Rabbit? Sunlight? Help?

Question

I love to take my bunny for long walks around our garden. It's great exercise for me and him and we both love it. But when it is sunny (alot now) I worry about if he can stay in the sunlight. So I either make sure he runs in my shadow or take him in until the sun goes down. He doesn't get as much time outside now because of this. Is he alright in the sun? I am thinking of maybe putting a hat on his head when he is going outside. Sounds stupid but he really doesn't mind and it would do him good so he doesn't have to squint when he's in the sun! If I can find one that will fit his head that is....all mine are too big. Maybe in Mothercare? LOL. But it would do him great. I remember reading a book on rabbits saying their hutches can't be in direct sunlight. Is this because they can't go in sunlight? but on Bunspace one of the contests was about being outside in the sun. But he doesn't look very comfy in the sun, squinting his eyes. Plz help!

x*x ♥ David Tennant Lover and Pebbles ♥ x*x

Answer 1

he really is a cute bunny, why not wait until the sun has moved over  a bit, animals can overheat in the midday sun, why not wait until early evening and walk him then, it will be slightly cooler and the sun will not be so direct on your garden, that way you can still enjoy your walks and time together but your bunny will be a lot more comfortable and can enjoy it more, it is the hottest time of the day at about 12-2 so try and avoid this time about 4 it is still warm but not as burning as earlier in the day, you can carry a water bottle and if your bunny is looking too hot then just gently spray him to cool him down but if you walk him later in the day i am sure he will enjoy his walks with you a lot more, best of luck honey

Answer 2

He should be fine as long as it is not too hot (above 36c, i think).  My rabbit sits sun bathing if it is sunny when he is in his run but if he gets to hot he just sits in the shade.

Answer 3

That's a sweet idea (: Your bunny is so cute!

If your rabbit doesn't mind wearing a hat (That's something I never thought I'd say! =P) then there's no harm in putting one on him at all. As long as he's comfortable with it, and doesn't look like he's trying to take it off then it should be fine.

Get a lightweight floppy brimmed hat that will give him shade but that won't be heavy or uncomfortable for him. I suggest buying a baby/toddler/child hat (depending on how big his head is, of course =P).

As you probably know if you wear hats yourself, your head can get hot and sweaty underneath it, so periodically take his hat off and give him air to his head.

As other people have also suggested, buy a cheap spray bottle and mist him with water occasionally. My guineapigs love it when I do that to them in hot weather.

After his walks, make sure he has a shady place to sit and relax with plenty of water and maybe some treats available.

Avoid walking him between 11am and 2pm (The hottest part of the day.)

The best time to walk him is in the evening, or first thing in the morning, as it won't be too hot for either of you.

Lastly, make sure that your bunny is well hydrated. Every so often, offer him water and let him drink his fill. It's better to give him the oppurtunity to drink more often than he needs than not enough.

Hope I helped!

-Penguin x

Ps. David Tennant is fit XD

Answer 4

Awwww....he doesn't need a hat but how sweet of you to think so :-)

It's more the heat than the sun, though keeping him in your shadow is good. Buy a spray bottle (about 50p from Tesco) and fill it with cold water, you can then mist him with it on your walks to keep him cool. Avoid taking him out when the sun is at it's hottest, and if he has pink skin he should always wear sunscreen. Find the highest factor you can, my horses wear Factor 50 for Kids. It doesn't have to be special rabbit sunscreen, just get the stuff for kids or people with sensetive skin. :-)

ADD: If he squints and will wear a hat, I suppose it wouldn't hurt. Just get a cap made for kids and cut two ear holes :-D

Good luck with Pebbles :-)