Carlton, VIC -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/04/2015 -- Coops and Cages, a Melbourne-based pet enclosures company, suggests small pet owners to proof their pets' shelters against harsh conditions, especially under the cold weather currently experienced in parts of the world. The pet housing retailer emphasises that pets need sturdy housing structures, especially if they are set up outdoors. Although this housing situation is not advisable in winter and cold weather, pet owners who elect to separate small pets from the household should ensure their pets have everything they need to withstand the elements.

The Coops and Cages advisory comes in light of recent news of pets left outdoors despite the freezing cold. On Monday, January 26, news had broken of about 100 bunnies left outside to endure the cold and apparently, the impending blizzard as well, in Brooklyn, New York, just as the weather was about to turn for the bitter. A snowstorm was due to hit the city and areas of Northeastern United States, prompting eyewitnesses to report the situation to the police. The rabbits were seen hopping within a fenced area with no effective means of shielding themselves against the inclement weather. When the owner failed to comply with the police to shelter the rabbits, they seized the animals with the help of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Animal Care and Control of New York City.

Although small animals like rabbits can get through extreme cold in the wild, they do so by seeking shelter and means of warming themselves, or else perish from blistering winds and extreme temperatures. Rabbits do well by puffing their fur and finding what they can to eat to retain heat. However, in domestic situations, rabbits are often kept in outdoor hutches and are at the mercy of the elements come winter and summer. Without freedom to hop around and find thickets for shelter, rabbits must rely on their owners to batten down the hatches and keep them fed and watered. Rabbits can use their fur to retain body heat, but once they get wet, they are less able to maintain optimal body temperature.

Owners of small pets can take measures to ensure their pets thrive outdoors throughout the cold months. With rabbits, owners need to ensure water is constantly available. Since the dispensing tube of water bottles tends to freeze in the cold, ceramic water bowls are best for keeping rabbits hydrated in wintertime. However, frequent checks are needed to ensure the water does not freeze. Another important thing for owners to consider is adequate shelter against wind, rain and snow. Plastic sheeting stapled to the sides of the rabbit hutch can greatly minimize the chill factor while allowing sunlight to warm the cage naturally. To avoid drafts, the sheeting should be run down near to the ground. However, owners need to take care in maintaining ventilation to prevent closing off bunnies, which can cause breathing problems. Keeping bunnies well-fed in the weeks before and throughout winter is critical to help them build up body fat, which they will use up to keep warm.

Jordan Walker, head pet enclosure designer at Coops and Cages, confirms the company's sentiments. "Rabbits are resilient but frail creatures. Get one factor wrong and you run the risk of exposing the critters to various weather-related health problems. To keep rabbits snug and cosy, provide clean water, lots of hay and sturdy housing, especially if you are keeping them out in the backyard. As one of the biggest pet lovers on the planet, we, Australians, need to be models of exemplary pet care."

To learn more about rabbit housing from Coops and Cages, feel free to visit http://www.coopsandcages.com.au

About Coops and Cages
Coops and Cages is a Melbourne-based dealer of sturdy and fully assembled housing and other pet products. They provide free postage on all their products Australia-wide, a 24-hour weekday dispatch and 100% money back guarantee. For inquiries, contact Jordan Walker at info@coopsandcages.com.au or through the company account on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.