How to Take Pet Rabbits From a Warm House to the Cold Outside

Turning your indoor rabbit into an outdoor rabbit requires careful preparation. Outdoor pet rabbits must be sheltered from predators such as owls, coyotes, raccoons and cats. They also need protection from the elements. Even though they have a fur coat that protects them from the cold, extreme cold temperatures are still a threat. To keep your bunny happy and healthy, provide it with proper housing, protection and attention.

Things You'll Need

  • Rabbit hutch or wire cage
  • Bricks
  • Wooden box
  • Straw or newspapers
  • Blanket or plastic sheet
  • Greenhouse heater or pet heating pad
  • Microwave
  • Wire pen
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a draft-free shelter for your rabbit. A rabbit hutch partly covered in wood with wire-covered openings is sufficient. If you use a wire cage, make sure the bottom and top are covered.

    • 2

      Elevate the hutch off the floor to promote air circulation and keep the bottom of the hutch from getting damp. If the hutch doesn't have legs to stand on, lay bricks underneath to raise it off the floor.

    • 3

      Position the hutch to face away from the wind. Place the hutch next to a wall or shed to provide shelter from the wind or place the hutch inside the shed.

    • 4

      Make a warm bed for your rabbit. Turn a wooden box upside down, cut an opening in it and put down a bed of newspaper or straw. The rabbit can crawl into the box and use its body heat to warm itself.

    • 5

      Cover your rabbit hutch with a blanket or plastic sheet during cold winter temperatures. Covering the hutch insulates and retains heat. Partially cover the hutch during daytime and cover two-thirds of the hutch at nighttime, leaving a small opening for ventilation.

    • 6

      Turn on a greenhouse heater if you keep your rabbit in a shed during cold winter temperatures. The heater helps keep the temperature above freezing. As an alternative, purchase a pet heating pad. Heat the pad in the microwave and place it in the rabbit's hutch.

    • 7

      Bring your rabbit indoors at night to protect it from predator animals and extremely cold nighttime temperatures. Place your rabbit in a small room.

    • 8

      Allow your outdoor rabbit to exercise daily. Set up a fully enclosed wire pen. Cover the top of the pen with a blanket or plastic. If the pen is not attached to your rabbit's hutch, place a wooden box with an entrance upside down in the pen. If your rabbit needs warmth or shelter, it can go into the box.