How cold is too cold for baby rabbits?

by Brook
(NC)

We have a litter of kits that are 1 week old. They are currently in a nest box, with plenty of hay and fur, in a hutch with their mom. We have brought them inside a couple of nights though because the night temperature fell to about 32-34 degrees. The next couple of days are supposed to have high temps in the lower 40's.

What temperature is too cold for them and when should they be brought inside to prevent them from getting too cold?

Moderator Note:

Good question Brook. When the nest box is padded with at least 2 inches of wood shavings and stuffed with straw and/or hay, AND the doe pulls plenty of fur, meaning you can't see the kits at all under all the fur, then the babies should easily be able to survive sub-zero temperatures. At least, this is the opinion of rabbit breeders that live where winter temperatures regularly drop below zero.

Our temps got down to 13 degrees last winter, and there were no problems with the babies. Gotta say, though, I'd be tempted to bring my kits inside if the temps started dipping into the single digits. Or, we might stuff the cage full of straw for extra insulation.

Maybe rabbit breeders from the frigid reaches of Canada will weigh in with their experiences....

Good luck Brook, and thanks for checking in...
Karen