Veterinarian and doctoral candidate Florian Lohkamp is active in research at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. He has a background in breeding pedigree rabbits and is therefore a knowledgeable contact when it comes to rabbit care in the warm season. We asked him why extreme heat poses a danger to rabbits and what recommendations he would give to owners regarding rabbit hutches and feeding.
Florian Lohkamp explains: What does summer heat do to our rabbits?
The summer season with high temperatures is very strenuous for rabbits and their organisms. This is because the animals release their body heat to the outside and thus regulate their temperature. The optimal holding temperature for rabbits is about 15-20 °C, with a certain tolerance range up and down. However, when the outside temperature rises above 30 °C and heat regulation is no longer possible, it becomes problematic for the rabbits. In high temperatures, relief is needed, otherwise overheating or even heat stroke threatens.
Tips against heat stress from the expert
What are the recommendations of our rabbit expert and veterinarian Florian Lohkamp on how to provide relief to rabbits in the heat? He emphasizes that avoiding stress from heat already begins with the design of the rabbit enclosures: "If we keep the animals on a concrete floor, better heat dissipation is possible than, for example, on plastic floors." Additionally, he recommends generally cooling down the hutch temperature from the outside on particularly hot days. "Cooling can be achieved by hanging damp sheets in front of the hutches and ensuring a bit of air circulation. Or by placing a sprinkler on the roof and letting it run to cool down the temperature." If this does not happen, Florian Lohkamp warns that if the rabbits can no longer release enough heat, they can suffer heat stroke, which in the worst case can lead to circulatory failure and ultimately death. As warning signs of overheating in rabbits, he describes: "If we see that our animals show an extremely high breathing rate and their noses are already getting moist, urgent action is needed."
The right food for rabbits in summer
In addition to external cooling, rabbits can be well supported through the summer with the right food. The light Mifuma Balance with its high crude fiber content, the herbs with their phytogenic active ingredients to support the immune system and respiration, as well as the special supplementary feed Mifuma Zucht Perle are just some of the products we recommend for the summer. In addition, you will find in our range the varied and fiber-rich Structure Muesli, available in a 15 kg sack or a handy 3.5 kg bag. Likewise, our large pellet, the Knabber-Max, is not only an activity option but also ensures the basic supply of small animals. It can be offered to rabbits in the hutch and also in the outdoor enclosure at any time. And of course, with any good food - especially in the summer months - rabbits should always have access to cool and fresh water.
A complete overview of our rabbit food can be found here.
