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Akiosecret

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Are there any non-electrical heating options? We have a few bunnies that live outdoors (safely, with lil houses) and I was wondering how I could easily keep them warm. A while ago we saw a post here with a heater that kind of looked like a water bottle, but it didn't plug into anything and it lasted 10 hours at a time (rechargeable somehow).

Is there anything like that we could look into?
 
What area do you live in? What do you temps get down to? What type of housing are they in and how big? I know I have seen heaters for water bowls, dog beds etc. My husband is a camper and backpacker one thing that really helps is insulation. Using extra natural bedding more than normal would be a start. Insulating the structure and blocking wind. There is a business that specializes in all things dog outdoor. I would think besides farming stores they might have options to heat or better insulate. I have gotten emails from the dog company, if I can find it I will post it.
 
Are there any non-electrical heating options?

The key problem is to get energy there to convert to heat. Electric is the most convinient and pretty save, anything with a flame or any kind of combustion not so much (Smoke, carbon monoxide, lack of oxygen, fire hazard.....). Of course there's the option to tote hot matter (water is pretty good at storing heat) to and fro, but that's not a funny chore and a very inconsistant supply of heat.
A rather low power old light bulb would do, with some wire to protect from touch (ears!).

Anyway, insulation is much more efficient. Rabbits can cope with cold well, they don't need much down to -10°C, just enough space that is protected from draft, has insulated walls (even if there are openings, it feels more cozy with insulated walls around due to heat radiation) and has a dry and insulating floor (hay, wood, etc.). Below that I board up or tarp parts of their hutches, and put a solid layer of fresh, dry hay in (wood slat floors).

The main problem is drinking water, I solved that by using 10W silicone heating pads under their crocks, hooked up to an adjustable power supply. I rarely actually need more than 3-5W, which doesn't put a big dent into my electricity bill.
 
What area do you live in? What do you temps get down to? What type of housing are they in and how big? I know I have seen heaters for water bowls, dog beds etc. My husband is a camper and backpacker one thing that really helps is insulation. Using extra natural bedding more than normal would be a start. Insulating the structure and blocking wind. There is a business that specializes in all things dog outdoor. I would think besides farming stores they might have options to heat or better insulate. I have gotten emails from the dog company, if I can find it I will post it.
It doesn't really get too cold here, I think the lowest it'll get is 20°F (-6°C) and that's only during the peak of winter. I've got my bunnies sectioned off into three areas, and two of those areas have a kind of makeshift shed that's not fully enclosed. What kind of insulation would you recommend?
 
The key problem is to get energy there to convert to heat. Electric is the most convinient and pretty save, anything with a flame or any kind of combustion not so much (Smoke, carbon monoxide, lack of oxygen, fire hazard.....). Of course there's the option to tote hot matter (water is pretty good at storing heat) to and fro, but that's not a funny chore and a very inconsistant supply of heat.
A rather low power old light bulb would do, with some wire to protect from touch (ears!).

Anyway, insulation is much more efficient. Rabbits can cope with cold well, they don't need much down to -10°C, just enough space that is protected from draft, has insulated walls (even if there are openings, it feels more cozy with insulated walls around due to heat radiation) and has a dry and insulating floor (hay, wood, etc.). Below that I board up or tarp parts of their hutches, and put a solid layer of fresh, dry hay in (wood slat floors).

The main problem is drinking water, I solved that by using 10W silicone heating pads under their crocks, hooked up to an adjustable power supply. I rarely actually need more than 3-5W, which doesn't put a big dent into my electricity bill.
Would an actual electric heater be necessary? I think the worst it will get is -6°C, so would some tarps and bedding work? I've never kept the bunnies outside during the cold months so Im not sure what would keep them comfortable. And when the snow comes, is there anything I should keep in mind or change to prepare?
 

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