Cold, wet and windy weather means guinea pig and rabbit housing needs a little more attention. The priority is not complicated: keep their living area dry, well ventilated, protected from draughts and extreme temperatures, and make sure food and water remain easy to access.
Keep housing dry and protected
Outdoor housing should be weatherproof and positioned so rain cannot blow directly into sleeping or feeding areas. Check roofs, joins and floors for damp patches or water marks, and replace wet bedding promptly.
The RSPCA advises that rabbit housing should be waterproof, draught-proof, damp-proof and well ventilated. Their rabbit health and housing guidance recommends a domestic rabbit temperature range of around 10–20°C and considering more sheltered accommodation if temperatures approach freezing.
Guinea pigs need protection from temperature changes
Guinea pigs are particularly sensitive to temperature extremes and sudden changes. The RSPCA advises that indoor accommodation should be dry, well ventilated and away from direct heat sources and draughts, with around 17–20°C described as ideal room temperatures.
For guinea pigs housed outdoors, the RSPCA advises moving them indoors when temperatures fall below 15°C. Read their full guinea pig environment guidance before changing seasonal housing arrangements.
Check water more often in freezing weather
Water must remain available at all times. Outdoor bottles and bowls need checking regularly because low temperatures can freeze the water or bottle spout.
For rabbits, the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund recommends fresh water every day and notes that bottle spouts can freeze in winter. A bowl plus a bottle can provide useful backup where suitable. Their water guidance explains the options in more detail.
If you use compatible bottles for guinea pigs or rabbits, keep them somewhere sheltered and easy to inspect. Our Water Bottle Holders are designed to keep compatible bottles in a consistent position, but the water itself still needs regular checking.
Keep bedding and hay dry
Wet bedding quickly makes an enclosure uncomfortable. Spot-clean damp areas, keep sleeping areas dry and provide the amount and type of bedding recommended for your pets and housing setup.
Hay should also be kept dry and easy to reach. A Guinea Pig & Rabbit Hay Rack can help keep a useful supply together, but it should always be positioned somewhere protected from rain and damp.
Do not sacrifice ventilation for warmth
Wrapping or covering an enclosure too tightly can trap moisture and reduce airflow. Protection from wind and rain is important, but ventilation still matters.
If you move pets into a shed, garage or indoor space, make sure it is safe, secure, appropriately ventilated and still gives them enough room for normal movement and exercise.
A simple cold-weather checklist
- Check roofs, walls and bedding for damp
- Protect sleeping areas from direct wind and rain
- Check water frequently for freezing or blocked spouts
- Keep hay dry and accessible
- Maintain ventilation while reducing draughts
- Follow species-specific guidance before moving pets between indoor and outdoor temperatures
Cold-weather care is mostly about consistency: dry housing, reliable water, suitable temperatures and regular checks.
For practical feeding, monitoring and cleaning products used around rabbit setups, browse our Rabbit Accessories.
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