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AnniZoey · Joined: 30 Oct 2009 Posts: 168

Soo. I plan to move this summer. (twice) Once to my Aunts in Tennessee, just for two months because I dont get to see her much. But I am worried about the bunnies. I have no one to watch them for that long and even so I dont think I could be away from them for that long. My Grandma told me about a guy who use to work with her that had bunnies and he took them from Michigan to Florida and they died along the way. She added that they dont travel well. So I guess what I am getting at is they do fine with their hour and a half drive to the vet but will it hurt them or possibly even kill them on a trip that long? Its about 9 hours or so from where I am. Does anyone know anything about traveling with buns?
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Olivia

ruecole · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 5:09 am Post subject:

I haven't actually taken Gus on that long of a trip. But there are plenty of rabbit owners who take their buns on long road trips. The key is preparation.

First, don't transport your rabbits in their cage(s). Put them into a small pet carrier (cat sized is perfect for rabbits). If they're bonded, they can go into a carrier together. If not, you'll need to have more than one carrier. Make sure there's a blanket or mat inside to give your rabbits some comfort and traction (otherwise they'll slide around!). Some people use puppy pee pads.

It's good to let your rabbits get used to the carrier ahead of time (leave it somewhere in your house with the door open, so they can hop in and out of it, etc.). Also, getting them used to being in the car by taking short car trips in the days leading up to the big trip will help alleviate some of the stress.

Some people place the carrier on the floor of the car, others belt it into a seat, and others place the carrier in the trunk or back of the vehicle. Any of these is okay, just so long as the carrier is secured so it doesn't slide around (or go flying if you're in an accident) and there's adequate ventilation. This link gives some good advice on placement: http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Transport/Car/Car.htm

Rabbits do not tolerate heat or drafts very well. So make sure the carrier doesn't sit in direct sun in the car or right in front of the AC or heat vent. And NEVER leave your rabbits for any length of time in the car unattended!

Make sure they have access to water during the trip. Some people attach a water bottle to the carrier. But it's possible the water bottle will leak into the carrier, so offering water in a bowl whenever you stop is better.

Regular stops (about every 4 hours) are important to let your bunnies out for a brief break to eat and drink and stretch their legs and maybe use the litter box (though rabbits can go a long time without peeing and some will just go in the carrier, so it's possible you may not have to worry about the litter box much--just bring some extra towels or blankets in case).

Most bunnies won't eat much while traveling, so offer them their favourite leafy greens (lettuce, parsley, cilantro, mint, etc. I wouldn't offer anything sugary or likely to cause gas, as it could cause GI upset--the last thing you want on a long road trip!) and, of course, some hay whenever you stop. (I found putting food inside the carrier just made a mess, as Gus wouldn't eat while the car was moving.) As long as they're drinking, don't stress too much about how much they eat. More than anything, they need to stay hydrated while you're travelling. (Eating can come later, when they're settled in.)

If you're travelling in the summer, overheating is a major concern (especially if your car doesn't have air conditioning). You could try travelling only in the morning and evening, taking a break during the hottest part of the day. Or bring along somo cold ice packs or frozen water bottles (and a cooler to store them in!) to place in the carrier.

You also might want to take a small emergency kit with some simethicone drops, acidophilus, Bene-Bac or Prozyme, Pedialyte, and some pureed additive-free food like apple sauce or pumpkin (baby food works too).

When you arrive at your destination, you'll want to set up your rabbits' cage (or pen or whatever they're staying in) as soon as possible, so your buns can de-stress.

Hope that helps!

Rue
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AnniZoey · Joined: 30 Oct 2009 Posts: 168

Thank you very much. That really helps a lot! I was worried about it!
Just one thing I was wondering about with what you said is why it is better for them to be in a carrier rather then their cage?!!
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Olivia

ruecole · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 5:40 am Post subject:

Unless it is a very small cage, your rabbits will slide around with every corner you take. Also, there's a chance that, if you have to stop suddenly, your rabbits will be thrown against the cage bars and injured (not to mention, being hit by their food dishes or litter box, etc.). A small pet carrier, just big enough for a rabbit to turn around and lay down, is much safer for them. Plus, for whatever reason, they actually will feel safer and less stressed in the small carrier.

Cat carriers can be got used for quite cheap. I got Gus one off Craigslist for $15.

Hope that helps!

Rue
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ruecole · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 5:46 am Post subject:

Here's another link with some good info on travelling with rabbits:

http://www.ontariorabbits.org/diet/careinfo6.html

Hope that helps!

Rue
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lovemybunnies · Joined: 07 Nov 2009 Posts: 403

Last Summer I moved over seas and that was a 9 hour PLANE ride! They did absolutely fine! They were in a carrier about 13x18x16. I had three chew toys each because they can't have too many toys or else something bad... I don't remember what though! Embarassed

I attached a small hamster water bottle and made sure it couldn't come out. And I attached a food dish to the cage. You can't put hay in there as something else bad will happen! I had my carrier especially made for me but tif you're just driving I don't think it really matters! If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

Oh, they got here just fine (obviously!) Wink

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nytquill17 · Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3317 Location: Quebec, Canada

My bun was fine when we moved house to a town 4 hours away. I mean he was more stressed than just sitting at home in the living room but it didn't put him off his food the next day or scar him for life or anything. I guess some buns it might but for all that they are delicate they're also hardier than we think.

He didn't want to eat or drink while he was in the car though and I don't know if he would've gotten past that if he got thirsty or hungry enough, i.e. if we'd been on the road for longer. I'm sure he would've though, just keep in mind that they will probably be disinclined to eat and drink while they're nervous.

Sniff was actually pretty okay when the car was moving; he didn't like sliding around at all but he would lay down and stuff and sort of but not really relax while we were driving. It was more when we stopped that he would show his nerves more, I think because then he noticed the OTHER sounds, like other cars on the highway while we were pulled off to get gas. I think the car when it was running became just very loud background noise that actually kept him calm a bit. Also he HATED us getting in and out because of the opening and closing doors, that was probably the thing that bothered him most.

Of course your experience may be quite different but just to give you an idea of what it might be like.
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Thanks, Liv, it's lovely!

I'm now a Fuzzy-Rabbit co-mod! If you need help with something on the forum, feel free to ask me and I'll do what I can.