Winter conditions, including low temperatures, reduced sunlight, and limited access to fresh green feed, can significantly affect the health and well-being of rabbits. To ensure their survival and comfort during this season, proper care and management are essential. Here are the key points to consider:
First, it's crucial to maintain a warm and draft-free environment for your rabbits. Rabbit hutches should ideally be oriented facing south to maximize sunlight exposure. Before winter arrives, conduct a thorough inspection of the housing to repair any leaks or gaps that could allow cold winds to enter. The ideal temperature range for rabbits is between 10°C and 25°C. If wind speed reaches 3 m/s at 10°C, the effective temperature can drop to near freezing. Therefore, it's important to control indoor air flow and maintain a stable temperature above 5°C to 10°C, reducing the impact of outdoor temperature fluctuations.
Humidity control is also vital in winter. A damp environment can lead to respiratory and skin issues. To combat this, you can use materials like grass ash or quicklime on wet floors to absorb moisture and help disinfect the area while keeping the rabbits warm.
Adding more bedding can greatly improve insulation. Soft, dry bedding not only absorbs moisture but also helps retain heat. Regularly turning or replacing the bedding ensures a comfortable and warm living space for the rabbits.
Adjusting the diet is another critical factor. Rabbits require more energy during colder months, so increasing their food intake by 20% to 30% is recommended. High-energy feeds such as corn bran, wheat bran, and potatoes should be included. Green feed should make up at least 30% of their diet, such as cabbage, carrots, and radish tops, to provide essential vitamins. Ensure there's enough feed available to prevent shortages due to snow or freezing conditions.
For breeding rabbits, maintaining a stable temperature above 10°C is essential. Providing complete feed along with green vegetables and vitamin C supports reproductive health. Breeding is most successful around midday when the temperature is warmer. Some methods like "double-matching" can increase the chances of successful mating.
Proper management of young rabbits is crucial for survival. Using separate enclosures, such as plastic film greenhouses or semi-underground houses, can protect them from harsh weather. Newborns must receive colostrum within the first 4 to 6 hours. If a mother rabbit refuses to nurse, hand-feeding or fostering may be necessary. After 20 days, young rabbits should begin eating solid food like cooked soybeans and tender greens, fed multiple times daily.
Shearing long-haired rabbits during winter is beneficial, but it should be done on sunny days to avoid chilling. After shearing, take precautions to keep them warm for two weeks.
Frostbite is a common issue in cold weather, especially on the ears. If frostbite occurs, move the rabbit to a warm area immediately. Apply oil for dry areas, iodized oil for swelling, and treat blisters carefully to prevent infection.
Encouraging exercise and light exposure is important. Move rabbits to a sheltered, sunny spot for 1–2 hours around noon. This helps build their immunity and aids in vitamin D synthesis through UV exposure.
Lastly, maintaining hygiene and disease prevention is key. Common winter diseases include colds, constipation, and diarrhea. Keep the environment clean, disinfect regularly, and isolate sick rabbits. Adding garlic, onions, and ginger to their diet can act as natural preventive measures. Controlling rodents is also essential to protect both the rabbits and the overall health of the farm.
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