Using hot or cold water for rabbits on a cold morning

[MnCanary]

I keep reading that we shouldn't be using hot water for our rabbits, in freezing weather, because it freezes faster than cold water. I did the experiment.

1. 16 ounces of water at 42° F, 5.5° C. (right out of our cold water tap).
2. 16 ounces of water at 100° F, 38° C. (right out of our hot water tap).

The two containers were set outside, on the ground, in the open but in shade. It is 3° F, -16° C here this morning, with no wind.

One hour later:

1. the cold water had a skim of ice on it, and the bulk of the water was at 32° F, 0° C.
2. the hot water had no ice, and the bulk of the water was at 42° F, 5.5° C.

I know that under certain laboratory conditions the hot water can freeze first. Even that idea is controversial among scientists. But in real life, using
warm water will give the rabbits more time to drink before the water freezes.

 

[a7736100]

In freezing weather I use warm water regardless on how fast it freezes because I think the rabbits will be more comfortable drinking warm water. If they like cold water better they can wait for it to cool.