housing new rabbits

Question
help, we have just inherited 4 baby (8wk old) french flops, i am not finding any information in my rabbit book about how these little guys do in the weather. the nighttime temp. lately is about 45-50 degrees, i don't know what they can tolerate, and i can't find any 4-h number or anyone to ask. i am not sure that i should have them in this temp. outside the barn or if i should have them in the barn at night. and if i should use some sort of lamp to keep them warm, they are healthy 8 wk olds, the cage has a covered hutch (wooden house) on one side of it that all of them can cuddle in. what is your thoughts? please respond as soon as possible! thank you! kathy

Answer
Dear Kathy,

The babies should be fine outside at night, if they are in a covered area. Keep them in the barn if rabbit-safe (clean, well-ventilated, no toxic chemicals floating around, etc.!), since it is probably well covered and free of predators. If outside, the cage should be off the ground to prevent rodents from getting in, and it should be clear of predators. It should be covered in a way that the babies are well protected from the wind and rain, but have some air to breathe! Personally, I would keep them in the barn at night until they are about four or five months old, but then, I tend to baby and coddle rabbits!
It sounds like your situation is fine. I would not give them a heat lamp. Once rabbits are weaned, they handle cooler weather much better than heat. Since there are still four babies sharing a cage, they will keep each other warm, and since they are healthy, I think they will do just fine.

God Bless!
AEJ