Frosted Rabbits
Well-known member
okay, I just read througfh the "I have a dilemma" thread---
Some important factors about heat dissipation---'
1) Small body masses dissipate heat more efficiently-- so yes, an adult can succumb a lot sooner than a kit. NAtural examples of this-- Whitetail deer size differences between the 'southern' and 'northern' states. same is true of red fox and even cougars/panthers-- the more southern animals are longer legged, snmaller body masses.
2) Tarps can be good-- but a ventilated shade cloth is better, and trees are best!!! Solid surfaces create what is called a 'heat envelope'- basically, a solid surface above the rabbits will act like the roof on your house-- and actually trap hot air. So, shade cloth, like that used in plant nurseries is a better choice. TREES are Nature's air conditioners-- the way they transpire actually encourages a flow of air from the ground up through their crowns. Try for yourself-- on the same day-- sit under a tarp that has a ceiling of say, 8 feet, then go sit under a nice tree-- you WILL feel a difference....
3) if using fans-- make sure you have an exhaust fan set up HIGH, and then an intake site down on the ground-- that way, you will encourage the natural way air flows under a tree.
Intakes on the north or east side, and exhaust on the south and west sides to facilitate the movement of hot air OUT of the buildings/area and the cooler air into the area...
Some important factors about heat dissipation---'
1) Small body masses dissipate heat more efficiently-- so yes, an adult can succumb a lot sooner than a kit. NAtural examples of this-- Whitetail deer size differences between the 'southern' and 'northern' states. same is true of red fox and even cougars/panthers-- the more southern animals are longer legged, snmaller body masses.
2) Tarps can be good-- but a ventilated shade cloth is better, and trees are best!!! Solid surfaces create what is called a 'heat envelope'- basically, a solid surface above the rabbits will act like the roof on your house-- and actually trap hot air. So, shade cloth, like that used in plant nurseries is a better choice. TREES are Nature's air conditioners-- the way they transpire actually encourages a flow of air from the ground up through their crowns. Try for yourself-- on the same day-- sit under a tarp that has a ceiling of say, 8 feet, then go sit under a nice tree-- you WILL feel a difference....
3) if using fans-- make sure you have an exhaust fan set up HIGH, and then an intake site down on the ground-- that way, you will encourage the natural way air flows under a tree.
Intakes on the north or east side, and exhaust on the south and west sides to facilitate the movement of hot air OUT of the buildings/area and the cooler air into the area...
