Last Updated on March 16, 2023 by Marjon Ramos
The ideal temperature for rabbits is between 55-70 °F (13-21 °C). Depending on the breed, rabbits can tolerate a temperature of about 85 °F (29 °C). Breeds that have thicker wool or fur should be housed at lower temperatures.
Your rabbits are at risk of overheating or heat stroke if the temperature is higher than 85 °F (29 °C). If you live in a humid place (> 85°F), always monitor your rabbit’s temperature because rabbits are prone to heat strokes.
Now that I’ve given you the gist of the article, read on as I explain in more detail what the ideal temperature for rabbits is:
Table of Contents
What temperature is too cold for rabbits?
Rabbits are made to withstand cold much better than heat. Their thick fur can protect them from near-freezing conditions of anything above 32°F (0°C).
While it depends on how well acclimated your rabbits are to the cold, just to be on the safe side, never house your rabbit outside if it’s below 32°F (0°C).
But if you live in a well-insulated home, you generally don’t have to worry, even if it’s freezing outside. Just monitor your rabbit’s temperature by touching its ears. Rabbits use their ears to regulate their temperature. If their ears are ice cold, you may need to warm them up.
How to tell if your rabbit is cold?
While rabbits can tolerate cold temperatures very well due to their thick fur, being wet and cold can induce hypothermia in rabbits.
Here are the signs that your rabbit might be cold:
- Cold ears
- breathing through their mouths.
- shivering.
- pale lips
- Lethargy.
If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately warm up your rabbit:
How to warm up a cold rabbit?
You can warm up a cold rabbit by placing a warm water bottle wrapped around a towel beside it. Make sure not to burn your rabbit.
You can also try warming up your rabbit by holding its ears until it’s warm enough. Rabbits use their ears to regulate their temperature. If their ears are cold, there’s a good chance that your rabbit is also cold. Warming it up can help.
You can also buy a heating pad if it’s winter in your place. Your rabbit can lie on it if it ever gets cold.
Can rabbits survive outside in the winter?
As long as you house your rabbits appropriately and the temperature outside is not that low, then a rabbit can tolerate extreme cold due to their thick fur.
Make sure that your rabbit’s hutch is waterproof with a solid roof to keep water from getting inside. You can also buy some heating pads to help your rabbits warm up if it gets too cold for them.
Proper bedding is also necessary when a rabbit is kept outside during the winter. Make sure that the bedding is changed frequently and choose a bedding that can help insulate your rabbits, like hay or wood pellets.
The most important thing you have to do when you’re planning on keeping your rabbit outside during winter is to make sure they don’t get wet.
Can rabbits die from cold?
A well-sheltered rabbit freezing to death is highly unlikely. Rabbits can withstand freezing temperatures due to their thick fur.
The only way a rabbit might die from cold is if their fur is wet in temperatures below 32°F (0°C) without any shelter to hide in.
What temperature is too hot for rabbits?
Rabbits should not be kept in direct sunlight that’s over 70°F (21°C). Rabbits are more susceptible to heatstroke due to their thick fur.
If you’re keeping your rabbits outside, make sure that their hutch is well shaded with a roof with good airflow. If the temperature in your area is higher than 95°F (35°C), consider letting your rabbits inside your house because this is the danger zone for heatstroke in rabbits.
How to tell if your rabbit is too hot?
You can tell if your rabbit is too hot by touching its ears. Rabbit ears regulate their temperature. If it’s too hot, you can place a cold water bottle wrapped in a towel beside them.
Here are some additional signs of heatstroke in rabbits:
- Heavy breathing (panting)
- Salivating
- Hot ears (flushed red ears)
- weakness.
- Lethargy
If your rabbits are exhibiting any of these symptoms, immediately bring them to a veterinarian or cool them down.
How to cool down your rabbit?
You can cool down your rabbit by doing one or more of the following:
- Place a cold water bottle wrapped in a towel near your rabbit.
- Give your rabbits some ice cubes. Some rabbits like to lick the ice to cool themselves down.
- Place a fan near your rabbit to provide some airflow.
- You can also lightly touch your rabbit’s ears with ice cubes or lightly wet your rabbit’s ears to help them cool down.
- Keep your rabbits in a well-shaded area.
What’s the ideal temperature to keep a rabbit?
The ideal temperature for pet rabbits should be between 55-70°F (13-21°C) and they can tolerate temperatures up to 85°F (29°C). Rabbits are more tolerant of lower temperatures due to their thick fur, as long as they are not wet and have a hutch to hide in too.
But, due to their thick fur and the inability to sweat, rabbits are easily susceptible to heatstroke. If you live in a humid climate, you should always keep an eye on your rabbit.
Conclusion
Rabbits can tolerate temperatures of up to 85 °F (29 °C). It is best to keep them at temperatures between 55-70°F (13-21°C) for maximum comfort.
Due to their thick fur, rabbits can handle cold better than heat.
Cite this article:
Sources and Further reading
