Nick Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Hi - our first winter in the UK approaches with an Eglu Go and 2ft run attached. The rabbits have loved the 24hr access to the lawn and we don't want to stop this, but as it gets colder we also need to ensure they can keep warm. At the moment we use Carefresh bedding as they use the corner of the run for their poop. Is the advice to keep the door to the run open no matter the temperature and fill the Eglu with straw, or are there any other considerations we should make. Many thanks Nick (on behalf of Willow and Marshmallow) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 If the bunnies have lived outside all summer, they should be developing a good winter coat right now and should be able to keep warm in winter. Just make sure they have a (mostly) dry run and definitely a dry hutch. It’s wet bunnies that can get into trouble. They are just ordinary fur bunnies right? The long haired/angora bunnies can’t be kept outside in winter as they don’t have a water resistant coat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Posted October 21, 2019 Author Share Posted October 21, 2019 34 minutes ago, Cat tails said: If the bunnies have lived outside all summer, they should be developing a good winter coat right now and should be able to keep warm in winter. Just make sure they have a (mostly) dry run and definitely a dry hutch. It’s wet bunnies that can get into trouble. They are just ordinary fur bunnies right? The long haired/angora bunnies can’t be kept outside in winter as they don’t have a water resistant coat. Thanks Cat tails, yes ordinary bunnies. Run has an end to end weather cover and hutch stays dry. Its more about if we need to pack the hutch with straw (as well as confirming that leaving the door open to the elements no matter the weather is ok) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted October 21, 2019 Share Posted October 21, 2019 Generally they are fine as long as they’re dry as CT says. In the past I have used snugglesafe heat pads but buns tend to chew them. Lots of hay and straw will keep them warm in the eglu. Just double checking I assume you mean 2m run not 2ft otherwise they’ll need more run space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Posted October 22, 2019 Author Share Posted October 22, 2019 11 hours ago, Lewis said: Generally they are fine as long as they’re dry as CT says. In the past I have used snugglesafe heat pads but buns tend to chew them. Lots of hay and straw will keep them warm in the eglu. Just double checking I assume you mean 2m run not 2ft otherwise they’ll need more run space. Thanks Lewis - yes 2m of course - doh. So do you leave the door open and let the straw become the protective layer for heat. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxine Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 Our Rabbit is out all the time and never goes into his hutch, as long as he moves around he can keep warm and he's found himself somewhere he likes better than his hutch for shelter. He's about 7 years old now and seems to work for him. I do give him his rabbit pellets, fresh veg and apples and he also likes a slice of toast for his breakfast, and fresh water. I'm working on the theory that the bread gives him a bit of body fat and keeps him warmer ... anyway it's him who asks for it, he bangs on the kitchen door in a morning asking for it so he must like it. (I do keep his hutch available for him incase he changes his mind) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 22, 2019 Share Posted October 22, 2019 We used to have 2 mini-lops in a 2 storey log cabin type hutch, it was against a wall and largely protected form the worst of the weather. I had Aubiose as the main litter, wood pellet cat litter in their litter tray and straw for their bedding. Although the latter was always quickly chewed into confetti! In the winter, I would rig up a clear tarp and bungee hooks to go over the roof and down the front of the whole coop in wet weather. It was angled out at the bottom to allow a free flow of air. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Hi everyone, to keep children busy and encourage caring for animals we are getting 2 mini lops , rehoming at 5 months, so am guessing an already forgotten Christmas present. They are coming with a large wooden hutch and I am putting them in a large WIR, as I only have 6 chickens they will be in other WIR.. My understanding is these bunnies were kept inside and presumably haven’t got their winter coat. Is it too cold for them at night in their hutch ? With a lot of effort I could clear space in garden shed , would this be best. They are sisters and am intending to get them spayed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Do check that they are indeed sisters - bunnies can be notoriously difficult to sex. Getting them spayed is best - does left entire can get all sorts of nasty gynae problems. If they are used to being indoors, then they will feel the cold - we are getting 5deg here at the moment. I would heap their bedding area up with straw and see if you can rig up some sort of shutter for the front of their hutch. Rabbits are easy to litter train and I'd recommend the wood pellet type of litter for their dirty tray. We used to use Aubiose in the hutch when we had bunnies. Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Thank you DM, they are in the kitchen 🙄 not my intention at all. They are very sweet and placid and used to lots of handling. It is very chilly here so think I shall let them bask in the warmth for a few more weeks. They are house trained and seemed to have free range in their last home which won’t be happening with my two dogs already here. I think I shall try and set up the puppy playpen so kids can get in and cuddle Nibbles and Flopsy . I will ring vets and book in for spaying as I do not want any babies. I think they are operating a reduced service with virus at vets so will see. I want to let them settle before more travelling in car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 1 minute ago, Grandmashazzie said: Thank you DM, they are in the kitchen 🙄 not my intention at all. They are very sweet and placid and used to lots of handling. It is very chilly here so think I shall let them bask in the warmth for a few more weeks. They are house trained and seemed to have free range in their last home which won’t be happening with my two dogs already here. I think I shall try and set up the puppy playpen so kids can get in and cuddle Nibbles and Flopsy . I will ring vets and book in for spaying as I do not want any babies. I think they are operating a reduced service with virus at vets so will see. I want to let them settle before more travelling in car. Good call. Don't forget that they like/need to chew, so provide some wood for them to gnaw on so that they don't chew up your woodwork and cables. Photos of the babies would be lovely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Here they are 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 They do look very fluffy! Not to be a party pooper, but having sisters doesn’t automatically mean they will keep getting along in the long run... the bunny rescue I sometimes volunteer at doesn’t pair up sisters or brothers together, but always a male with a female. But do have fun with them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 46 minutes ago, Cat tails said: They do look very fluffy! Not to be a party pooper, but having sisters doesn’t automatically mean they will keep getting along in the long run... the bunny rescue I sometimes volunteer at doesn’t pair up sisters or brothers together, but always a male with a female. But do have fun with them! Agreed; they will change temperament as they mature sexually too. Very sweet little bunnies though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Yes, I had read that, hopefully if neutered they will remain friends 🤞 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Those are just the cutest bunnies. I would love something to cuddle right now that's not necessarily a human. I just said to DS that I think when this virus stuff is all over, we should get a puppy. He said why don't we just get one now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 1 hour ago, Grandmashazzie said: Yes, I had read that, hopefully if neutered they will remain friends 🤞 We had 2 neutered sisters who got on very well, in fact they were inseparable, and even died within days of each other. Just don't let the children name them... we ended up with Hunny Bunny and Cupcake! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 Oh Luvachicken that’s exciting, lots of furries needing rehoused as families struggle at the minute. DM we have Nibbles and Flopsy, which is not too bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 Lovely bunnies - I had to look twice at the dead bodies in the cage with them! I would go for it Luvachicken, I am sure there are going to be lots of furries needing new homes as people struggle to cope with CV and the lifestyle implications. We got our rescue kitten when I was quite ill last year and it was one of the best things we have done, firstly because we've been without animals for too long, and secondly he is a great soother, always up for a cuddle when not off marauding, and great fun, he has turned into a fabulous boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyC Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 Hi there I’m for advice from people with the Eglu Go rabbit hutch. Keep coming across old forums of people complaining about there not being enough space in there (Rablu?!) but have they modified it since? As reviews more recently seem better. Trying to decide between this and a larger wooden hutch. The breeder as said I should bring the mini lops we are having inside for winter, but discussions on here suggest people find them ok outside in the eglu? Any pointers would be great :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 On 3/23/2020 at 8:50 AM, Grandmashazzie said: Oh Luvachicken that’s exciting, lots of furries needing rehoused as families struggle at the minute. On 3/23/2020 at 9:01 AM, Daphne said: I would go for it Luvachicken, Well, I haven't mentioned it to OH yet. I'm not sure it will happen but everything comes to those who wait......eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
