Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Rabbit Foraging in the Snow.

Rabbit Foraging in the Snow.

This is Tina. She is a Himalayan, Netherland Dwarf cross at three years old, for those who do not know. When letting rabbits outside in snow it is important to follow a few safety rules. Most think wild rabbits can stand the snow and so can domestic. Domestic rabbits have adapted differently and are much more sensitive. Make sure the area is secure and there is also a space for the rabbit to go into out of the cold with something to snuggle up to if they manage to get wet eg A snuggle safe or old warm blanket. My rabbits free range regularly so i know the area is secure and they feel safe as they know the area and how to get to their house if needed. Their shed door is open and it is their choice to go into the snow. As you can see, my other rabbit, Uno, did not like the snow as much so did not venture out into it. Tina enjoyed the 'new substance' but was not out in it for a long time, just enough to stretch her legs and have fun. 'Rabbits can deal with the cold and they can! deal with wet but they can't deal with both'. It allowed her to display natural behavior such as digging and foraging for food as well as being mentally stimulating and different. At the base of the shed were some, apparently, really delicious strands of grass. Don't let your rabbits into the snow if they are house rabbits, they will not be able to handle the extreme temperature change as they will not have as thick a coat and will not be comfortable in the area, especially with scary cold white stuff ...





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