Heat Stress

Rabbits have a wonderful fur coat which enables them to handle low temperatures pretty well but stresses them when subjected to high temperatures.  Here in South-East Texas much of the year is warm enough to cause some degree of heat stress in rabbits if they are kept outside. 

Symptoms of heat stress include panting rapidly, weakness, redness of the ears, refusal to move about and slobbering.  Temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, high humidity, poor ventilation, and overcrowding are factors that can lead to heat stress or heat stroke.  Bucks can become sterile in these conditions.  Because of this, rabbit breeders try to keep their rabbits cool when the weather gets warm.

There are many ways to limit the heat stress for rabbits.  Passive measures such as keeping outside hutches in the shade and in an area where there is good airflow can do much to prevent heat stress.  When temperatures climb well into the 90's, though, additional measures should be taken.  Many breeders freeze water in used 2-liter bottles overnight and place these in the cages to help the rabbits cool down.  Others use fans and mist systems or evaporative coolers to help lower the temperature of the ambient air around the rabbits.  Still others keep their rabbits in air-conditioned sheds or barns.  The breeder should do everything possible within their budget to keep their rabbits comfortable and productive.

This page was last updated on 08/26/05.