Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just had a female breeder die of heat exhaustion, I'm assuming. We just purchased 2 males and 2 females and added the females into the same cage as the original female. About 3 hours later we heard some comotion in the female cage. We went running outside and the new females were breathing heavy but the large female was having a hard time breathing. I picked her up and her back legs were limp. We brought her intot he basement and wrapped her into a wet towel on the cool floor. She cooled down but started to shiver so we just let her lay. She died about an hour later. The other rabbits were breathing heavy but still alert. My larger one was an older rabbit so this may have been part of the problem.

Anyone else having problems with the heat?
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DZ

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

As long as their cages are in the shade and well ventilated they can withstand temps in excess of 100 degrees. Though, if possible it's advisable to keep them cooler. Try spraying them down with cool water during the hottest part of the day, or freeze 2 litter soda bottles and lay these in their cages during this time. Also, if you have the means ($$$) you can buy a high-pressure misting system that when installed 15 to 20 feet above the ground, the atomized water vapor can cool the ambient temps 20 degrees at ground level.
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David Beauchemin
High End Herps.Inc
http://HighEndHerps.com

I was thinking about the misting thing. I have 6 jets I'm not using and a water timer. I'll give it a try if I put the other rabbits outside. Thanx
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DZ

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell