How to Winterize a Rabbit Cage

How to Winterize a Rabbit Cage. Though rabbits fare well in moderately cold temperatures, they face the risk of freezing during especially cold winters. Outdoor rabbit cages require extra bedding, hay and attention during the colder months. However, indoor rabbit cages typically require only extra hay, food and water during the winter months. If possible, move your rabbit cage inside your home or inside an insulated shed during the winter. Indoor locations protect your rabbits from rain, snow and wind.

Things Needed

• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Sponge
• Paper towels
• Straw
• Small box
• Scissors
• Newspaper
• Blanket
• Tarp

Step 1

Remove your rabbits from their cage and store them inside, in a temporary cage.

Step 2

Clean the rabbit cage. Spray a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar over the surface of the cage. Scrub the cage with a clean sponge or cloth. Rinse the cage with water and wipe it dry with a paper towel.

Step 3

Fill the clean cage with dry straw. Straw provides a place for rabbits to burrow, helping rabbits stay warm. During the winter, check the straw once a day. Remove any dirty straw and replace it with clean straw.

Step 4

Create a sleeping area inside the cage. Cut the front edge off of a small box. Place newspapers over the box and place rabbit bedding over the newspaper. Create one sleeping box for each rabbit in your cage.

Step 5

Set a blanket over the rabbit cage so that the blanket rests over the top, back and sides of the cage. The front of the cage should remain open. Place a tarp over the blanket, leaving the front open. During the evening, slide the blanket and tarp forward slightly so that the blanket covers the top half of the cage's front.

Step 6

Place your rabbits back in their cage. During the winter, supply your rabbits with extra food and change their water bottle several times per day.

References

• The Rabbit House: Winter Accommodation for Rabbits
• Pet Rabbit Info: How to Keep Your Pet Rabbit Safe and Happy Outdoors
• Rabbit Cages and Hutches: How to Winterize a Rabbit Hutch