Looking after rabbits...and Eglus
Discussion
Anyone on here got an Eglu one of these new fangled hutches for rabbits? We are in the process of getting our first rabbit and have seen the Eglu, but its plastic which I would have thought would be a bit cold? Any other advice on looking after them appreciated as well. Have read a couple of books but they seem a bit contradictory.
Ta
Ta
My wife ran a rabbit rescue centre for a while, so I've seen enough of the furry little critters to become an expert.
Your concern about the cold is valid - many new owners lose rabbits in the first winter by assuming they can be left outside. A lot depends on where they are situated, but basically if the area where the rabbits will be kept will drop below freezing you should be considering bringing the animals inside in the evenings. In the wild they will burrow deep underground to hide from the cold - they can't do that if in a cage. Traditional wooden hutches (apart from being very cruel due to the size) are woefully inadequate shelter - the eglu may be better but unless it comes with guarantees about retained internal temperature then you should buy and indoor hutch/cage and be prepared. Anything below 1C is uncomfortable for the animal but they will survive down to about -3C.
If you need more advice feel free to PM me.
Your concern about the cold is valid - many new owners lose rabbits in the first winter by assuming they can be left outside. A lot depends on where they are situated, but basically if the area where the rabbits will be kept will drop below freezing you should be considering bringing the animals inside in the evenings. In the wild they will burrow deep underground to hide from the cold - they can't do that if in a cage. Traditional wooden hutches (apart from being very cruel due to the size) are woefully inadequate shelter - the eglu may be better but unless it comes with guarantees about retained internal temperature then you should buy and indoor hutch/cage and be prepared. Anything below 1C is uncomfortable for the animal but they will survive down to about -3C.
If you need more advice feel free to PM me.
DaGinge said:
My wife ran a rabbit rescue centre for a while
Brief mental image of a group of very determined-looking rabbits, clad in high visibility clothing and climbing gear, wearing sensible boots, going out onto the mountainside in a howling storm, to rescue a couple of very silly rabbits who decided to walk up the mountain wearing only a t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops.
>> Edited by eharding on Friday 18th November 10:18
Gassing Station | The Pie & Piston Archive | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff