The DOs and DON’Ts of moving your small pets back outdoors this spring

The days are starting to stretch out, temperatures are on the up, and spring flowers are providing fabulous flashes of colour in our outdoor spaces. While we humans happily note a changing of the seasons, our pets do too – and they’ll be just as eager as we are to spend time outside, enjoying the spring sunshine. 

However, if you’re thinking of moving your rabbits or guinea pigs back outside after they’ve spent the winter warm and snug indoors, it’s something that has to be done very carefully. 

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Vets for Pets advises: “Spring can be very changeable for weather, with what can seem like all the seasons in one day! This means that if your pet is exposed to the elements in any way, it is important to make sure they are protected in all kinds of weather. Heatstroke can cause rapid death, and conversely, very cold snaps can lead to pneumonia, hypothermia and heart attacks, and can also be fatal.”

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To help your rabbits or guinea pigs make a safe transition from indoor to outdoor living, follow our handy list of DOs and DON’Ts

• DO give your rabbits time to adjust to a change in temperature. If you have kept your rabbits indoors for the winter, they wouldn’t have grown a thick winter coat like outdoor and wild rabbits do. So, while you can let them outside on fine, sunny days, make sure they stay active to keep warm. The RSPCA recommends that the ideal temperature for rabbits is between 10-20°C (50-68°F).

• DON’T leave your house bunnies out in the cold. Veterinary charity PDSA advises: “Indoor rabbits will benefit from time outside so they can get some fresh air and enjoy some fresh grass. However, the sudden change in temperature when going from a warm house to a cold garden can come as a big surprise for them. Try to give them regular access to the outside as the seasons change so they have time to adjust. It’s also really important they have free access to get back indoors if they start to feel cold.” Rabbit Welfare recommends: “If your rabbits’ indoor area is very warm, putting them straight out in the cold can cause them harm. Try to balance the temperature indoors and outdoors as much as possible, by keeping them in an unheated area such as a conservatory or hallway, for example.”

• DON’T allow your rabbits to get chilled. You can tell whether your rabbits are getting too cold by gently feeling their ears, which should be warm to the touch. Another sign that it’s too chilly for comfort is if your buns are sitting hunched up with their fur fluffed up. 

• DO take extra care with sensitive guinea pigs. These small rodents can’t tolerate very cold or very hot weather and need to be protected from draughts and temperature extremes throughout the year. The RSPCA advises that temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can cause them to become chilled, and above 26°C (78°F) can cause heatstroke. Animal welfare charity Blue Cross recommends: “Guinea pigs struggle with high and low temperatures, so if you do bring them inside for the winter, wait until the weather is consistently warm to reintroduce them back outside.”

• DO make sure outdoor accommodation is well insulated and sheltered from the wind and rain. Night-time can still be chilly in spring, so add extra insulation by covering the roof and exterior walls with a blanket or tarpaulin – ensuring that their enclosure is still well ventilated. A cosy sleeping box – which could be a cardboard box, or a wooden hidey house – with deep piles of hay inside will give your pets an extra warm space to cuddle up in. Blue Cross also suggests using a pet-safe heating pad, such as a SnuggleSafe, if the mercury dips, advising: “Make sure it has the cover on it and is buried under some bedding so that the heat isn't directly on their skin.”

• DO ensure your small pets’ outdoor tunnels and runs are predator-proof and provide plenty of space, shelter and shade. Rabbits and guinea pigs need somewhere snug to go, such as hides and tunnels, if they feel frightened by something. Fill their safe spaces with deep piles of fresh hay so they can keep warm and cosy.

• DON’T scrimp on bedding materials for your pets to snuggle into at night. If there are any unseasonal cold snaps, add more high-quality hay and paper bedding into their sleeping areas. Don’t use fleeces or blankets – for constant chewers like rabbits and guinea pigs, this could cause an intestinal blockage.

• DO consider converting a wooden Wendy house or garden shed into a small pet des res. This can be an ideal outdoor housing solution, especially if you want to create the perfect pad for your guinea pig gang or a cosy, spacious home for your band of bonded rabbits. Sheds can easily be converted with mesh doors and a step-over barrier to stop them escaping – and will enable you to socialise with your pets, whatever the weather!

• DON’T let your small pets go without a friend. As well as providing companionship, having a fluffy buddy will help keep your pets warm and toasty. Rabbits and guinea pigs are both social animals, so they should always be kept in suitable pairs or small groups of the same species. Never keep rabbits with guinea pigs. Guinea pigs have different dietary requirements from rabbits – and bunnies will often bully guinea pigs, which can lead to injury. Rabbits can also carry diseases that can be fatal to guinea pigs. 

• DO keep your small pets’ home clean, tidy and hygienic. Dirty, damp bedding not only creates an unhealthy environment for small furries, but it will also become a magnet for all manner of pests seeking somewhere warm and moist to bed down.

• DO be aware of spring plants that are toxic to small pets. Poisonous garden plants include ivy, cyclamen, daffodils, tulips, buttercups and crocus. If your guinea pigs or rabbits roam around your garden, make sure they only have access to safe areas and always keep a close eye on them.

• DON’T leave piles of grass cuttings around or be tempted to give handfuls to your pets. Vet for Pets advises: “With piles of grass after every lawn mow, it can be tempting to offer some of this to your small furries. Sadly, although grass is a fantastic part of the diet for naturally grazing animals, cut grass is not good for any pet. The heat from the cutting process can set off fermentation – this continues in the digestive system and can make your pet very ill. For grazing animals, getting them outside to have a ‘mow’ for themselves will provide exercise, mental stimulation, and be great for their teeth and tummy health.”

• DO remember to supply plenty of fresh water. Small pets need constant access, so provide their water in bowls for bunnies (as lapping is the most natural way for them to drink) and sipper bottles for guinea pigs.

• DO feed the best quality food, as this will go a long way to helping your rabbits and guinea pigs stay in the best of health throughout the changing seasons. Plenty of high-quality feeding hay, grass-based nuggets specially designed for your piggies or buns, along with some suitable fresh greens, will help your small pets maintain healthy skin, coat, eyes, teeth and digestion.

• DO spend quality time with your pets. Whatever the time of year, interacting with their human is a highlight of your small pets’ day. Keep daily feeding and exercise times consistent and schedule in some time every day for play, grooming and some extra special attention.

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SERVE UP ONLY THE VERY BEST DINNER FOR YOUR SMALL PETS!

Our small pets deserve a high-quality diet that’s created just for them.

At Burgess, all our foods for small pets is made at our factory in the heart of Yorkshire, using only ingredients that meet our stringent specifications. With a long tradition of supporting British farmers, we actively source all our ingredients as close to our mill as possible and have launched many innovations. 

It’s no surprise that 92% of UK vets recommend our Burgess Excel small pets range!

• Check out our tasty nugget varieties specially created for junior and dwarf rabbits, indoor bunnies, adult rabbits and golden oldies – there’s even a light recipe for buns who are watching their weight!
• All Burgess Excel guinea pig nuggets, feeding hay and healthy treats are made with the finest ingredients and homegrown grass. There are tasty nuggets for adult, mature and indoor piggies to choose from.

We’ve got lots of happy customers, too! They’ve told us:

* “Only food my piggies go mad for.” * “Our two guineas love these nuggets!” * “Good value for money, and my piggies love them.” * “These are the best pellets I have ever used. My piggies love them so much, I definitely recommend them!” * “Have tried lots of different nuggets with my piggies over the years, and Burgess Excel with Mint is by far the favourite!” * “I've been buying this food for over a year now, and my bunnies love it. Always eagerly awaiting my arrival in the morning when I shake the food tub.” * “My rabbits love these nuggets and will not eat anything else.” * “Our rabbits’ preferred choice. We have tried other pellets with mixed results. Always an empty bowl with these.” * “My two rabbits Bowser & KingBoo love this food, as soon as they hear the bag rustle, they come running! They both have a lovely soft & shiny coat.” * “My rabbit absolutely loves these. She knocks me out of the way at feeding time!” *

Are your small pets Burgess small pets? Join the Burgess Pet Club for exclusive offers and rewards – and follow us on Instagram.

• You can also sign up to the Excel Bunny Base – a safe Facebook community for rabbit guardians that are looking for advice and friendly discussions from like-minded owners – and there are lots of cute bunny photos and videos!
• Or why not join the Excel Squeak Squad on Facebook? Find advice, friendly chats and fun competitions.

CARE MORE Find lots of useful advice on caring for all your pets from Burgess, the pet experts. Training, nutrition, grooming and general care. It’s all here >>