What does a rabbit do in the heat?

Answer 1

The hot blood pumps in their ears to cool down. On a hot day if you feel their ears, they would be hot and they also breathe quicker like in a way of dogs panting. Most animals use their ears as mode to bring down their body temperature. Long ears suit this function.

Answer 2

Rabbits are very sensitive to heat and they can die from it. If it gets hot, you have to protect your rabbit. The ideal weather for a rabbit is 50-70 F (10-21 C).

In temperatures higher than 70 F (21 C), rabbits need constant access to the shade, good air flow, and extra plenty amounts of cool water.

In temperatures above 75 F (23 C), rabbits need to be provided with special relief from the heat. Possible methods include:

• Keep the rabbit inside and use an air conditioner
• Give the rabbit ceramic or stone tiles to lie on that have been chilled in the freezer
• Put ice in the water
• Freeze a gallon jug full of water and set it near the rabbit - the evaporating ice will cool the air
• Soak a towel in very cold water, drape it near the rabbit (not on the rabbit), and aim a fan at the towel - the evaporating water will cool the air (fans alone aren't much help to rabbits because they don't sweat)
• Spritz the rabbit's ears with cold water, or run an ice cube over the ears
• If the rabbit enjoys it, let him play in a baby pool - the water level should never be higher than the rabbit's belly, and there should be a ramp or some safe way out of the pool so the rabbit doesn't feel trapped -- do NOT do this if it causes your rabbit stress or panic

Answer 3

YES. They need to have a cool environment during the heat of the day. A fan blowing indirectly, or a frozen water bottle can help to cool your bunnies off. Rabbits do not sweat, they do not pant and they are wearing a fur coat. (Rabbits do pant but it is a sign of EXTREME heat exhaustion. Something you NEVER want to see) Rabbits cool themselves by running blood thru the veins in their ears to cool it off. (This is one reason that rabbits ears are usually bigger if born in the summer.) A Gatorade bottle (or water bottle) 3/4 full frozen and then put in your rabbit's cage so the bunny can lie up against it to cool themself is perfect. Keep several so you can rotate them in and out.

Answer 4

In hot weather, rabbits regulate their body temperature by seeking shade, staying hydrated, and grooming to cool themselves. They may also dig burrows to find cooler, underground areas to escape the heat.