Keeping rabbits dry

[trinityoaks]

I'm still learning how to live and raise rabbits in an area that actually gets significant rainfall and little wind (not to mention that in our old location, we were able to keep the rabbits in our well-insulated garage).

We built a bunny "barn" made of wooden lattice, with a wooden-siding roof. We lined the inside of the lattice with plastic sheeting to keep the bunnies dry. Most of the time the doorway is open, but when it rains, we drop the plastic over the doorway, as well. Is this overkill?

As we get closer to summer, I'm concerned it will get too hot in there, even with the "door" open. I would prefer to take the plastic down completely to allow more ventilation. Would it be enough to plant some fast-growing, bunny-safe vines on the outside of the lattice?

 

[MaggieJ]

If you don't get much wind, the roof should be enough protection from the rain. Perhaps you could roll the plastic up and tie it out of the way so that it could be dropped down in the occasional bad storm with wind. Planting some vines is a good idea... It will help keep the rabbitry cool and provide moderate protection from rain blowing in.

Our old summer rabbitry was a chain-link structure with a tarp over the top. We simply used small dollar store tarps attached with bungee cords to block the most exposed parts when needed. But most of the time, the tarp roof was enough.

 

[trinityoaks]

Thank you, Maggie! Any recommendations on a fast-growing vine that would be bunny-safe? I'll have to keep them in containers for now (we're renting this house), but I can get as many as I need to in order to cover. (We're in hardiness zone 9a here.)

 

[MaggieJ]

I'm hopeless when it comes to what works in hot climates. Here I'd plant grapevines, pole beans or scarlett runners or some kind of squash that makes big long vines. While rabbits should not eat the beans, per se, they can have the foliage and the beans will, of course, be on the outside facing the light and well away from the buns. Grapevines are safe for rabbits and squash plants too, although my rabbits will not eat them because of the fuzz. Climbing roses would be oh-so-pretty and are edible for rabbits, but they might grow too slowly to be a one-season fix.