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Old bunnies and cold weather

S

sam2607

New Kit
Hi everyone :wave:,

I was just after peoples opinions on older outdoor bunnies. Should a rabbit aged around 6/7 be brought in from the cold? She has arthirtis in one of her front legs. Will this become worse with the cold?

Thanks for reading and all opinions welcome.

Sam
 
Hello :)

Personally I would not want an older arthritic Bun to be outdoors over the winter.
I am sure much can be done to insulate outdoor accomodation and to insure it remains free of draughts and wet. Plus extra bedding and snugglesafes can be provided But I would still not be happy having any of my creeky oldies outdoors over winter.
 
An old bunny will certainly benefit from living indoors, especially if they have arthritis.

I have a bunny of a similar age to yours, and she lives outdoors in summer and goes into an unheated garage in winter. I think it's best to keep them out of drafts and damp at that age.

My oldest rabbits live indoors all year round.
 
Arthritis can be really painful, especially in the cold, so I'd prefer to bring the rabbit in for the winter - are you able to bring her in?
 
I may have to smuggle her in to the spare room, try and keep it from my fella. She defo won't be good at roaming around (she attacks potties) so would she live happily in a large dog cage (I feel that the so called indoor 'rabbit' cages are way to small) and let her out during the day?
 
i would bring her in to just explain to your fella that her condition is just like ours and how would you feel if i left you out in the cold :lol: large dog cage and free roam of room would be fine, theres not going to be enough sunshine now for her to get the benifit from the heat, i would personaly boost her vitimins some stuff in a bottle during winter being an oldish girl with her condition, my two have a dog cage and they like a cover over one end of the cage too i use an old throw
 
She'll need room to roam around...old bunnies sieze up without regular exercise and can end up with sore hocks, muscle loss, etc.
 
I bring my two into the hall when it's really cold (it's warmer then outside but still cool, if that makes sense).

They're only 4 but Inky has joint problems, so we have to take extra care.

I also give them glucosamine, which helps joints.
 
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