Are rabbits afraid of cold? How to feed rabbits in winter?

The most suitable temperature for rabbits is 15-25 degrees, but there is no problem for healthy rabbits above 10 degrees. I've also heard that it's okay to be above 5 degrees, but I don't advocate it. In fact, rabbits are more afraid of heat than cold, because rabbits evolved from animals in cold areas.

How to feed rabbits in winter;

Pay attention to cold and warmth. Before the cold current comes, in addition to leaving necessary air holes, plug the gaps where cold air can invade, and usually hang grass curtains on doors and windows. Open the doors and windows when it is sunny and windy to facilitate the air circulation in the rabbit house. Rabbits kept indoors at night can burn stoves to keep them warm, and the mats in the cages should be changed frequently to keep the temperature in the cages suitable, dry and comfortable. Room temperature should always be kept at 5℃ ~ 10℃.

Pay attention to increasing the feeding amount. In winter, due to the cold climate and lack of green feed, rabbits consume a lot of physical strength. So high-protein and high-energy concentrated feed, green leaves, carrots and so on. Usually, we should feed more than other seasons 1/3. If the green feed is insufficient, poplar branches, willow branches and elm branches can be used instead. Soak hay in warm water (or 0.05% potassium permanganate water) until it becomes soft, then feed it and supply enough warm water of about 35℃.

Pay attention to shearing wool in time. Winter is the season when hair grows fast. When the hair reaches the first-class standard, you should choose to cut it on a sunny day to avoid cutting it when it rains, snows or cold snap comes. Generally, only long hair is collected, short hair is kept, and less belly hair is collected to prevent rabbits from catching cold. Rabbits are prone to catch cold after shearing, so keep warm within 1 week after shearing.

Pay attention to hygiene. Although the incidence of bacterial diseases in rabbits is low in winter, parasites and viral diseases are often easy to break out in this weather. In addition, rabbits are prone to colds, constipation and frostbite. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the rabbit house frequently, wash the food basin, keep the cage house, utensils and the house clean and hygienic, and prevent the rabbit house from getting wet. The straw mats in the cage should be replaced every 3 ~ 5 days, and garlic or Chili powder should be often mixed into the feed. It is forbidden to feed frozen feed or frozen water or snow.

Pay attention to winter breeding. Male and female rabbits should maintain moderate physical condition to promote their reproduction. Male rabbits should be kept indoors at a room temperature of not less than 65438 00℃, and kept at sunny and windless noon. Breeding female rabbits should try to feed some green feed, germinated barley or add vitamin E to the feed to promote the normal estrus of female rabbits. In order to improve the survival rate of young rabbits, plastic sheds, semi-underground rabbit houses, indoor mother-infant separation and other feeding places can be used, and the cat litter box can be made of clean and dry chicken feathers (the roots of big feathers are cut off).

Pay attention to strengthening exercise. Domestic rabbits should exercise at any time. Rabbits in captivity should choose sunny weather every week and exercise in sunny, leeward and fresh air for two hours several times each time; Rabbits raised in the cellar should choose a good day. If the light in the cellar is not good, they should exercise in the sun at least twice a week.