What is the lowest temperature a rabbit can stand?

Answer 1

Environmental Temperature / Weather

The rabbit can live in whatever you're comfortable with as long as it's not too hot or cold: rabbits are most comfortable between 50-70 F (10-21.1 C), but they can handle colder and hotter temperatures, so long as they have a comfortable refuge to retreat to once they've had enough.

In temperatures below 50 F (10 C), rabbits need a shelter that protects them completely from wind and damp, and they need a box with warm bedding where they can snuggle into and conserve their body heat.

In temperatures below 40 F (4.5 C), the rabbit needs artificial heating. If your heater breaks in the winter you can throw a towel in the dryer and lay it in the cage, or you can throw a blanket on the cage BUT make sure the front of the cage is uncovered, or you could smother your rabbit(s).

In temperatures higher than 70 F (21.1 C), rabbits need a shelter in the shade with good air flow.

In temperatures above 75 F (23.8 C), use an air conditioner to keep the rabbit cool. If your air conditioner breaks during hot weather you can put ice in their water, and you can freeze a gallon jug full of water and set it in the cage. At these temperatures, the rabbit needs to be provided with special relief from the heat. Because rabbits can't sweat, fans don't cool them down directly, although fans can help cool the air near the rabbit by promoting air flow; and, by aiming the fan at jugs of frozen water or a towel soaked in cold water, the surrounding air will be cooled by the evaporating water. Other cool-down methods include spritzing the rabbit's ears with cold water, or running an ice cube over the ears; giving the rabbit ceramic or stone tiles to lie on that have been chilled in the freezer; and, if the rabbit enjoys it, letting the rabbit play in a baby pool (the water level should never be higher than the rabbit's belly, and there should be a ramp or other way out of the pool -- do NOT put the rabbit in a baby pool if it can't get out or if bathing causes it to panic or stress).

Body Temperature

A rabbit's normal body temperature is 101-103 F (38.3-39.4 C). It's important to know how to take your rabbit's temperature (rectal) because, when your rabbit gets sick outside of regular business hours (when your regular vet is closed), you have to figure out whether you can nurse the rabbit at home until the vet opens, or whether you need to bring the rabbit to an emergency 24/7 vet immediately: if the bunny's temperature is above or below the normal range, that means it's time for the emergency vet. See the link below about detecting illness for more info.

Answer 2

If given the proper housing rabbits can withstand temps of 30 to 40 below. Wind kills more rabbits than actual cold does. Plenty of bedding and nearby food will help them withstand the cold. Rabbits can stand cold a lot better than they can stand heat because they cannot take off their fur coats and they do not sweat or pant to cool themselves. Their only means of cooling themselves is to circulate blood thru the large veins in their ears.

Answer 3

Pet rabbits are the European Rabbit species. They come from the Mediterranean region. Pet rabbits are comfortable between 8 and 24 degrees Celsius. Even above 8 degrees, a wet and windy day can lead to hypothermia, and your bunny will need your help to stay safe. Below 5 degrees, outdoor rabbits need extensive protections from the weather.