Our seasons can change rapidly around here. One day you could be in the 80's and the next day be in the 50's (or so it seems). It could be hot and humid or dry. It something you get used to. Some ice storms or lots of snow or it can get really colddddd. We get alittle bit of everything.
So, in advance everyone is usually ready for the change in seasons around here. I have even talked to and learned over time it is a good idea to keep powdered milk in your freezer for the winter months just in cause you can't get out of your driveway. I have had it happen before until I bought a 4 wheel drive (now I get out most of the time). So, we have to be ready to care for ourselfs and our animals and plan in advance. If you don't think of yourself first how can you care for your animals?
This is our care page for that purpose.
Summer Time
1. We have a freezer set aside for frozen waterbottles when it gets hot and humid. Have 2 bottles for the each bunny on hand. Place them in the cage and if your bun fells the need for relief he/she will curl up next to it for comfort. I put one in in the morning and the other about midday. This way if you need a third bottle the other is refrozen , again.
2. A really good fan will also help. If you can get more than one, great. We have 2 on in the barn usually in the summer time. TSC carries a nice series of fans and they are pretty powerful and work better than a house fan. Good air circulation is very important in keeping your bunnies healthy.
3. Another good thing to get is a bug and or fly spray for your barn or rabbitry area especially if they are in an enclosed area. I purchased an automatic sprayer at the local farm store and it sprays out every 15 minutes. I have found it keeps the bees, earwigs (nasty), and flys down to a minimun. If they are in the barn, they will not stay alive. I have found many of these pests dead on the floor. The earwigs just crawl out of the wood and die.
Winter Care
Everthing freezes around here in the winter time. Our barn is not insulated and it gets a little chilly in there.(Doesn't seem to bother the rabbits that much)
1. BOWLS: We do not use waterbottles at all during the winter months. If it goes below freezing they are no good for the rabbits. It is always a good idea to have bowls on hand. We have found that a good bowl can go a long way. I had purchased some extra feed bowls from Walmart and decided to try them as water dishes for the winter time. They worked great. I had tapped the bowl on the fence post a couple of times and the ice just pops out usually in one chunk. This makes it easier to refill often. The buns can then chew on the ice in between change ups. They are made of hard plastic and the bunnies can chew on them and not get hurt.
2. We also can breed during the winter time because we leave a light on in the barn so similate daytime. Yes, we have had frozen babies before due to lack of our knowledge and a new doe having her first litter. But, that is all resolved. We put down hay in the cage and the nest box. This seems to work for us. We also have the expecting mothers on the top cage of our system so we can have heat lamps on at all times. Also, I wrap the outer cage with some old soda signs(or anything available)from the gas station. They make get insulators. It keeps the heat insde the cage area very comfortable for the rabbit and her kits. The doe can then move away from the heat if need be.
3. During the winter months on the days that the sun is up and shining we open up the barn doors and let some fresh air and light in. The bunnies seem to get real active and love it.
4. We always make sure the barn door is closed in the evening as we have more Fox in our area than we need. We have lost many chickens to them than we needed to. They have not attempted to go into the barn yet and I hope they never do. Occasionally we also get a visiting skunk but they are usually here to feast on the grubs and have never bothered any of our other animals. We just get really loud and shine lights on them and they seem to go away without even spraying.(Thank goodness)
Finally. This is what we do here at our rabbitry to keep our animals comfortable during all kinds of weather changes. It is in no way meant that you should follow what I do , just a guide line to help someone get a better idea of what you can do to help your buns stay safe and cozy.
Updated 8/2/08
