Nigeria Rabbit Farmers

*HOW TO KEEP RABBITS COOL IN HOT WEATHER*

Did you know that rabbits don’t have the ability to sweat or pant to bring down their body temperature? This means it’s harder for them to cool themselves down and is the main reason rabbits are in more danger of experiencing heat stroke than people. These summer months can get unbearably hot and heat stroke can be fatal for your bunny, so we’ve put together some tips on how to keep rabbits cool in hot weather.

Do you know the signs to look out for?
• Stretched out or limp bunny, usually with their feet sprawled outwards
• Confused and drowsy
• Dribbling
• Panting or laboured breath
• Tongue hanging out
• Decrease in eating habits

If you believe that your bunny shows the symptoms These next few steps can help you both prevent and lay off the chances of your bunny developing heat stroke or becoming overheated.

*Shade*
Direct sunlight will cause your bunny to overheat. It is essential that your bunny rabbit has some shade and a cool space to lie in. A rabbit run is ideal for hot weather as it lets your bunny enjoy the sun but still has plenty of shade for when it starts to get a little bit too hot. If you can it would benefit your bunny much more to bring it indoors; people’s homes tend to be much cooler than hutches.

*Frozen Water Bottles*
Make sure to keep some bottles half-filled with water in the freezer. If you wrap a frozen water bottle in a towel/cloth and place it in you rabbit’s hutch it provides a cool atmosphere for your bunny to lie next to. Not only does this help cool them down it can also help them stay hydrated as many rabbits enjoy licking the condensation from the bottle...

Grooming
Having excess hair can make things extremely heated for your bunny rabbit. Grooming your bunny with a rabbit comb or brush once a day should keep your rabbit from becoming too uncomfortable in his fur.