Can rabbit babies be safely kept outside in a hutch in NJ? Any tips to doing this?

Question

any tips to rabit keeping and or warmth would be appreciated

Answer 1

how young? And durring what weather? Its its snow, the no. I would take the mom, and the babbies in the house durrin the cold season. If they are away from the mom, then maybe. It just depends on how small they are.

i would put rabbits in an enclosed patio if you have one. Or possibly in the house, if thats an opitin.

Answer 2

it is fine as long as the babies can't find i way to ecsape the hutch becuase if they can i would bring them inside when they are small then when they get a little bigger place them back outside.

Answer 3

This may help answer your question. Most things I've read recommend a hutch inside a shed or shelter of some sort to protect from predators and offer some shelter from wind and weather.

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/outdo...

I remember reading somewhere that it's not a good idea if they're outside in the winter, to be constantly bringing them inside and then taking them back out because it's hard for their bodies to adjust to the temperature changes.

I've always kept mine inside, built them a play area and made sure they had lots of running around time. They were pets and I didn't think it was fair to isolate them outside, especially since I knew I didn't want to spend a whole lot of time outside in the worst of winter, so they could end up being neglected. However, my aunt raised meat rabbits in New York for years. They were in hutches in a barn, and did really well (in terms of illness and physical health, anyway).

Regardless of whether they are intended to be pets, they are social creatures, so it wouldn't be fair to just put one out there alone. Too lonely. If that's the plan, would be better to get two (check genders and spay/neuter accordingly, of course), so they'll have company.

Answer 4

Yes, lots of people raise rabbits in New Jersey, and it's nearly impossible to house an entire rabbitry inside the house.

If you breed in the winter, it is important to make sure that the doe has pulled enough fur for the nest. When you reach in, the babies should be warm underneath the fur. Also, when your doe gets close to delivery, you'll want to keep a very clse eye on the hutch. If she kindles any kits on the wire, they must be returned to the warm nest IMMEDIATELY, or they may die.

If you find kits outside the nest that are cold and not moving, but not yet stiff, you may still be able to save them. Many women stick them in their bra for 15-20 minutes to warm them up until they start moving again. Or, you can run their bodies under warm (not hot) water, or under a warm (not hot) hair dryer for 15-20 minutes. If nothing, the kit is beyond coming back. But many kits are saved using this method.

In the summer, it's perfectly fine. Just make sure there isn't *too* much fur in the nest. The natural heat of the summer will keep the babies warm enough.

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

place a blanket over the cage

bring them indoors