuggle into hay to retain body heat.
- Eating hay helps maintain digestion, which also generates warmth.
Use a thick layer of clean, dry hay for bedding and top it up daily. High-quality Timothy hay is ideal, as it’s warm, dry, and nutritionally balanced.
Tip: Rabbits will often sleep under the hay, this is completely normal and helps them stay warm.
Increase Food Intake
Rabbits burn more energy in cold weather, so they may eat more during winter.
- Always provide unlimited hay.
- Continue feeding fresh vegetables but remove uneaten food promptly to prevent freezing.
- Ensure water bottles or bowls don’t freeze — check them several times a day.
Good nutrition plays a big role in helping rabbits maintain body temperature.
Protect Water from Freezing
Frozen water is a common winter issue.
Solutions:
- Use insulated bottle covers.
- Swap water bottles for heavy ceramic bowls.
- Check water supply morning and evening.
- Never use hot water — lukewarm is best.
Hydration is just as important in winter as it is in summer.
Keep Rabbits Together
Rabbits are social animals, and bonded pairs or groups help keep each other warm by huddling together. Never separate bonded rabbits during winter unless absolutely necessary.
Check Rabbits Daily
Cold weather can mask illness, so daily checks are vital.
Watch for:
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Shivering (a sign they are too cold)
If a rabbit seems unwell, move them somewhere warm and contact a vet promptly.
When Should Rabbits Be Brought Indoors?
Rabbits should be brought inside if:
- They are elderly, very young, or unwell
- Temperatures drop well below freezing
- Hutches cannot be fully weatherproofed
If moving rabbits indoors, do it gradually to avoid temperature shock.
Winter Warmth Starts With the Right Hay
A constant supply of high-quality, dust-free hay is one of the most important parts of winter rabbit care. Hay provides warmth, comfort, and essential nutrition — helping rabbits stay healthy all season long.
Explore our premium Timothy hay, ideal for rabbits and small pets throughout winter.