How to water rabbits in winter when kept outside: norms and requirements

In winter, the diet of rabbits changes. However, this does not eliminate the need to regularly feed animals with clean water. But if the rabbits are outside warm rooms, there is a problem with watering, since at a negative temperature the liquid turns into ice. To avoid such consequences, recommendations regarding how to water rabbits in winter when kept outside help.

The role of proper watering of rabbits

Water plays a primary role in the development of any organism. Without regular watering, rabbits will not be able to survive. Thanks to water, the digestive and cardiovascular systems of animals work smoothly.Without a constant supply of fluid, the functioning of the brain and central nervous system is disrupted.

The need for normalized watering of rabbits in winter is also due to the fact that without water, the body's thermoregulation is disturbed. This is fraught with the death of animals in the cold season.

To ensure the normal development and support of rabbits in winter, it is necessary to observe the norms and frequency of water supply.

However, animals can go without drinking for a while. Rabbits consuming dry food can go without liquid for six hours, fresh grass - up to three days.

Norms and requirements for water for rabbits in winter

Due to the fact that rabbits constantly live at home, the immunity of such animals is weakened in comparison with wild hares. Therefore, adults and young animals kept on the street should not be given water obtained from open sources:

river;
lakes;
ponds and others.

When consuming such water, the risks of animal infection increase significantly. Before serving, it is recommended to filter the liquid and heat it to a temperature of 18-25 degrees. At the same time, if the animals freeze, pour boiling water also should not be. Don't give rabbits water that stays on for a long time.

The following liquid supply rates must also be observed:

young animals - no more than 1.5 liters per day;
adults - 0.5-1 liter;
pregnant rabbits - 1.5-2 liters;
nursing female - 2 liters.

In addition, it is recommended to take into account the period of life of the animal. A newly born female should be given up to 2.5 liters of water per day. If animals consume mainly dry food, then 0.5 liters should be added to the indicated norms.

How to drink in winter when kept outside?

Breeding rabbits in winter is complicated. At this time, there is no access to fresh grass. It is more difficult to raise pets that are kept mainly on the street. In this case, it will be necessary to resolve the issue with a constant supply of fresh water.

The winter watering options used by breeders do not always solve the problem of freezing liquids. In this case, you can resort to other ways to replenish the water deficit.

As a solution to this problem, breeders use milk (not cow's) that can be given to adult males and females. Drinking young animals in this way is prohibited. Adults are allowed to give 4-5 tablespoons of milk up to 3-4 times a day. However, it is not recommended to constantly water animals like this. Milk can replace water in case of poisoning and a number of other disorders.

Prevent the formation of ice helps to add a small amount of s alt (1 gram per 2 liters). This solution allows you to make up for the deficiency of a number of trace elements in the body of pets. But you can not add s alt if the rabbits eat dry food.

Electric drinker

Heated drinkers solve the above issue. This equipment comes in different shapes and sizes. There are also separate heating elements that can be inserted into ordinary drinkers.

Electrical appliances of this type are inexpensive. Prices for such equipment do not exceed 100 rubles. Electronic drinkers help automate the process of water supply and simplify feeding rabbits in winter. If necessary, such a device can be made independently using a separate heating element.

Constant topping up with warm water

This option is less attractive than the previous one, as it requires the constant presence of a person in the place where the animals are kept. The advantages of this method are that pets get fresh water. However, when the ambient temperature drops below zero degrees, the drinking process becomes more complicated.Under such conditions, warm water quickly cools and freezes.

Can I give snow instead of water?

Breeders often give rabbits snow or ice in winter. This method is popular, but has a number of disadvantages. The advantage of this method is that the snow can be put into the bowl in the morning, and as it melts, the animals will constantly satisfy their thirst. But by evening, the rabbits need to be given warm water.

However, regularly resorting to this method of drinking is not recommended. Snow contains impurities and pollution. The latter, entering the body of adults, provoke disorders and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

In case of such violations, it is recommended to give vodka diluted to 30 degrees 2 tablespoons to adults and one to young animals.

Snow and ice are cold. Therefore, when consuming such water, the body begins to spend more energy on heating, which negatively affects the state of immunity. At the same time, the pet's appetite increases, which leads to an increase in feed consumption.