Follow these 5 tips to help prevent your rabbit from overheating this summer.

Have peace of mind with a summer cooling plan in place.  The ancestors of today's domesticated rabbits were originally native to cooler Northern European climates.  Temperatures in excess of 80 degrees can start to take a toll.  It is not difficult to prevent heat related stress if you follow these tips to ensure your rabbits stay cool all summer long.

1. Be wary of the sun.

Direct sun exposure can quickly heat up a cage and add stress to your rabbit.  

Provide plenty of shade to prevent temperature spikes during the hotter times of the day.  

If possible, position your cage, hutch or barn so that it is protected by deep natural shade of trees or other existing structures.

 

 

 

 

2. Hydration is paramount.

Make sure plenty of cool fresh water is available at all times for your rabbit.  

Position your rabbits' water bottle or crock on the side of the enclosure that receives the most shade.  

Add ice cubes to the water throughout the day to keep it cooler.  

Putting out a backup frozen drinking bottle in the morning helps  provide cool melted water all day.  

Consider using 1 or 2 backup bottles as emergency reserves.

 

 

3. Air movement helps cool your rabbit.

Rabbits require a minimum of 30 air changes per hour during normal weather.  

Hot days can increase this requirement due to humidity.  

Position a heavy duty fan(s) so that air moves freely around the enclosure.  

A battery powered clip-on cage fan helps provide air movement in transport cages.  

A Plug-in Thermostat can be used to turn the fan(s) on at the specified temperature.  

Setting them to turn on at 70 degrees helps maintain temperature and avoid spikes.

Frozen water or soda bottles can work as ice blocks for your bunny to lean against in order to stay cool. 

 

4. Fog your fan for cooler air. 

Fogging can reduce the surrounding ambient temperature up to 20 degrees.  

A fan fogging kit can be attached to the face of your fan so the air will be evaporatively cooled through the mist as it blows.

5. Invest in a complete fogging system.

Automated fogging systems can ensure your rabbits stay cool while you are away.  

Install fog nozzles along the perimeter of your enclosure and turn on during the hottest times of the day.  

A fogger control kit is a thermostatic control valve that can be used to automate the fogging system and ensure your rabbits stay cool when you aren't there.  

A simple mist and cooling kit can be attached to hutch roofs or you can purchase DIY components using PVC pipe to install along barn eaves or in rabbitry aisles .