Bringing home a rescued rabbit is exciting, especially during Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month in February. Rabbits are gentle, expressive companions, but they’re also prey animals with very specific needs. In a high-altitude, four-season area like Colorado Springs and nearby communities such as Manitou Springs, Fountain, Monument, and Falcon, small details about climate, housing, and your daily routine can make a big difference to your bunny’s health and happiness.
In this post, we’ll walk through what new rabbit parents in our region should keep in mind—and how the team at Fillmore Veterinary Hospital can support you and your new friend from day one.
1. Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month: More Than a Cute Face
February’s Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month highlights how many rabbits are waiting in shelters and rescues for stable, informed homes. Many people don’t realize that rabbits often live 10–12 years or more, and they need long-term, consistent care just like dogs and cats.
Common surprises for new bunny parents include:
- How sensitive rabbits are to temperature and stress
- The amount of space and exercise they require
- The importance of a specialized diet (not just pellets and carrots)
- The need for a rabbit-savvy veterinarian, not just any small-animal clinic
Understanding these realities early helps prevent heartbreak later—for both you and your rabbit. That’s exactly why awareness months like this exist and why exotic-friendly hospitals such as Fillmore Veterinary Hospital in Colorado Springs place so much emphasis on education and preventive care.
If you’re considering adoption or you’ve just brought a bunny home, think of this month as your invitation to learn, plan, and set your rabbit up for a truly healthy start.
2. Local Climate: Heat, Cold, and Indoor Comfort
Our Front Range weather can swing quickly—from chilly mornings to warm afternoons, snow one week and dry sun the next. Rabbits handle moderate household temperatures well, but they do not thrive in heat above about 80°F and are prone to overheating because they have very few sweat glands.
To keep your rabbit comfortable in the Colorado Springs area:
- Keep them indoors year-round
Indoor housing protects them from temperature extremes, predators, and sudden storms. Many rabbit welfare organizations recommend indoor living as the safest option. - Avoid direct sun and hot rooms
Don’t place enclosures in front of sunny windows or near heat vents. Rabbits can overheat quietly, and by the time they show obvious signs, it can be serious. - Watch for drafts and rapid temperature swings
While most pet rabbits can tolerate cool indoor temperatures, strong drafts near doors, garages, or leaky windows can be stressful and uncomfortable. - Monitor closely during summer
In late spring and summer, pay attention to indoor temps, especially in upstairs rooms without good airflow. Fans, shades, and good ventilation help maintain a stable, comfortable environment.
3. Housing and Space: More Than Just a Small Cage
One of the biggest pain points for rabbits everywhere is inadequate space. Traditional tiny cages and hutches simply don’t allow normal rabbit behavior or movement. Welfare groups recommend a minimum living area of about 3 m x 2 m x 1 m (roughly 10 ft x 6 ft) for a pair of rabbits, with constant access to exercise space—not just a small box to sleep in.
For families in apartments, townhomes, or smaller houses in and around Colorado Springs, that can sound intimidating—but there are very workable options:
- Think “exercise pen,” not “tiny cage”
Many indoor rabbit guardians use a sturdy dog exercise pen as a base, combined with daily free-roam time in a rabbit-proofed room or area. - Prioritize floor space, not height alone
Rabbits need room to run, not just hop. A long, clear stretch helps them do zoomies and binkies, which are great for physical and mental health. - Make it part of your living space
Shared spaces like living rooms, family rooms, or home offices let rabbits interact with family life instead of being isolated in a back room or garage. - Bunny-proof instead of restricting
Cover wires, protect baseboards, remove toxic plants, and block access under furniture rather than locking your rabbit in a tiny enclosure all day.
4. Lifestyle, Noise, and Daily Routines
Life along the Front Range can be busy—kids, work, outdoor hobbies, and often other pets. Rabbits can absolutely fit into that picture, but they need a bit of thoughtful planning.
A few lifestyle factors to consider:
- Activity patterns
Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk. If your household is loud or chaotic at those times, your rabbit may feel stressed or constantly on alert. Creating a predictable routine and a quiet retreat space helps them feel safe. - Children and handling
Many rescued rabbits are still learning to trust people. Gentle supervision with kids is essential so the rabbit isn’t chased, picked up roughly, or dropped. Setting ground rules—like petting while the rabbit has all four feet on the ground—protects everyone. - Other pets
Dogs and cats are common in Colorado Springs households. Some can coexist peacefully with rabbits, but introductions must be slow and controlled. A secure pen or baby gate helps your rabbit relax without feeling stalked or cornered. - Mental stimulation
Bored rabbits can become destructive or stressed. Several hours of active play time and enrichment each day—tunnels, cardboard boxes, safe chew toys, and rearranged furniture—go a long way toward keeping them happy.
5. Diet and Hydration in a Dry, High-Altitude Environment
Our dry air at altitude can affect hydration and respiratory comfort, so diet and water access matter even more for rabbits here.
Most veterinary and animal-shelter guidelines agree on a few basics:
- Hay should be the bulk of the diet
High-quality grass hay (like timothy, orchard, or meadow) should make up roughly 80% of a rabbit’s daily intake and be available 24/7. This fiber keeps the gut moving and helps prevent potentially serious digestive issues, as highlighted by resources such as the Denver Animal Shelter rabbit care guide. - Pellets and treats are extras, not the main course
A measured amount of high-fiber pellets and small portions of safe leafy greens can complement hay, but sugary treats and large amounts of carrots or fruit can cause problems over time. - Fresh water at all times
In a dry climate, staying hydrated is crucial. Many rabbits drink better from heavy ceramic bowls than bottles, and bowls are easier to clean daily to prevent bacterial buildup. - Watch for subtle changes
Reduced appetite, smaller or fewer droppings, or sitting hunched and quiet can be early signs of trouble and shouldn’t be ignored.
6. How Fillmore Veterinary Hospital Supports Your New Bunny
Choosing a rabbit-savvy veterinary team is one of the best decisions you can make for a rescued bunny. At Fillmore Veterinary Hospital in Colorado Springs, our Exotic Pet Care services include:
- Species-appropriate wellness exams for rabbits and other small mammals
- Treatment of illnesses and injuries, from skin and respiratory issues to digestive concerns
- Nutritional counseling and husbandry advice to fine-tune diet, housing, and enrichment
- Access to in-house diagnostics—including digital X-rays, ultrasound, and laboratory testing—when deeper investigation is needed
Because we also provide Wellness & Preventative Care and Urgent & Sick Pet Care during regular business hours, many families in Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Fountain, Monument, Falcon, and the surrounding areas rely on us for lifelong veterinary support for all of their pets, rabbits included.
If you’ve just adopted a rabbit—or you’re thinking about it—your next best step is simple:
- Schedule an initial exotic wellness exam to check your bunny’s overall health
- Bring questions about climate, housing, diet, and routine
- Work with our team to build a plan that fits your home and lifestyle
A rescued rabbit has already had a big journey. With the right environment, thoughtful daily care, and veterinary support from Fillmore Veterinary Hospital, that journey can continue with many healthy, comfortable years by your side.