- VEG
- 4 hours ago
- 6 min read
Keeping an exotic pet healthy and happy can be a challenge at times, especially when the temperature drops. In winter, or if there’s a power outage, keeping your exotic pet warm and comfy is a top priority. While some pets, like ferrets and rabbits, are cold adapted species and fare somewhat better, other species like birds and reptiles struggle in colder temperatures. Let’s explore some of the ways to keep your exotic pet warm.
Ferret care in winter
Ferrets generally tolerate colder temperatures better than warmer ones. To a certain degree, you could say cold weather doesn’t bother them, as long as they have a warm, dry place to rest and aren’t exposed to extreme cold for too long.
Protect very young or elderly ferrets by keeping them indoors once the temperature begins to dip. Inside, avoid rooms with space heaters or fireplaces that can attract curious ferrets and pose a danger. Aim to keep their habitat around 70°F; temperatures that are too warm can dry their sensitive skin.
If your ferret is outdoors as things get chilly, think snuggly. Ferrets are natural burrowers. If you love a ferret then you know they love to dig into small enclosed spaces. Use this to your advantage by providing plenty of blankets or a snuggle sack they can burrow into for warmth.
Keep things cozy, but monitor the temperature so your ferret doesn’t get too cold or too warm. If you have a ferret that enjoys romping in the snow, a small amount of time is okay but their fur should always remain dry with a winter coat. If you notice your ferret shaking, having respiratory distress or muscle weakness call VEG immediately. To read about common symptoms ferrets may develop, check out our blog.
Preparation is key. As the seasons change, your ferret’s fur will begin to thicken. Allow for a full winter coat by slowly acclimating them to cooler weather and avoiding the use of heat too soon. This helps them adjust naturally and, as a bonus, might even lower your energy bills.
How to keep rabbits warm
Like ferrets, rabbits can better cope with cold than with heat. However, all animals should be assessed individually to determine whether they need to be brought indoors during a cold winter. We recommend that you don’t leave your rabbit where temps get below 40-50ºF but if you do, provide a warm area in the hutch/enclosure.
If your rabbit is healthy and can stay outside. focus on three essentials to keep them safe during the snowy season: wind, water, and warmth.
Maintain a wind and draft-free hutch by adding extra straw, insulating the structure, and providing a cozy hide box for shelter when the weather turns harsh. Remember, good air circulation is also essential to prevent respiratory issues. If you cover their cage, do so only partially, and avoid heavy blankets or plastic coverings that restrict airflow.
Fresh water is essential year-round, but it requires closer monitoring in winter when bowls can easily freeze. Rabbits also need regular exercise in the winter to help maintain body warmth, so ensuring a constant supply of unfrozen water keeps them hydrated and active, making them warmer in the long run.
Winter brings added risks such as frostbite, especially on sensitive areas like adorable ears and cute noses. In addition to exposure to the elements, long-eared rabbits sometimes dip their lobes into water, increasing the risk of frostbite. Daily checks that they’re dry and not shivering can help prevent problems and offer a nice opportunity to bond during the season.
Rabbit safety: watch for predators in the winter
A word to the wise bunny owner, keeping rabbits outdoors in the winter may increase the chance of a predator attack since food supply for predators like raccoons and coyotes during the winter is more scarce. Shore up the fences and protection around your rabbit’s enclosures and hutches.
With a few minor adjustments and without splitting hairs your rabbits can have a hoppy winter. If you're unsure about whether to bring your pet bunny to the vet, see our blog.
What temperature is good for guinea pigs?
While wild guinea pigs in the Andes Mountains can tolerate colder climates, domestic guinea pigs are much safer indoors. Once temperatures drop near 60°F, their risk of illness and mortality increases.
Create a warm, secure indoor space where they can stay active and hydrated. If the cold persists, add fleece bedding or place a heating pad under part of the cage to help maintain a comfortable temperature. Be careful not to make the area too warm, as guinea pigs can easily overheat when temperatures rise above 75°F.
Maintaining a warm and fuzzy environment is the key to your warm and fuzzy guinea pig’s wonderful winter.
Caring for chinchillas in cold weather
In cold weather, keep it cozy for chinchillas. Similar to rabbits, make sure your chinchilla is protected from wind, has constant access to fresh water, and stays comfortably warm.
Cuddling season isn’t just for people! Huddling close to another chinchilla can help them stay safe and cozy through the winter months. In nature, they rely on the shared body heat of their herd to combat low temperatures. If you’re a one-chinchilla-household and using a space heater, ensure it’s not aimed directly at your chinchilla but placed in the same room to gently warm the air. Avoid heating pads or direct heat sources, as chinchillas are highly sensitive to overheating and heat stroke.
While rabbits and guinea pigs are encouraged to exercise during the winter months, chinchillas should decrease their activity to conserve energy. However, if the temperature in their space is maintained between 50°F and 60°F, they can safely continue their normal activity level.
Alternatively, if your chinchilla shows decreased energy, shivering, pale ears, or unusually cold areas such as the belly or feet, call your local VEG immediately. These are signs of hypothermia and require prompt attention.
With just a few small routines you can help your chinchilla stay comfortable and a little less chin-chilly all winter long.
Ways to keep pet birds warm in winter
Our feathered friends need a little extra warmth and care during cold weather. Start by moving the cage to a cozy, draft-free spot and covering it at night to help hold in heat. A breathable blanket or cage cover works great—just be sure to leave the front open during the day so your bird still gets plenty of light.
If your home gets especially chilly, you can use a bird-safe heat source, like an infrared heat lamp. These provide gentle warmth without disturbing your bird’s sleep. Always make sure any heating product is made for birds—some materials, like space heaters and hair dryers, can release harmful fumes that can be fatal to birds. Read about bird breathing problems here.
Finally, don’t forget about humidity—especially for tropical birds. Keep the air comfortable with a humidifier or by placing bowls of water around the room. You can also mist your bird or offer a bath, just make sure they’re completely dry before bedtime.
How to keep pet reptiles warm
As the weather cools down, your house does too! Be sure to adjust your reptile’s heat sources for the season. A reliable digital thermometer is your best friend here—it’s the most important part of your heating setup. Place it where your reptile spends most of their time, and check the temperatures at both the warm and cool ends of the enclosure, as well as overnight. If the readings fall outside the recommended range, add a supplemental radiant heat source, like a lamp; avoid using hot rocks or heating pads.
Never attempt to hibernate your reptile without first consulting your exotic pet veterinarian. Many pets are lost each year due to improper hibernation methods. Always schedule a check-up and bloodwork before and after hibernation to make sure your reptile stays healthy and safe.
Whether you have a snake, lizard, bearded dragon, or other type of reptile, VEG emergency vets are available day and night with expert care.
