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Summer
Care:
Generally speaking, rabbits tend to have a hard time adapting to hot Texas weather; however, I have not had any problems. I think that is due to the cooling system we use: a constant south-east coastal breeze pushes a fine water mist through the barn. A PVC pipe of intermittant foggers hangs on the eastern roof edge and is turned on each day 1:00-6:00 PM. Additionally, fans inside the barn pull the fog on through the width of the building often dropping the temperature 5-10 degrees.
Generally speaking, rabbits tend to have a hard time adapting to hot Texas weather; however, I have not had any problems. I think that is due to the cooling system we use: a constant south-east coastal breeze pushes a fine water mist through the barn. A PVC pipe of intermittant foggers hangs on the eastern roof edge and is turned on each day 1:00-6:00 PM. Additionally, fans inside the barn pull the fog on through the width of the building often dropping the temperature 5-10 degrees.
During
summertime, we watch weather forecasts and thermometers very carefully.
Yes, it does limit our travel plans at times, but that's a choice we choose
to make. If inside temperatures reach 95 despite the foggers, frozen water
bottles are distributed to each cage and ears are sprayed with water.
Above 95 degrees, we go on RED ALERT...
that means a five gallon bucket is filled with cool tap water, and we
go through the barn, gently dipping each rabbit up to its ears and laying
it back into its cage. This wets the outer fur of the rabbit and acts
as a natural air conditioner as the moisture evaporates. Fortunately,
we've only had to do this three times in the past seven years. Another
alternative is to lay wet sackcloth inside each cage. Rabbits that show
extreme stress are brought inside the house (air-conditioned). Click here
to learn more about summer care of rabbits.
