Rabbits and Guinea Pigs in Winter: Hutches, Bedding and Frozen Water
Short answer. Outdoor rabbits and guinea pigs need a sheltered, draught-free, raised hutch with plenty of extra bedding and water that cannot freeze. The RSPCA gives 10 to 20°C as ideal for rabbits and suggests moving them in if it falls below freezing; PDSA suggests a shed or car-free garage for small pets. Not veterinary advice.
The hutch
The RSPCA advises raising a rabbit hutch at least four inches off the ground, facing it away from wind and rain in a sheltered spot, and insulating the walls with cardboard, blankets or boards while keeping it ventilated. Source: RSPCA, Looking after your rabbit in winter.
Bedding
The RSPCA suggests plenty of extra hay and removing wet bedding every day, because it can freeze overnight. PDSA recommends extra deep, dry bedding for outdoor rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets. Sources: RSPCA, Looking after your rabbit in winter; PDSA, Winter advice to keep your pet safe through the cold season (13 December 2022).
Water
The RSPCA says to check water at least twice a day and to offer both a bowl and a bottle, since a bowl is less likely to freeze. PDSA says to check bottles and nozzles daily, several times a day in very cold weather. Sources: RSPCA, Looking after your rabbit in winter; PDSA, Winter advice to keep your pet safe through the cold season (13 December 2022).
Bringing them in
The RSPCA gives 10 to 20°C as ideal for pet rabbits and says you may wish to bring them indoors below freezing. PDSA suggests moving outdoor small pets into a sheltered, draught-free shed or a garage with no car in it. Sources: RSPCA, Looking after your rabbit in winter; PDSA, Winter advice to keep your pet safe through the cold season (13 December 2022).
Exercise
The RSPCA says rabbits often become more active in cold weather and still need space to exercise, including if the hutch moves into a shed or garage. Source: RSPCA, Looking after your rabbit in winter.
Sources
- RSPCA, Looking after your rabbit in winter, read 7 November 2026.
- PDSA, Winter advice to keep your pet safe through the cold season (13 December 2022), read 7 November 2026.
Related pages
Everything for rabbit owners, what rabbits can eat, guinea pig food guide and hamsters and guinea pigs.
