You may wonder during cold seasons “Do rabbits need bedding to keep them warm?” Bedding for outdoor rabbits is a must, as they are outside, exposed to cold weather. Bedding for indoor rabbits is not necessary, because they are in a controlled environment and have their fur to warm them. Sometimes the bedding confuses or frustrates them, making them think it’s a litter. However, if you think your bunny needs something warm, there are many rabbit bedding options to choose from for outdoor and indoor rabbits.
Outdoor Rabbit Bedding Options:
If your rabbit lives outside in a hutch, you will need to line it with bedding during the winter to ensure your pet stays warm. Here are some options that are safe to use:
Hay
This is a very safe option, as rabbits tend to chew and eat their bedding. Your bunny’s hay can double as bedding and keep them warm and fed.
Small Pet Bedding
You can find these kinds of bedding at your local pet store. Make sure to check that the ingredients are clean and safe just in case your bunny chews it.
Aspen Wood Shavings
Aspen wood shavings are the only wood shavings that are safe to use in your rabbit’s hutch. They will keep your pet warm and cozy.
Towels
Believe it or not, towels can be used as bedding as well! Find a clean towel with no holes and just place it on the ground. Your bunny can play around with it until it feels comfortable to him.
What Not to Use:
Cat Litter
Cat litter for rabbits is not safe to use as it is dusty and can irritate your pet’s sinus. Since it is made specifically for cats, it’s best to stick to bedding that is for rabbits.
Pine / Cedar Shavings
Always avoid using Pine or Cedar bedding for your bunny. They contain toxic chemicals and can cause liver problems for your pet. If you really feel like giving your rabbit wood shavings for their bedding, use Aspen wood shavings.
Do Indoor Rabbits Need Bedding?
If your rabbit lives indoors, bedding is not needed. They can heat up easily and bedding could make them uncomfortable or annoyed. You can use bedding in their litter box, though. However, if you feel like your bunny needs bedding, choose one that is harmless to them.
Research and find the bedding you think is most suitable for your pet. Make sure not to use the same bedding as the one in the litter box, or else your rabbit may use the bathroom all over its cage. But, overall, indoor rabbits really don’t need any bedding to be comfortable.
All of the outdoor rabbit bedding options are perfectly safe to use. Your outside bunny will be warm and comfortable. And, if you think he needs it, these options are good for indoor rabbits to use too.
