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, a problem with watering arises, since at negative temperatures the liquid turns into ice. Recommendations regarding how to water rabbits in winter when kept outdoors help to avoid such consequences.
The role of proper watering for rabbits
Water plays a primary role in the development of any organism. Without regular watering, rabbits cannot survive.Thanks to water, the digestive and cardiovascular systems of animals function smoothly. Without a constant supply of fluid, the functioning of the brain and central nervous system is disrupted.
The need for rationed watering for rabbits in winter is also due to the fact that without water the body’s thermoregulation is disrupted. This can lead to the death of animals during the cold season.
To ensure normal development and support the vital functions of rabbits in winter, it is necessary to comply with the norms and frequency of water supply.
However, animals are able to survive for some time without drinking. Rabbits consuming dry food can go without liquid for six hours, and fresh grass for up to three days.
Standards 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 outside should not be given water obtained from open sources:
- rivers;
- lakes;
- ponds and others.
When consuming such water, the risk of infection of animals increases 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 are freezing, you should not pour boiling water either. You cannot feed rabbits with water that sits for a long time.
The following fluid supply standards 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 life span of the animal. A female that has just given birth 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 specified norms.
How to water in winter when kept outdoors?
Breeding rabbits becomes more difficult in winter. At this time there is no access to fresh grass. It is more difficult to raise pets that are kept primarily outdoors. In this case, you will need to resolve the issue of a constant supply of fresh water.
The watering options used by breeders in winter do not always solve the problem of freezing liquids. In this case, you can resort to other methods of replenishing water deficiency.
As a solution to the problem described, breeders use milk (not cow's milk), which can be given to adult males and females. It is prohibited to feed young animals in this way. Adults are allowed to give 4-5 tablespoons of milk up to 3-4 times a day. However, it is not recommended to constantly feed animals this way. Milk can replace water in case of poisoning and a number of other disorders.
Adding a small amount of salt (1 gram per 2 liters) helps prevent the formation of ice. This solution makes it possible to compensate for the deficiency of a number of microelements in the body of pets. But you can’t add salt if the rabbits eat dry food.
Electric drinker
Heated drinking bowls solve the above issue. This equipment comes in different shapes and sizes. There are also separate heating elements that can be inserted into regular drinkers.
Electrical devices of this type are inexpensive. Prices for such equipment do not exceed 100 rubles. Electronic drinkers help automate the water supply process and simplify feeding rabbits in winter. If necessary, such a device can be made independently using a separate heating element.
Constantly adding warm water
This option is less attractive than the previous one, since it requires the constant presence of a person in the place where the animals are kept. The advantages of this method boil down to the fact that pets receive fresh water. However, when the ambient temperature drops below zero degrees, the watering process becomes more complicated. In such conditions, warm water quickly cools and freezes.
Is it possible to give snow instead of water?
Breeders often give their rabbits snow or ice in winter. This method is popular, but has a number of disadvantages. The advantage of this method is that snow can be placed in a drinking bowl in the morning, and as it melts, the animals will constantly satisfy their thirst. But in the evening the rabbits need to be given warm water.
However, it is not recommended to regularly resort to this method of watering. Snow contains impurities and contaminants. The latter, when 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 for adults and one tablespoon for young animals.
Snow and ice have a low temperature. Therefore, when consuming such water, the body begins to spend more energy on heating, which negatively affects the immune system. At the same time, the pet’s appetite increases, which leads to an increase in food consumption.
