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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Rabbit Flying CARGO!!

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    • RufusBunBun
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        Hi everyone, I’m new, actually I just registered because I don’t know what to do…. Two months ago me and my mom had a fight, I slammed the door of my room and locked myself for hours. I slept all afternoon. In the evening someone knocked on my door, I got up from bed and opened the door, there was this cage with a sorry note from my mom, and there he was, the most beautiful creature I had ever seen, my baby, Rufus. I love him to bits, I can’t imagine my life without him. Such a curious, lazy bunny. After a week in his new home he got really sick, he almost died, he had a very painful UTI/Sludge and almost entered in gi stasis. He wouldn’t eat, wouldn’t drink, wouldn’t move. I felt so helpless and guilty, I did all my best, researched day and night, he got so skinny, I barely slept just to make sure he was alive. Cutting the story short, he got well, he is now healthy and he has gained almost all his weight back.  Now, I’m going back home after 6 years, my flight is on the 22nd. Sadly, no matter how much it hurts me, he has to go in the cargo hold, there is no other way, I am traveling with Qatar Airways from the Philippines to Spain, it’s a very very long journey, and the airline wont let me take him in the cabin, only dogs can go in the cabin and only if they are service dogs and only if the flight is from or to the states. I tried the “emotional support animal” route, but they said that it is not possible (again only dogs), he must go in the cargo hold. Leaving him behind is not an option. And i’m so scared, I just can’t stop crying, I’m trying to stay positive, but I’m breaking down. I would be devastated if something happened to him, and as the days pass the more I freak out.. Sorry, I just needed to tell someone, as my friends don’t really understand my love for Rufus, they think I’m paranoid and that I’m over reacting…. 


      • Elizabeth Paige
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          i suggest going to the vet ad asking what to do some times they can give animals sedatives and help you make the journey a little bit more tolerable for your fuzzy little bunny friend!


        • tobyluv
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            Is that the only airline available to you? Would it be possible to either use another airline or to use Qatar, but take a flight to a closer destination first, then switch to an airline that would allow you to hold Rufus on your lap in a carrier?

            I understand how upsetting this is for you, and I hope that everything works out well.


          • Kokaneeandkahlua
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              Welcome!!

              I agree talk to your vet. Your vet could prescribe sedatives, or could suggest something else-maybe your vet could write a note that your pet is a therapy animal and than your dr. writes that you need a therapy animal?

              Gosh I’m just not sure other than the other suggestions-and what you tried already-therapy animal route, other airline, sedative…

              Umn what kind of carrier do you have? I would suggest maybe a bigger style one, with strong sturdy clips so it doesn’t come undone. Sticker it up (live animal etc), put your contact info in the carrier, talk to the airline about providing water (i.e. can they)

              To be honest, Bunnie settle right in to car rides after a length of time. So I don’t see a danger, just the same dogs and cats fly cargo; as long as it’s the pet side, pressurized and temperature regulated(i.e. it’s a reputable airline) everything should be just fine.

              I’d put in lots of hay, and a familiar blanket. Maybe even have some signs made up to go on the carrier (like ‘please be gentle i’m a bunny’) or something like that.

              How long is the flight? Is it direct?
              Please keep us posted!!!!


            • Roberta
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                I suppose dressing her in Booties, Bonnet and a Onesie and declaring her as a “Babe in Arms” is out of the question ?

                Just looked online and flights seem to average between 14 -17 hrs.

                With a good travel case and water bottles etc water supply ect shouldn’t be a problem. I’m with the others, see the vet about possible pre flight sedatives or try to get a letter from your vet that may convince the airline to let her travel with you.


              • Elizabeth Paige
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                  i also suggest carrying around a small stuffed animal for a few days before the flight (sleep with it lay with it while relxing) that way your buns has something to cuddle with and remind her of you while she is flying, it might be very comforting having your sent near by


                • Beka27
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                    Is this a permanent relocation or just a trip back home? That wasn’t clear in your post.


                  • RufusBunBun
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                      Hi thanks for replying guys!

                      @Elizabeth Paige  I did ask the vet, but he said it’s not safe to give him sedatives, and the airline will not let any animal board under sedation. Thanks for the stuff toy thing, i’m cuddling it as of now

                      @Tobyluv Sadly no, there are like only two  airlines that fly to Spain from here and those are Turkish airlines and Qatar, I heard some horror stories of the animal cargo of Turkish airlines, so we chose qatar. 

                      @Kokaneeandkahlua  The flight is not direct. Manila to Doha 9 hours, then a 4 hour layover at Doha, then Doha to Madrid 7 hours. Carrier is airline approved, it is big enough for him to move around and small enough for him not to get hurt because of turbulation etc.

                      @Roberta, I hope so, I did try the letter thing, the airline still said that no animals other than service dogs and falcons(business class) are allowed in the cabin.

                      @Beka27 Sorry it wasn’t clear but I’m relocating back, that’s why I can’t leave him because I’m moving back for good.

                      I’m also scare of heat stroke, weather at doha is extremely hot from what I’ve read, and I’m scared that he might be left on the tarmac for too long while on the layover. 


                    • Beka27
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                        Okay. Thanks for clearing that up.

                        I just googled a few links, you may have seen these already, but if not…

                        http://en.allexperts.com/q/Rabbits-703/2009/2/Traveling-Rabbits-Airplanes.htm

                        http://www.wikihow.com/Transport-a-Rabbit

                        I like the recommendation to zip-tie or lock the carrier. In case of it being jostled or turbulence, you don’t want the carrier to come unhinged. Also the suggestion of a wheeled collapsible cart is good.

                        During your layover, will you have access to your rabbit or does he get automatically transferred to the next plane? I wonder if you can feed and water him part way thru?


                      • Beka27
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                          http://www.rabbit.org/journal/4-10/flying.html

                          Lots of labeling of the carrier seems to be the way to go.


                        • Elizabeth Paige
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                            it will all be ok! im sure all of us will be sending good vibes the day of your flight! <3 good luck!!


                          • LittlePuffyTail
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                              I want to wish you luck and many (((((Safe Travel Vibes))))) to you and your bunny. Make sure to let us know how it goes.


                            • BinkyBunny
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                                i understand your concern. I would feel the same way. I am so sorry. You’ve gotten some good advice so far.  

                                Since your bunny will be peeing in the carrier, try to see if you can get a pee pad or some sort of absorbency litter options, underneath a blanket, so it could help wick away the urine.

                                Also, just in case the water bottle falls off, or something happens to it due to pressurizing, provide a solid veggie like a carrot as it will have hydrating qualities. Plenty of hay too of course. (be sure there is no agriculture restriction about that when flying to another country) Most bunnies won’t want to eat during stress, but it’s always best to have it there just in case. 

                                Along with the note that says “Live Animal” on the carrier, you could add “Animal Sensitive to high temperatures”, maybe that would give the extra nudge to pay attention when you get where it’s hot.  

                                During the layover, will you be allowed to check on your bunny?

                                I will keep the 22nd in mind and send positive thoughts. Though with the time zone difference, I will have to start sending positive thoughts and vibes on the evening of the 21st here. When you get settled in, please be sure to come back to the forum and let us know how it went. 


                              • Roberta
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                                  I would recommend an ice pack in the carrier too. I am not sure how you would provide fresh ones in between but maybe they would be able to provide something at the stop over. How does the drop off work, do you leave them at the luggage check in or do you (like we do here) take them personally down to the live cargo area ? You may be able to speak to the people there and they could arrange ice packs to be waiting at Doha.


                                • Roberta
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                                    There are instant cold packs, but you would need to put them inside something so she couldn’t chew them. But they would probably do the job for the stop over, put one in when you land and replace it before you depart. http://www.amazon.com/Ace-Instant-Cold-Compress-Pack/dp/B001AM455S Just trying to find out if any particular one stays colder longer than the others. The only other ice pack that would stay cold for lomg periods would involve dry ice and that could be risky as it is frozen carbon dioxide and direct contact can cause chill burns.


                                  • RufusBunBun
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                                      Hello everyone!! Thank you sooo much for all the support and the advice, I will give him carrots and some cucumber (which he loves)… about the ice packs, i thought about that, the problem is that the philippines is a tropical country so it’s hot as hell here, so it would just melt by the time i get to the airport. Since my baby is going in the animal cargo I do have to drop him at the cargo place, but they old me to go at 10 am to fix the documentation etc etc etc, and the cargo guys also said that Rufus can tag along with me till the loading time at 2pm my flight is at 6pm. I will ask them about the ice thing for the layover, sadly I don’t have any time left to look for instant cold packs, my flight is tomorrow, and I WILL REQUEST THEM TO LET ME SEE HIM A THE LAYOVER. Again, thank you guys!!!!! WISH ME THE BEST OF LUCK!


                                    • Beka27
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                                        Good luck and safe travels!!!


                                      • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                          Good luck good luck!! Please tell us how everything goes!


                                        • BinkyBunny
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                                            Good luck!!!!! Safe Travels for you and your bunny!


                                          • Stitchntwinks
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                                              Good luckkkk


                                            • RabbitPam
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                                                {{{{{{{{{{{{Safe travel vibes}}}}}}}

                                                It is the afternoon of the 22nd here now. How are you? I know it may be hard to get online, but I hope you are both landed and at home now. The suggestions you received above were all very good, and hopefully it went well for you and Rufus. Please give us an update when you get to a computer.


                                              • tanlover14
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                                                  Just praying you and Rufus made it okay!


                                                • Roberta
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                                                    Keeping you and Rufus in my thoughts


                                                  • Roberta
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                                                      Just checked the flight schedules for Qatar Manilla-Doha-Madrid and it looks like most of the travelling is afternoon to wee small hours of the morning. They probably won’t land for a few more hours but it means that the temperatures should be moderate. Keeping my fingers crossed for them especially after reading on the Qatar Live Cargo info that they do not take animals that are prone to heat stroke……… Lots and lots of Vibes<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<


                                                    • Roberta
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                                                        Had a thorough look and as there are only single flights yesterday and today I think I got the right ones. Left Doha at about 2.15am (about 30C/86F) landing in Madrid in another few hours to a blessed 18C. Looks like time on the layover was the coolest part of the morning which is excellent……. I am so nervous for them… Hope they are OK!!!!!!!!!!!!!


                                                      • Roberta
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                                                          Just checked. Flight is still in the air and on time eta about 1.5 hrs. Temp in Madrid is blessedly cool. I hope they brought coats its going to be a nasty shock after Manilla, about 14 degree difference 30C Doha-16C Madrid


                                                        • BinkyBunny
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                                                            Thanks so much Roberta for keeping us updated. I have been thinking about this member and her bunny quite a bit today!


                                                          • Roberta
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                                                              I know, I have been worried sick about them and the heat. If they had left Manilla in the morning and landed in Doha mid afternoon it could have been tragic. Have all fingers and toes crossed.


                                                            • Mimzy
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                                                                I just tuned into this post right now! So sorry you have to go through this, keeping you both in my thoughts & can’t wait to hear updates. Hope everything is going fine!


                                                              • Roberta
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                                                                  The flight has landed about an hour ago so I would say they are through customs etc and hopefully next stop is live cargo. We may not get updates for another couple of hours…. Still have all digits crossed.


                                                                • BinkyBunny
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                                                                    all digits crossed over here on our little spot of the globe! Viv is crossing her paws, she doesn’t have the digits thing down yet.


                                                                  • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                                      Hope we get an update soon!


                                                                    • Roberta
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                                                                        In the air for 16 hours, layover 4 hrs, Check in and Arrival with customs etc.. Thats over 24 hrs of Travel
                                                                        Doubt if we will hear for a few more hours yet. After all there’s freshening up, decent food, some sleep and lots of bunny cuddles to be addressed first.


                                                                      • RabbitPam
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                                                                          Just sending good wishes that all is well now. This may bump the thread up a bit so we can spot an update soon, I hope.


                                                                        • Roberta
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                                                                            Is currently only 6.20 am in Madrid, we probably have a few more hours before we get an update. After a long journey like that they are probably still fast asleep. Hope we hear soon though. Don’t know if I can take the suspense much longer.


                                                                          • tanlover14
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                                                                              Me neither — I keep checking back on this thread also.


                                                                            • Stitchntwinks
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                                                                                Same here, maybe work on the basis no news is good news!!


                                                                              • Mimzy
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                                                                                  This is too suspenseful 😮 I’m sure just settling in. Maybe also aren’t around Internet yet?


                                                                                • Svandis
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                                                                                    I’m updating this thread like crazy, hope they are okay!


                                                                                  • Roberta
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                                                                                      Plus we don’t know how far they had to travel after they landed in Madrid… and if they use a PC not a laptop it may be a few days before it gets unpacked….
                                                                                      Fingers crossed we get an update today….


                                                                                    • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                                                                        Oh I hope we get an update soon!


                                                                                      • Roberta
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                                                                                          Still around 6am over there at the moment…


                                                                                        • Mimzy
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                                                                                            Just thinking about you guys and wanted to send more prayers & well wishes!! I’m sure we still have to give them some time.


                                                                                          • Stitchntwinks
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                                                                                              I hope we hear soon,the suspense is horrible, I can’t stop thinking about them!!


                                                                                            • Roberta
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                                                                                                Just wondering, has any one PM’d. Being a newbie Rufus’ Mum might not realise you have to click the subscribe button to keep the thread update alerts coming through ?
                                                                                                If no one else has I might just send a note saying we are all thinking of them and looking forward to an update.


                                                                                              • tanlover14
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                                                                                                  I haven’t even thought of it — but I do know the suspense is killing me — and apparently all of us!


                                                                                                • Roberta
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                                                                                                    PM sent… Seeing as I sent it from all of us thought I should post a copy
                                                                                                    Hi Rufus’ Mum…
                                                                                                    Just a note letting you know we have all been keeping you and Rufus in our thoughts. We have been sending vibes and keeping our fingers and paws crossed that you would have a safe journey.
                                                                                                    We all hope to hear from you soon.


                                                                                                  • tanlover14
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                                                                                                      Good job, Roberta! Hopefully we hear back quickly!


                                                                                                    • Stitchntwinks
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                                                                                                        Fab idea Roberta! Got everything crossed!


                                                                                                      • vickyb
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                                                                                                          Did you know they have airlines for animals now!  they get to run around in the plane get toys and get checked up on every 15 minutes! cool right!?!?!  it’s called “pet airways” you should check it out!


                                                                                                        • Svandis
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                                                                                                            Thats really cool Vickyb!


                                                                                                          • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                                                                                              I’m thinking since she’s moving back, maybe internet isn’t hooked up or computer isn’t unpacked. It could be quite the struggle to get set up just to update us. I bet everything went well and hopefully we hear soon! Thanks for sending the PM Roberta!!

                                                                                                              Vickyb-I heard of that airline before! I found they didn’t have many destinations, but I emailed them to let them know there are lots of us out there who would use their service and to keep it up! I hope they become big so it’s like ‘oh yeah I sent him pet airways’ becomes normal I read they have pet attendants, and the pets ride in the cabin and there is a vet tech on board!


                                                                                                            • Roberta
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                                                                                                                Hi K&K
                                                                                                                was just thinking the same thing. Moving from the Phillipines to Spain they would need a new service and if they are in a remote area it might take some time finding an ISP, plus setting up residential mailing addresses other utilities etc etc. Still keeping them in my thoughts.


                                                                                                              • Chesters Mommy
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                                                                                                                  I hope all went well. Hope to hear and update from you soon! 


                                                                                                                • BinkyBunny
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                                                                                                                    She sure is going to be surprised with all of us just waiting on pins and needles for her! I check this post often. I was thinking of messaging her as she may get an email notif that her forum message inbox has a message. (Though she may not be set up yet on the net), but I was afraid that other members may have already been doing that. However, if no one has, I will. Just let me know.


                                                                                                                  • tanlover14
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                                                                                                                      Hahahahahah.  I feel like this is why we are all considered “crazy rabbit people”.  We have all been stalking this post for days. 


                                                                                                                    • RabbitPam
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                                                                                                                        BB,
                                                                                                                        I would go ahead and message her if I were you.
                                                                                                                        I doubt she knows that we are hoping to hear so soon.

                                                                                                                        Also, it may be something she doesn’t view as spam but recognizes as coming from you here, and will want to open.
                                                                                                                        I am also concerned that it did not go as well as planned and she is upset or embarrassed to say so. In that case, you can help explain her situation on her behalf.
                                                                                                                        That said, if she is reading this, please know that my best wishes are for you, your bunny and your family in your new home!


                                                                                                                      • tanlover14
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                                                                                                                          RabbitPam — I have been concerned about that as well. We have all had bunny mishaps in our growing and expanding our knowledge of our buns though so I hope she realizes this is definitely a comfortable place to talk about stuff like that if that is the case.


                                                                                                                        • RufusBunBun
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                                                                                                                            GUYSSS!!!!!!!! SOOO SORRY FOR THE LATE REPLY!!!! My baby Rufus is doing great, gosh when the plane landed at Madrid I saw him from my window and I SCREAMED LOL, the other passengers were like WTH?? he is doing well and going strong, I´m SOOOO PROUD OF HIM he is very happy in his new home. He loves the sunny balcony area where he plays (with supervition of course)He was back to normal after a few hours and went on a binkying spree ) Thank you everyone for the GOOD VIBES and all the advice!!!!

                                                                                                                            I have one more question guys, Rufus hates his hay, he eats it at night though, when he´s hungry but not that much, in the morning I give him his bunny salad, his meds and a tiny piece of fruit/carrot. I tried spraying his hay with some apple juice, but he still doen´t eat it… such a picky bunny…. any advice guys?


                                                                                                                          • RufusBunBun
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                                                                                                                              Thank you soo much for all your concern, I´m at an internet cafe now, still don´t have internet at home, anyways, your messages of concern made me so happy, thank you guys from the bottom of my heart, once I´ve got the internet going at my place I´ll be an active member on this forum, really guys, thank you thank you thank you!!!!! LOTS OF LOVE!!


                                                                                                                            • Monkeybun
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                                                                                                                                What kind of hay is it? He may prefer another kind


                                                                                                                              • Roberta
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                                                                                                                                  Mine have decided they like oaten hay for their evening meal and meadow hay for breakfast, with a side salad on both occassions. Breakfast must contain Parsley, Kale and Nasturtium leaves and flowers, whilst dinner is expected to have large helpings of wild fennel, parsley and bok choy. I have been meaning to ask some other people if their buns like geranium leaves.


                                                                                                                                • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                                                                                                    I’m so happy to hear all went well.


                                                                                                                                  • Beka27
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                                                                                                                                      I’m so glad it went well!!! We were (obviously) thinking of you!


                                                                                                                                    • RabbitPam
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                                                                                                                                        It’s great to hear you’re both doing so well!!!!!

                                                                                                                                        (Aside to Roberta, who is your biggest fan, btw: Your bunnies are bored with your meals as described. They now have a standing reservation at the Ritz-Carlton. They will invite you as long as you bring your credit card.)

                                                                                                                                        I digress. Re the hay: first, a bunny will eat its hay last usually, when presented with tasty greens, fruits, etc. So it makes sense that Rufus is eating his hay only at night, which is fine as long as he is eating it. It should be unlimited in his hay bin, so you may never see him finish it all, but that’s OK too as long as you add fresh so he goes back for more.
                                                                                                                                        It is also likely that he would prefer the taste of a different kind. Mine likes Mature Oat hay best, then regular Oat, then a blend (that BB sells), then Timothy, and finally Orchard Grass. She goes from dry to soft in her taste preferences. I’ve noticed that most bunnies are the opposite, though, and love the softer hays like Orchard Grass or Second cut Timothy, and may not care for the dryer type.
                                                                                                                                        So buy very small quantities of different kinds and see which one he gobbles up the most. Again, give it to him when he’s hungry and doesn’t have a better choice. It’s like serving dinner before he gets dessert.


                                                                                                                                      • equalsign
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                                                                                                                                          The best way I’ve found to get my rabbits to eat more hay is to buy higher quality hay. Every time I move up in quality, I see a significant increase in consumption.


                                                                                                                                        • tobyluv
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                                                                                                                                            I’m so glad to hear that Rufus did well during the flight and that are both enjoying your new home!

                                                                                                                                            I don’t know what brands and types of hay are available to you. A lot of bunnies love the softer second cutting of Timothy hay, as RabbitPam mentioned. American Pet Diner Timothy Gold is a good second cutting Timothy hay. She also mentioned orchard grass, which is a favorite with some rabbits who don’t care that much for Timothy. Try different varieties and brands and hopefully you will find one that Rufus really likes. You didn’t mention if you are giving him pellets and how much. It’s often recommended that the amount of pellets be reduced if a rabbit isn’t eating enough hay.

                                                                                                                                            You can try sprinkling some dried herbs or bunny safe flower petals on the hay to entice Rufus. The BB store sells a couple of different blends of hay toppers.


                                                                                                                                          • tanlover14
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                                                                                                                                              So happy to hear back and that everything went well!!! I, too, would suggest changing up the hay you’re giving him. My buns LOVE oat hay but we recently reduced their pellets and now they’ll gobble up Orchard Grass as well! I think it’s just hit or miss with some buns and what they like — keep trying different kinds or maybe he just wants a mix-up every now and then… We decided to keep ours on Orchard Grass and mix it with some Oat Hay every once in awhile to keep their little mouths happy!

                                                                                                                                              Such picky little brats — I definitely know how that is!


                                                                                                                                            • Stitchntwinks
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                                                                                                                                                So happy to hear all went well, we were all so worried as time was going on! I feel like I don’t need to refresh binky bunny every 5 minutes now we no your all okay!!

                                                                                                                                                Yayyyyyyy
                                                                                                                                                Xxx


                                                                                                                                              • Deleted User
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                                                                                                                                                  So I have been following this thread and worried about you and Rufus’ journey. It’s so good to hear he is doing well!


                                                                                                                                                • Mimzy
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                                                                                                                                                    Also relieved you both are doing well! I think everyone else already made great suggestions for the hay

                                                                                                                                                    Bunnies can be so picky sometimes


                                                                                                                                                  • pendrith
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                                                                                                                                                      I’m so glad to hear all went fine!


                                                                                                                                                    • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                                                                                                                                                        YEAH!!!! I’m so glad to hear everything went well! I thought it might be the move that kept you off the internet REquest: When you get internet at home we must see some pictures of this worldly bunny

                                                                                                                                                        I would try mixing different types of hay to increase his consumption. Another thing you can do is get some bunny potpurri like this http://store.binkybunny.com/bunny-bouquet-hay-topper—reformulated-p118.aspx or this http://store.binkybunny.com/cran-rose-mix-floppers-garden-p154.aspx and you just sprinkle it on the hay. My bunnies go bonkers for these and I sprinkle some on their hay daily


                                                                                                                                                      • Roberta
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                                                                                                                                                          (Aside to Roberta, who is your biggest fan, btw: Your bunnies are bored with your meals as described. They now have a standing reservation at the Ritz-Carlton. They will invite you as long as you bring your credit card.)

                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                          Hmmmm, you may be right RP, it would explain the mysterious Mastercard charge for a penthouse at the Rendezvous Observation City in Scarborough and the huge charge for room service gourmet vegetarian meals !

                                                                                                                                                          Little blighters !!


                                                                                                                                                        • LittlePuffyTail
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                                                                                                                                                            Yes, I also want pictures of this travelin bun!


                                                                                                                                                          • tanlover14
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                                                                                                                                                              I, too, want pictures of this brave little Rufus!!!

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