When to cover the hutch?

Izzy and Archie have to stay outside this winter I've got big blankets to cover the hutch with, a shower curtain to stop rain getting in the hutch and a snugglesafe. So far I've only used the shower curtain on night's that it rains because I want them to get a winter coat, but Izzy's quite thin and I'm worried about her in this weather. Should I start covering the hutch with blankets and giving them a snugglesafe now?

yeah mines covered now hun xx

I would cover but not put the snugglesafe in yet as it will get much, much colder. I'd just pack the whole hutch floor to ceiling with straw, and feed them up, especially if shes thin - i'd get them on the porridge. I dont see a problem with being a bit fat over winter, they burn it keeping warm

ive got some bubble wrap,covering my cage,last night i added a blanket,by next weekend,fingers crossed,if hubbie does what he says hes going to do they will be nice and toasty

Yes I would cover them up now as the night's are getting colder. We cover some of the indoor hutches over with older bunnies in just to keep them a little warmer in the cold Winter night's.

I cover the piggies up now. They have and insulated layer then hutch cover on top and they only have the plastic cover on the front and I think that is enough - you still have to be able to let the condensation out. i just make sure inside is piled high with hay.

Any specific porridge you use or a specific way to do it?

I do worry because Jeeves is underweight still.

I cover mine up on a night all year round just to keep them safe

We're going to be replacing the covers on my hutches this week if all goes well but the snuggle safes are not out the cupboard just yet.

I used a removable extra skin of marine ply on three walls and under the floor. On the roof I put "slices" of hay wrapped in bubble-wrap and at night the mesh door had a fitted maarine ply panel.. There was always a good bed of hay.
In Clawed's big hutch ... well, a full bale of hay fluffed up in the long straight part of the day section and a nice hay bed in the sleeping area... just in case she decided it would make a good bed instead of a loo!

when do the snuggle safes come out?

I would cover but not use the snugglesafe yet. We aren't really into winter yet. I would up their feed too, and definitely feed Izzy up so she has a bit more weight. Porridge is an excellent way to do that.

[b]People keep saying about porridge is this just porridge oats or mixed with somthing? presumably not in a bowl mixed with milk, sugar and give them a spoon each, because the crazy gang would end up flicking at each other the warmth with them isn't sutch a problem as both hutches have heaters in

Looked out our windows this morning and the roofs were white, the grass was white. Went out to give charlie fresh water and fresh veg, it was that cold could see my breath, I notices his water dish was really cold, so even tho we have insulated his hut, will need to over it with something, and make his cosey box/corner asap. I have the bedding here to stuff what ever we do with, but not sure where to put the cosey box. He lies on the top shelf at the window. But thats going to be the coldest bit I would prefer he didnt lie there. Any suggestions.

dizzylynn wrote:Looked out our windows this morning and the roofs were white, the grass was white. Went out to give charlie fresh water and fresh veg, it was that cold could see my breath, I notices his water dish was really cold, so even tho we have insulated his hut, will need to over it with something, and make his cosey box/corner asap. I have the bedding here to stuff what ever we do with, but not sure where to put the cosey box. He lies on the top shelf at the window. But thats going to be the coldest bit I would prefer he didnt lie there. Any suggestions.

PErsonally I'd just pack as much straw into every single area of the hutch as possible, including on top of his box xx

Ruffin wrote:[b]People keep saying about porridge is this just porridge oats or mixed with somthing? presumably not in a bowl mixed with milk, sugar and give them a spoon each, because the crazy gang would end up flicking at each other the warmth with them isn't sutch a problem as both hutches have heaters in

A handful of pure porridge oats soaked in warm water. They need to be well soaked, otherwise they have a tendency to absorb water from the rabbits gut and can become a problem, as they'll either dehydrate the stomach contents or swell as they rehydrate.