breed & species spotlights
Weather, light and the delicate bunny thermostat
Rabbits are far more sensitive to temperature than many people realise.
“ High ambient temperatures can prove fatal to rabbits,” warns Miles.“ Hot conditions and direct sunlight with no shade are distressing for rabbits as they cannot sweat effectively and do not increase water intake when hot. Temperature must be maintained between 15 ° C and 21 ° C.”
In warm weather, shade is essential. In cold weather, protection from rain and draughts( plus ample bedding) is critical.
Light cycles matter too.“ A rabbit’ s access to light and dark should mimic a normal day, for instance, 14 hours light and 10 hours dark,” adds Miles.“ Providing an appropriate dark period is important for rabbit welfare, so they can show normal patterns of behaviour, as well as sleep and rest adequately.”
Enrichment that works
If your rabbit lives indoors, enrichment becomes your secret weapon.
Miles recommends:
• High-quality hay for exploration and concealment
• Socialising with other rabbits
• Hay blocks, chew sticks and gnawing blocks
• Tunnels, pipes, boxes and elevated platforms
• Branches from nonpoisonous, chemical-free trees
• Plenty of space for hopping and play
“ Exercise is also important for the physical and mental health of rabbits,” says Miles. A complex environment with opportunities to hide, retreat and explore makes all the difference.
Still, she is clear: these are substitutes, not replacements, for natural living conditions.
The key takeaway? Rabbits are not low-maintenance ornaments. They are intelligent,
social animals with deeply ingrained natural behaviours. And if you already share your home with a rescued rabbit, creating a thoughtful, enriched environment isn’ t just good practice – it’ s essential.
50 www. petpals. co. za