Can angora rabbits live outside?
The decision to keep an Angora rabbit outside will depend on your specific circumstances and the climate in your area.
In this article, we will let know if angora rabbits can be kept outside, we will also get you acquainted with an angora rabbit and explain the factors that need to be considered when determining the safest place to train an angora rabbit.
Contents
Can Angora Rabbits live Outside?
Yes, angora rabbits can live outside, but it’s important to provide them with appropriate shelter and protection from harsh weather and environmental conditions.
If you plan to keep an Angora rabbit outside, you should provide them with a spacious, sturdy hutch or shelter that is raised off the ground to prevent dampness and predators.
The hutch should be well-ventilated and provide plenty of space for your rabbit to move around, as well as an enclosed area where they can retreat for privacy and protection.
Because Angora rabbits have long, thick coats, they may be better suited to cooler climates where they can avoid overheating.
If you live in an area with hot summers, you’ll need to make sure that your rabbit has access to shade and cool water to prevent heat stroke.
Reasons Angora Rabbits Should Not Live Outside
Here are some reasons why angora rabbits should not be kept outside:
Excessively High Temperature
High temperatures can turn out to be a major concern for your angora rabbit especially if they are kept outside.
Angora rabbits must live in conditions that are temperature regulated.
This rules out the risk of overheating.
Angora rabbits possess long and special wool coats that keep them warm all year round but this also poses a great risk of overheating which can result in a high mortality rate for your angora rabbit.
Angora rabbits must be kept away from the sun and never be in temperatures that are over 75°F.
Specific Wire-Cage Housing
The thick luxurious fur of angora rabbits makes it too easy for them to trap dirt particles which can result in infection or skin problems for the rabbit.
So to ensure that things hardly get caught in their fur, keeping them in all wire cages without wood shavings is advised.
If your angora rabbit lives outside, it will have a very little barrier for getting dust, wood, and other dirt particles caught in its fur.
This will in turn expose your rabbits to infections and a host of diseases.
Thus, wire cages are the best options to keep your angora rabbit comfortable, healthy, and safe from infections.
When looking for the right cage, try to get one as large as possible depending on the space the cage will occupy.
You need enough room for your Angora to play and more freely.
Drinking
Drinking water from bottles causes less moisture to go on their furs and prevents them from getting matted. The water also remains clean and tasty for the rabbits.
However, If angora rabbits are kept outside, they can get water all over their thick fur even to the point of having to shave off the matted fur.
For this reason, it is best to keep your angora rabbits indoors with a nice fresh water bottle.
High Sugar Sensitivity
Angora rabbits love to eat leafy greens and berries they find on the ground.
This poses a health risk to them as they are very susceptible to sugars and excessive carbs.
Thus, they should be kept indoors where their feeding is monitored.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions.
How Do You Keep Angora Rabbits Outside?
If you plan on keeping Angora rabbits outside, there are several things you can do to ensure that they stay safe, healthy, and comfortable.
Here are some tips for keeping Angora rabbits outside:
- Provide appropriate shelter: Your rabbits will need a sturdy and secure hutch or shelter that’s insulated and protected from the elements. The hutch should be large enough to allow your rabbits to move around comfortably and should have a separate area for sleeping and eating.
- Keep the hutch clean and dry: Regular cleaning and maintenance of the hutch is important to prevent the buildup of waste and bacteria, which can cause health problems for your rabbits. The hutch should also be kept dry to prevent mold and other issues.
- Offer bedding and nesting materials: Angora rabbits need a soft and comfortable surface to rest on, so provide them with bedding and nesting materials such as hay or straw. This will also help to insulate the hutch and keep your rabbits warm.
- Provide fresh water and food: Your rabbits will need access to fresh water and a balanced diet that includes hay, fresh vegetables, and limited amounts of rabbit pellets. Make sure that their food and water containers are clean and regularly replenished.
- Protect from predators: Your rabbits will need to be protected from predators such as foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey. Make sure that the hutch is secure and that your rabbits are not left out in the open for long periods of time.
- Regularly check on your rabbits: Make sure to check on your rabbits daily to ensure that they’re healthy and comfortable. Look for signs of illness or injury, and make any necessary adjustments to their environment or diet.
Overall, keeping Angora rabbits outside requires careful attention to their needs and environmental conditions.
With the right shelter, food, water, and protection, your rabbits can thrive in an outdoor environment.
How Cold Can Angora Rabbits Tolerate?
Angora rabbits can tolerate temperatures between 50 – 70°F (10 – 21°C).
However, they may need additional protection from the cold if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
This can include providing extra insulation in their hutch, adding blankets or other bedding materials, and ensuring that they have access to a dry and draft-free area to rest.
Can Angora Rabbits Live Outside In Winter?
Angora rabbits can live outside in winter, but it’s important to provide them with appropriate shelter and protection from the cold.
While outside in winter, it is important to monitor closely and look out for signs of hypothermia such as lethargy, shivering, and a decreased appetite.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take steps to warm your rabbits up immediately.
What Is The Best Bedding For Angora Rabbits?
The best bedding for Angora rabbits is one that is soft, absorbent, and comfortable for them to rest on. Here are some popular options for bedding:
- Straw: Straw is a common bedding material for rabbits, as it’s relatively inexpensive and readily available. Straw is absorbent and can help to keep your rabbit warm, but it may be a bit scratchy for some rabbits.
- Hay: Hay is another popular bedding material for rabbits, and it can also double as a source of food. Like straw, hay is absorbent and can help to keep your rabbit warm, but it may be less comfortable than other options.
- Paper-based bedding: Paper-based bedding materials, such as shredded paper or recycled paper products, can provide a soft and comfortable surface for your rabbit to rest on. They’re also highly absorbent and can help to control odors.
- Wood shavings: Wood shavings can also be used as bedding for rabbits, but it’s important to choose a type that is safe and non-toxic. Cedar and pine shavings are not recommended, as they can be irritating to your rabbit’s respiratory system.
When choosing bedding for your Angora rabbit, it’s important to consider their specific needs and preferences.
Some rabbits may prefer a softer or more absorbent bedding material, while others may be more comfortable with something coarser.
It’s also important to regularly clean and replace the bedding to prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors.
Conclusion
Angora rabbits are a precious breed of rabbits that produce unique wool and also make entertaining pets. But they require special attention and should not be kept outside, especially during hot seasons.
Therefore, it is important to keep them indoors in temperature-regulated spaces.
We hope this article helped you know if angora rabbits can live outside. If you have any other questions, comment below and we will do well to answer them.
Reference
- Oladimeji AM, Johnson TG, Metwally K, Farghly M, Mahrose KM. Environmental heat stress in rabbits: implications and ameliorations. Int J Biometeorol. 2022 Jan;66(1):1-11. doi: 10.1007/s00484-021-02191-0. Epub 2021 Sep 14. PMID: 34518931.
- I de Dios, A Arranz, M.A López. The effect of hypothermia on exocrine pancreatic secretion in rabbits,
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/0300-9629(86)90708-5.