Preparing Your Rabbit for Autumn

As the days grow shorter and the weather turns cooler, it’s important to make some adjustments to your rabbit’s routine and housing. Rabbits are hardy animals, but they do need a little extra care during the autumn months to ensure they stay happy, healthy, and comfortable as they transition into winter.

As autumn brings rain and damp conditions, it’s important to make housing adjustments for your rabbits. Ensure their hutch is raised off the ground, waterproof, and sheltered from draughts. Adding extra insulation, such as thick covers or tarpaulins, will help protect against wind and rain. Inside the sleeping area, increase the amount of hay or straw so your rabbits can burrow and keep warm, checking and replacing any damp bedding regularly. Some owners choose to bring rabbits indoors during the colder months. If you plan to do this, introduce them gradually to the indoor environment to avoid unnecessary stress.

Routine changes are also essential at this time of year. With less fresh grass available, rabbits should be fed a diet based around good-quality hay, supported by leafy greens, safe vegetables, and dried forage mixes for variety. Exercise remains important despite shorter days and wetter weather, so provide access to a safe, dry run or create indoor play areas with tunnels, boxes, and toys. Autumn is also an ideal season for a health check, watching for signs of weight loss, dental problems, or behavioural changes. Regular grooming is particularly helpful as rabbits develop their thicker winter coats.

Finally, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind. Always check water bottles and bowls daily, as cold weather can cause spouts to freeze later in the season, and make sure your rabbits have a constant supply of fresh water. As daylight hours reduce, rabbits may naturally become less active, so try to give them as much access to natural light as possible. If they live indoors, you can set up safe lighting to mimic longer daytime hours and help maintain their natural rhythm.

At our Animall stores and online, we have a great selection of rabbit food, bedding, treats and toys to help create the best environment for them as we transition into the colder months.