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Cool 'n Clean

Author: RWA
Posted: Friday 28th July, 2006. 00:00:00

In this scorching weather please remember to do everything you can to keep your bunnies cool and comfortable. In the wild they can burrow below ground to keep cool but our pet buns don't have that luxury so please do what you can.

A good trick is to freeze a plastic bottle of water for them to lean against if they are too hot. Please note that the bottle must always be wrapped in a tea towel to prevent ice-burn.

If your bunnies are outside then please make sure they have plenty of shade. Check the position of hutches and runs and ensure they are in the coolest, shadiest parts of the garden, well out of direct sunlight.
If their run can be put over cold paving slabs out of sunlight then They can spread themselves out over the cool stones to keep their temperature down.
Additionally, use sun umbrellas to provide shade in the run, but ensure they are anchored down. Battery operated fans are also a good idea and can be picked up cheaply on ebay, or in shops. It's important to make sure that the rabbits can't get any part of their
body caught in the fan though.

And please always be on the lookout for the risk of Flystrike. Ideally they need to be cleaned out every day and be given clean, fresh hay.

Check your bunnies' bottoms regularly and ensure they are clean. If your buns have long hair then they need to be brushed regularly.

Plastic netting can be obtained from DIY shops and placed over runs and hutches to prevent flies getting in easily.

Keep an eye on your buns, and if you have any doubts then please get them checked out by a vet. Remember that rabbits are prey animals and will, by instinct, disguise any illness or injury as much as possible, so please watch carefully and observe any signs of over heating, or any other kind of problem.

Have fun, and have a happy bun! The Rabbit Welfare Offer a free advice line on 01403 267658 email hq@rabbitwelfare.co.uk or see the website at http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk

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