is it ok that my rabbit cools off by sitting in her water bowl?

[Jessie’sagirl]

It’s nearly 100 degrees and I’ve noticed that our new doe cools off by putting her front paws in her water bowl. Is this ok for her to do?

 

[jaxmarblebuns]

Yes, that is fine. The only time it is potentially bad for rabbits to get wet is when they are forced to, but things like rain, or in you case purposeful submerging are fine.

 

[Markshere2]

Bunnies like cool

Bunnies hate hot

Smart bunny you got!

 

[Robochelle]

Your bunny is smart to do it during a heat wave; keep an eye on her come fall, though, I have some that decided that water bowls are pools no matter the temperature. Frozen feet didn't even make them stop. If she does keep toe dipping after the frost, I've had success using gravity fed chicken waterers during the winter

 

[hotzcatz]

maybe she'd like some ice cubes in her water? If it's that hot, it might be nice? They'd not last long, though. (Hmm, and then she'd probably be spoiled and want carrot smoothies?) Nice looking doe.

 

[Jessie’sagirl]

Bunnies like cool

Bunnies hate hot

Smart bunny you got!

Haha I’m liking the poetry

 

[Jessie’sagirl]

maybe she'd like some ice cubes in her water? If it's that hot, it might be nice? They'd not last long, though. (Hmm, and then she'd probably be spoiled and want carrot smoothies?) Nice looking doe.

Yeah I figured an icecube would melt too fast, so I might freeze a water bottle for her to lay next to. Cause I definitely don’t want my pretty girl to get heat stroke…

 

[Jessie’sagirl]

Your bunny is smart to do it during a heat wave; keep an eye on her come fall, though, I have some that decided that water bowls are pools no matter the temperature. Frozen feet didn't even make them stop. If she does keep toe dipping after the frost, I've had success using gravity fed chicken waterers during the winter

Yeah I’m happy that I got a mama bunny that’s got good instincts! And thanks for telling me about how they sometimes freeze their feet, because I would never have thought of it. I’ll have to give her a different watering system when it gets colder!