Rabbits and Fireworks: How to Keep Your Bunnies Safe and Calm on Bonfire Night 🐰🎆
Bonfire Night might be a lovely time for celebrations, but for our precious rabbits, the sudden bangs, whistles and bright flashes of fireworks can turn an otherwise peaceful evening into a frightening experience.
As devoted bunny lovers ourselves, we know how much our little furry family members mean to us. Naturally, we want to do everything we can to keep them feeling safe, secure and comfortable, especially when something unexpected happens.
Whether your rabbits live indoors or outside, there are plenty of simple things you can do to help them through fireworks season.
We've gathered together some practical advice, drawing on recommendations from trusted animal welfare organisations including Blue Cross, PDSA and the RSPCA, to help make Bonfire Night a little less stressful for your beloved bunnies.
Why Are Rabbits Scared of Fireworks?
Rabbits are naturally sensitive animals with excellent hearing and a strong instinct to protect themselves from potential danger.
As prey animals, they're particularly alert to unfamiliar noises, movements and sudden changes in their surroundings.
The unpredictable bangs and flashes of fireworks can trigger their natural fear response, causing them to freeze, hide, thump their back feet or attempt to escape.
Some rabbits may appear relatively relaxed, while others become extremely distressed. Even rabbits that usually seem confident can be unsettled by particularly loud or nearby fireworks.
Understanding these reactions is the first step towards helping your bunnies feel safer.
1. Protect Outdoor Rabbits from Fireworks
If your rabbits live outside, one of the most helpful precautions is to move them somewhere quieter and more sheltered before the fireworks begin.
Blue Cross recommends bringing outdoor rabbit accommodation indoors wherever possible, ideally into a quiet room where noise and flashing lights will be less noticeable.
If bringing your rabbits into your home isn't practical, a secure, well-ventilated shed or garage that isn't used for vehicles may be a suitable alternative.
There are a few important things to consider:
-
Choose somewhere peaceful, away from direct noise and flashes.
-
Avoid sudden temperature changes, particularly when moving rabbits from cold outdoor accommodation into a centrally heated house.
-
Keep bonded rabbits together, along with familiar bedding, toys and hiding places.
-
Make sure their temporary accommodation provides sufficient space to move around, stretch, hop and exercise.
-
Never use a garage where vehicles are running or where fumes, chemicals or other hazards could harm your pets.
The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund advises that outdoor rabbits should not be moved between very cold and very warm environments, as abrupt temperature changes can be harmful.
A cool, sheltered indoor space is generally a better temporary option than a warm living room.
If moving your rabbits isn't possible, try turning their enclosure towards a wall or fence to reduce exposure to fireworks.
Thick blankets or a duvet can be placed over parts of the enclosure to help block light and muffle noise, but never cover the entire enclosure or restrict ventilation.
Ensure coverings cannot fall into the living area, become wet or create a hazard for your rabbits.
2. Create Plenty of Cosy Hiding Places
When rabbits become frightened, they often seek somewhere enclosed where they can feel hidden and protected.
Providing a choice of comfortable hiding places is one of the simplest ways to help your bunnies feel more secure during Bonfire Night.
You could provide:
-
Cardboard boxes filled with clean hay, with two entrances so your rabbits don't feel trapped.
-
Familiar wooden rabbit houses and tunnels.
-
Extra clean, dry bedding in their sheltered sleeping areas.
-
Quiet, covered spaces where they can retreat without being disturbed.
If you have more than one rabbit, ensure there are enough hiding places for everyone.
The PDSA recommends shelters with more than one entrance or exit, allowing frightened small pets to move away without feeling cornered.
Try to prepare their hiding places before fireworks begin so they have time to explore them.
And if your rabbit chooses to spend the evening tucked away in a favourite hideout, that's perfectly fine. Let them decide when they feel comfortable enough to venture out again.
3. Reduce Firework Noise and Bright Flashes
For house rabbits, a few small changes to their surroundings can help make fireworks less frightening.
Before it gets dark, close the windows and draw the curtains to block out some of the noise and sudden flashes.
Keeping the lights on may help make fireworks outside appear less noticeable.
You could also try playing gentle background music or leaving the television or radio on at a comfortable volume.
Choose something familiar if possible, as introducing loud or unfamiliar sounds could make your rabbits feel more anxious.
If their usual accommodation is close to a window or outside door, consider moving them to a quieter part of the house, provided this doesn't cause unnecessary disruption or reduce their space.
The aim is to create a calm, familiar environment where your bunnies feel as protected as possible.
4. Keep Bonded Rabbits Together
Rabbits are wonderfully sociable animals, and the companionship of a familiar bunny friend can be particularly reassuring during frightening situations.
If your rabbits are happily bonded, it's important to keep them together throughout fireworks season.
Separating them unnecessarily could create additional stress at a time when they need familiar companionship most.
You may notice your rabbits sitting close together, grooming one another or retreating into the same sheltered area.
Allow them to choose where they feel comfortable, making sure they also have enough space and hiding places to spend time apart if they wish.
Maintain their usual feeding and daily routines wherever possible.
For our precious bunnies, the reassurance of a familiar companion can be one of the greatest comforts of all.
5. Keep Your Rabbits Occupied with Hay and Familiar Activities
Providing familiar enrichment can encourage natural behaviours and may help distract your rabbits from some of the unsettling sounds outside.
Make sure they have unlimited access to fresh, good-quality feeding hay and clean drinking water.
You could also offer:
-
A familiar hay-filled cardboard tube or forage box.
-
Rabbit-safe tunnels and chew toys.
-
Their usual favourite leafy greens.
-
A small amount of their normal pellets scattered through clean hay to encourage foraging.
Foraging, chewing and exploring are natural rabbit behaviours that help provide mental stimulation.
However, avoid suddenly introducing unfamiliar foods or making major changes to their accommodation.
The most important thing is to keep their surroundings as predictable and reassuring as possible.
If your rabbits prefer to stay hidden rather than forage or play, don't force them to come out.
6. Recognise the Signs of Stress in Rabbits
Rabbits can be very good at hiding fear or discomfort, making it important to recognise changes in their normal behaviour.
According to PDSA, common signs of fear and stress in rabbits and other small pets may include:
-
Thumping their back feet repeatedly.
-
Hiding more than usual.
-
Freezing or remaining unusually still.
-
Trembling or breathing rapidly.
-
Making sudden, agitated movements.
-
Trying to escape.
-
Showing unusual aggression.
-
Loud tooth grinding.
-
Eating less than normal.
-
Producing fewer droppings or showing changes in toileting habits.
Every rabbit is different, so pay attention to any behaviour that's unusual for your individual bunny.
If your rabbit seems frightened, remain calm and avoid unnecessary handling.
Although our natural instinct might be to pick them up for a cuddle, many rabbits dislike being lifted, particularly when they're already anxious.
Instead, stay nearby if they find your presence reassuring and allow them to remain somewhere they feel safe.
Remember: Not every unusual behaviour is caused by fear. Signs such as loud tooth grinding, lethargy or reduced appetite can also indicate pain or illness and should never be dismissed as simply a reaction to fireworks.
7. Fireworks, Stress and Gut Stasis: An Important Warning
One particularly important concern for rabbit owners is the effect that severe stress can have on a rabbit's appetite and digestive system.
Rabbits need to eat regularly to keep their digestive systems functioning normally.
If a rabbit becomes frightened and stops eating, they may be at risk of developing gastrointestinal stasis, commonly known as gut stasis.
This is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the normal movement of the digestive system slows down or stops.
Signs that require urgent veterinary attention include:
-
Refusing food or eating noticeably less than usual.
-
Producing fewer, smaller or no droppings.
-
Sitting hunched up or appearing uncomfortable.
-
Unusual lethargy.
-
Loud tooth grinding or other signs of pain.
-
A swollen or painful abdomen.
PDSA advises that a rabbit eating less than normal should be assessed promptly by a vet.
If your rabbit has stopped eating or stopped producing droppings, contact your vet immediately. Do not wait until the following morning.
Although fireworks can cause stress, never assume that a loss of appetite is simply due to fear.
Early veterinary treatment can make an enormous difference.
8. Remember That Fireworks Can Happen Throughout the Season
Although Bonfire Night officially falls on 5th November, fireworks aren't necessarily limited to one evening.
Displays and private celebrations can take place during the weekends surrounding Bonfire Night, as well as other celebrations throughout autumn and winter.
It's worth checking whether there are organised firework displays near your home so you can prepare in advance.
Remember that bonfire smoke, fumes and firework debris can also pose risks to rabbits.
Never light fireworks, sparklers or bonfires near rabbit accommodation, and ensure your pets are protected from smoke.
If your neighbours are planning a display, consider speaking to them beforehand so you know when to expect the fireworks.
A little preparation can help prevent an unexpected fright.
9. Should You Use Calming Products for Rabbits During Fireworks?
It's completely understandable to want to find something that will help an anxious bunny feel better.
However, PDSA advises that there are currently no calming products proven to reduce anxiety in small pets in the same way that some treatments have been studied for dogs and cats.
Rather than relying on calming sprays or supplements, concentrate on providing a safe, quiet environment, familiar companions and plenty of hiding places.
Never give your rabbits human medicines, sedatives or herbal calming products without advice from a veterinary professional.
If your rabbits become severely distressed during fireworks, speak to your vet about appropriate support.
10. Check Your Rabbits Carefully After the Fireworks
Once the fireworks have finished, continue monitoring your rabbits to make sure they've settled comfortably.
Check that they're:
-
Eating their hay and usual food.
-
Drinking normally.
-
Producing normal droppings.
-
Moving around comfortably.
-
Behaving much as they usually would.
Allow them to return to their usual routine without unnecessary disturbance.
If your rabbits have been temporarily moved indoors, remember to avoid sudden temperature changes when returning them to their outdoor accommodation.
And if you notice any concerning changes in their appetite, droppings or behaviour, seek veterinary advice promptly.
A Little Extra Love for Our Bunnies This Bonfire Night ❤️
Our rabbits bring so much happiness, love and companionship into our lives, and naturally we want to do everything possible to keep them safe and protected.
Although we can't stop every bang or flash, we can make their surroundings as comfortable, familiar and reassuring as possible.
A peaceful environment, cosy hiding places, plenty of hay and the comforting company of a bonded bunny friend can all help make Bonfire Night a little easier.
From all of us at Everything Bunny Rabbit, we're wishing you and your precious bunnies a peaceful, safe and snuggly Bonfire Night.
With lots of love and bunny kisses,
Sarah and Craig x
Further Information and Trusted Rabbit Welfare Advice
For more information about keeping rabbits safe during fireworks season, we recommend the following trusted resources:
For suitable rabbit enrichment and treats, you can also explore our Shop for Your Rabbit collection at Everything Bunny Rabbit.