I was given two "amazing" gifts this season. My brother had an unused bucket heater from his last dog which was bannished to the outdoors for hyperactive behavior. My future-father-in-law had unused heat tapes used before their house was re-roofed. Their trash was truly my treasure!
My rabbits watering system is solvent welded together, tested for leaks (none!) and for valve pressure (all good!). It is double wrapped with heat tape and covered with insulation. The bucket heater is suspended in the bucket and the bucket is also blanketed in insulation.
So what's the catch? Electricity! With the rabbity about 200 feet from the house, we don't have long enough extension cords to test it out! So close, and still no chance to test it out for this winter season. Maybe Santa will bring me some extension cords. Maybe. If I've been really, really good.
For the rest of you with cold winter bunnies I have to share this product with you. If your rabbit is not in a shelter, than a heat mat would be nice to warm cold toes. A heated water bottle is, of course, nice. But if you use a heated bottle or bowl, your rabbit will huddle against it for warmth, causing matting and hot spots. If you choose a heated bottle or bowl, spring for the heated mat too.
If you're anything like me, you'll spend a little less time with outdoor rabbits in winter than you do in summer. Because you spend less time handling watch rabbit it is even more important to look for potential health problems.
Wooly rabbits like angoras need to be combed (no plucked or clipped, please) weekly to remove the loose wool that contributes to wool block. This is a good time of year to medicate for mites that cause itching (and licking). Rearrange the grass hay in your rabbits' hay racks every day so they can get to the good bits!
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