Emma Jones
Do I have to take special care of my rabbits and guinea pigs in the heat of the summer? Are they allowed in their outdoor enclosure when the temperature is high, or do they not tolerate heat well?
Rabbits and guinea pigs are often victims of life-threatening heat strokes in summer. While we humans can cool down by sweating, this is not possible for small mammals. They regulate their heat balance by panting, rabbits also by their ears. However, the capacity of this regulatory system is quickly exhausted. Free-range keeping should therefore always be protected from rain, wind, and sun. The cage location is best chosen so that a natural source of shade, such as a tree or bush, is permanently available.
This is where mobile outdoor enclosures come in handy. Unfortunately, the commercially available plywood houses do not offer sufficient protection, as they heat up extremely in direct sunlight. The misconception that rabbits and guinea pigs do not need drinking water can have deadly consequences in midsummer. Freshwater must always be available. To prevent the mineral loss, offer a salt and mineral lick. You should quickly remove uneaten green fodder from the free-range – it quickly begins to ferment in the heat and can cause severe digestive disorders.