If you made the transition during a mild spell... maybe with a halfway house in an unheated porch or garage... it would likely be okay. Or just take it back (I assume for free) and send it to freezer camp.

 

Here is how I do it. I set a cage up in a chicken coop or shed and provide a box of straw. If I see shivering, then I would cover the cage for a couple days. I move it on a day that it is above freezing. I leave it there for a week to adjust to the colder temps, then it makes the move to my indoor/outdoor cages. As long as the rabbit is in good weight and has a box with straw to get into, it should be fine making the transition from heated indoors to unheated indoors to outdoors.

 

Thanks! So she'll grow in a winter coat, it's not too late for that? Silly question but I had to ask!

 

Thanks! So she'll grow in a winter coat, it's not too late for that? Silly question but I had to ask!

Yup, when they get cold they will grow in the warmer fur. Might take a week or two meaby 4(i dont really know) but it will grow it.

Just give it lots of bedding and things to stay warm. Meaby throw it with some junoirs??

 

Move the rabbit outside on a mild day when there is about a 20 degree difference in temps. Give the rabbit something to snuggle into like a cardboard box filled with hay or straw just so it has the option of getting into shelter. Make sure it has plenty of water for the first couple weeks, thawing water several times a day if needed. I always give mine black tea in their water when I move them back outside, it keeps them drinking and helps keep them eating, IMO.

 

Thanks everyone. I was told once that rabbits should not be allowed to eat straw so I never put it in with them. Sounds like it is Ok after all? I never heard of putting in tea either, thanks for the tip! I am going to trade the family a buck that I have from the same litter. This particular doe was the kindest we had, very affectionate. I am looking forward to seeing her again!

 

I've gotten four rabbits this winter...indoor pets that no one wanted. I moved them straight into the tent (one after a two day stint in the house). Outdoor, unheated, portable garage.

One need oatmeal for abit and a box with straw. The rest have done just fine. I put them under the light for the first week in a smallish pen, thereafter, once I see they are fine, I move them to where I have room OR where I want them to stay.

I keep an eye on them.
Don't move them out on bitterly cold days (One was in the house for two days).
And move them mid-morning. Gives them the whole day to go okay...this is different but I'm cool! before it starts to get overnight cold.

As long as they have no wind on them at all I find they do just fine.

 

I put her out this morning with a nest box full of hay plus more on a corner of the cage. We put a board up blocking half the cage from the wind and the other half open and she is under a shelter (they all have this set up). At night we cover all the cages with heavy wool army blankets for extra protection from the wind. I plan to keep checking on her and see if she is shivering. I'll bring her into the basement or chicken coop if she is looking too cold. Thanks for the help. Let me know if you think of anything else! I traded her for a buck from the same litter. She actually is very sweet and no trouble at all. Just a typical gal!

 

Yes rabbits will eat the straw but it won't hurt them.