In my opinion the biggest obstacle is the weather. It's either really hot, or unexpectedly cold but it's always humid. :) This can be hard on the rabbits due to their inability to sweat or expel heat. Their ears are their only cooling system. On days of extreme heat there are several ways to help keep them cool. I feel the easiest way to cool things is to spray the roof of your rabbitry or hutch with the garden hose. No matter what type of roof system you use it absorbs heat. We have a tarp canopy over our main rabbit area. During days of 95 degree weather just spraying the tarp will dramatically drop the temperature under it. Always make sure your rabbits have a fresh, cool water source and are out of direct sunlight. Another good idea is to have frozen soda bottles of water available at all times. Placing a bottle in an over heated rabbits cage will help immensely.
Heat stroke is very dangerous to rabbits. On those days of extreme heat be sure to watch your rabbits closely. A pregnant doe can lose her litter from a heat stroke and kits can sufficate in the heat as well. Remove all nest materials in high heat. Signs of heat stroke include: heavy breathing, head tilted back with mouth open, excessive drooling-wet face and front legs, nose turns bluish in color and they will act lathargic. When these symptoms appear you need to act fast. Spraying their ears with cool water (being careful not to get water inside the ear) will quickly drop their body temperature. You can also dip the rabbit in a bucket of cold water also being careful not to submerge the eyes, ears and mouth. It is not necessary to push electrolytes at this point. Cool, fresh water is sufficient.
Cold weather can also be hard on rabbits. Although it rarely freezes in Florida, the sudden cold nights can take them by surprise. By slightly increasing the amount of pellets fed you can usually avoid any problems. Make sure your rabbits cage is in an area free from drafts. Place extra hay in cages of young and the sick but make sure any that is soiled is quickly cleaned out. I suggest using only wooden nestboxes in cold weather. Most moms will pull enough fur to keep their kits warm but they do occassionally wiggle between the fur and metal sides. I also collect any extra fur from my does during the summer months to ensure their is enough to keep the kits warm.
Raising rabbits can be a very rewarding hobby. Treat them well and they will return the favor.
-Jodi
