Pet rabbits kept outdoors are vulnerable to hypothermia, respiratory disease, and psychological distress in cold British winters without appropriate housing and management.
Outdoor pet rabbits in winter face genuine welfare risks from hypothermia, respiratory infections exacerbated by cold and damp, and psychological distress from enforced inactivity. Standard wooden hutches provide inadequate insulation for British winters and allow wind, rain, and freezing temperatures to penetrate. Social isolation compounds physical discomfort, as rabbits evolved as social prey animals that rely on group warmth and companionship. Comprehensive winter housing solutions including insulation, weatherproofing, and indoor options significantly improve welfare outcomes.