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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Drastically Changing Schedule

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    • MiNinoJack
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        I feel like I have been starting a lot of threads lately. I just have too many questions! Sorry! 

        So, I have been offered a great work opportunity, but taking the job would mean drastically changing my work schedule and it will really impact my Jack’s life.

        Right now I work from home so I’m with him all of the time – like 8+ a day, 7 days a week. I occasionally leave him alone for the day, but I’m always there to give him his evening salad. He gets it around 9:30 am and 6:30/7 pm every day.

        I’ve been offered a job where I will be working 5 days a week and be out of the house for about 12 hours each of those days. 

        Do you think Jack will be OK alone for all that time? He has a 3 story NIC condo now that he loves, and I could set up an x-pen attachment when I’m gone for him to get more exercise in.

        Two days a week it will be closer to 14 hrs with me gone, but I was thinking on those two days I could get a bunny sitter to stop in to check on him? Not sure if I can find a steady babysitter though.

        This is a great opportunity for me, but I would be really upset if it distressed him too much. I may not take the job if it would be bad for him. I know its crazy to think I would derail my career for a pet, but he’s my baby. I just don’t know what to do… nothing is set in stone yet, but I’m entering the final phase and will need to make a decision soon.

        Thanks for your thoughts. 


      • Ellie from The Netherlands
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          Congratulations on the job offer How soon do you need to make the decision?

          Regarding your bun: have you considered bonding him so he can get some attention from another bun while you’re not at home?


        • MiNinoJack
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            Hi Ellie. I have, but I don’t think I have enough time. If this happens I’ll be making the decision in the next 1-2 weeks. If bonding goes well, then great! But if it doesn’t I won’t be around much to make it happen. And I won’t be there to watch for any potential fights early on in the bonding process.

            I do want to bond him some day, but I was going to wait a year of him and I being together first to make sure we know each other well. I’ve only had him since February.


          • MiNinoJack
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              Hi… Does anyone have any other input? I feel so guilty I’m considering not taking the job. I’m hoping someone can talk me off the ledge. Thanks…


            • cinnybun2015
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                I know how important our bunnies are to us. But other things are also important. Please don’t consider not taking the job if you really think that it would improve your life. As for Jack, do you have a friend that you could educate about rabbits to stop by on those 14 hour days and check in on him? I’m very sorry that you’re so torn. Hope it gets better for you.


              • Azerane
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                  Sorry I never saw this post before. I’m honestly not sure what to suggest. A great job opportunity is not generally something to turn down. While he may struggle with you being away so much at first, I’m sure he would adapt with time. While I wasn’t gone for quite so long, I work 5 days a week and was gone about 8 hours each day with Bandit at home alone in his condo. In the morning, I would let him out when I first got up for work, and then feed him in his condo before I had to leave so that he would go back inside. Then when I got home from work, pretty much the first thing I would do was open the door to his condo for him to be able to come out again. Don’t forget you still have your weekends He may be lonely at first, but I’m sure he would adapt quite well to a new routine with a bit of time.


                • MiNinoJack
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                    Thanks… Sorry to force a response. Everyone in my life thinks I’m nuts to consider Jack’s feelings in my decision. I need bunny people to tell me he’ll be ok.

                    I was thinking to get a sitter to come by once a day. A little hard to find, but it will ease my mind a bit. At least during the transition.

                    I’m also going to have to eliminate his dinner greens and give him only a salad in the morning. Is one salad a day ok?


                  • Gina.Jenny
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                      can you just shift his evening greens to yr bedtime? my buns n piggies all get something just before I switch off the lights at night, they know that means bedtime!

                      also, buns will sleep for a big portion of the day, can you make a room 100% bun proof, to give him run-around-space for when he is awake? and maybe a stuffed companion?


                    • MiNinoJack
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                        Well I’ll be attaching an x pen to his condo so he’ll be able to get some exercise on his own. He has a stuffed baby bunny that he sometimes grooms.

                        The issue with my schedule, aside from it being long hours, is that it won’t be consistent. Sometimes I’ll be home at 10, others not until 1 am. Saturdays I’ll get home earlier then have Sunday and Monday off so I can spend time with him then.

                        Because of the lack of consistency I don’t think the dinner salad greens are a good idea. I don’t wavy him stressed out waiting for them for hours. Am I wrong?


                      • kirstyol
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                          I never feed my buns at the same time for precisely this reason, my schedule is never the same so it wouldnt be fair for them to expect food at a set time and me not be here to give them it. They honestly dont seem to mind but i guess you would need to get your guy used to it a bit first. When our schedules changed drastically, pretty much the way yours has actually going from one of us always being home to at least three or four days a week where noone was home for at least 13 hours Bramble seemed ok, but we got another bun shortly after so now he has company from him. Ours live in an xpen attached to their house when we arent here and they do absolutely fine. I honestly think he will be fine, it may take him a bit of getting used to the new schedule but I think he will do ok


                        • cinnybun2015
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                            I think one salad a day is okay. You can slowly reduce Jack’s intake of his dinner greens so he gets used to it.

                            Attaching an X-pen sounds like a great idea. Remember, bunnies often nap during the afternoon, so he’ll probably be asleep most of the day while you’re gone and then be able to play a couple of hours before you get back home. (Except on the 14-hour days.)


                          • Brambino
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                              I am away from Bramble for long hours during the day sometimes. I find she alters her sleep schedule to fit with when we are there/away. I get her up between 5-8am before work and 5-10 when I get home. She mainly just sleeps when we’re not there. I’ve spied on her many times lol.

                              I do worry about her being lonely but mainly because she gets stressed so easily. I will be getting her a friend and using a bonding service. It’s the lady we board her with whilst we’re away. I trust her, she is a rabbit whisperer! Both buns are dropped off for a fortnight and she gradually bonds them on neutral grounds. I’m just waiting until we get vhd2 vaccine to restart my husbun search. Maybe you could find a similar bonding service if you think after a few months of you being away he seems lonely? Xx


                            • Vienna Blue in France
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                                Yup – agree definitely not turn down a job for your bun (unless you’re looking for an excuse not to take it – he will adapt – and even if you can’t bond straight away, with your condo making skills you could make a divider so atleast they would be company to each other and then you could have bonding sessions at the weekend. He’ll always have hay to nibble, so he won’t go hungry like we think a cat or dog may with set meal times

                                “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”

                                And a rabbit whisperer is a brill idea – my (lazy ) friends in UK did that with their two buns (not the same lady is it Brambino? ) – they left them with her for a week when they went on hols – and when they came back Cinnamon and Monty were happily bonded ! Simples ! Why “do your head in” with something when a specialist can do it for you?!

                                Go for it – and don’t look back. And don’t feel guilty but get him a friend.


                              • Q8bunny
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                                  I want a rabbit whisperer to bond the Chewball to a friend!

                                  Seriously, though, if you want this job for yourself in your heart of hearts, go for it. Bunnies are adaptable resilient creatures for the most part, and Jack has a fab home in which to pass the time while you’re at work (mostly snoozing, I’d wager).

                                  Eight months a year, I usually work from 6:30 to 8:30. The rest of the time, I’m home all day. Chewie seems happy regardless of which schedule I’m following.


                                • Brambino
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                                    Maybe the same lady, Vienna. I’m lucky she’s so close by! She’s called Julie and runs Derek’s Den.

                                    http://www.derricksdenrabbitboarding.co.uk/#!bonding-service/c124r

                                    I am definitely going to take the lazy way

                                    In the short term, If you’re worried about being away more, it’s a great time to get creative with toys to keep him busy the toys on this website are great and with a little craftsyness I think you can make them yourself. Bramble is crazy about her Binky table.

                                    http://www.thebinkyshop.co.uk/

                                    I know you’re worried about Jack but he will be absolutely fine. You could always get a webcam set up to spy on him whilst you’re at work :p xx


                                  • Vienna Blue in France
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                                      @Brambino – No not at all the same – we’re down SE near Gatwick, but interesting none the less

                                      @Q8 – that’s nasty hours…. unless it’s only 2 hours you’re talking about …..  


                                    • MiNinoJack
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                                        Wow. Thanks so much for the encouragement and reassurance!

                                        I had a few long days this week trailing at the possible new job and he seemed ok. Very excited to get out when I got home. I’ve been getting a little bunny butt, but I guess that’s too be expected.

                                        I might be starting with only 8 hr shifts first, which I think would be a great transition. He does sleep close to 10 hrs a day sometimes and he’s enjoying the attached x pen. I hate it since it’s taking up so much space, but I’m not home and he deserves to be happy.

                                        I’m actually on my way out of town on my first ever weekend away from him. I have a bunny sitter coming twice a day and my boyfriend will be spending the night tonight to give him a little regularity. I miss him already! I hope my little man does well. This is a good trial run for the potential long hours.

                                        And WOW. A bonding service! Amazing! If anyone knows of one in NYC let me know. I would do it in a minute. Bonding is so intimidating.

                                        Thank you all again for the advice! Taking a better job may mean longer hours, but it will be a better life for both me and Jack. We just need to get used to the change.


                                      • Q8bunny
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                                          Vienna: That’s why I live for the holidays and want to (semi?)retire the summer I turn 40.


                                        • Vienna Blue in France
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                                            40 is a good age to (semi) retire !!
                                            To France…


                                          • MiNinoJack
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                                              Update… So I’m about to complete my first week at the new job. I leave at 8:45 AM everyday and return between 7 and 8 PM.

                                              I get up early so he can play in the morning, but he often prefers to sleep during that time (like right now). At night I let him stay out until he’s “done.” Usually til 11 or 12.

                                              I am feeling incredibly guilty, but he seems ok. I hope I’m giving him enough play time.

                                              Good news is that these hours are a little less than I originally thought. I’ve spoken to a local rescue about getting him a friend, but I don’t have the time right now to bond them, and maybe it’s best to get him used to this schedule first to not stress him out more.

                                              Thanks for all of your help and guidance!


                                            • Vienna Blue in France
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                                                Don’t feel guilty – and how’s the job going?
                                                First week is always hard… where are the toilets? How often can I have a cup of tea? who to trust, and who’s just the gossiper…?
                                                Sometimes the nicest people in the first days are actually the ones to stay clear of later on…. (and vice versa)


                                              • MiNinoJack
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                                                  Oh man. Then I’m really in trouble. Everyone had been so nice!!! But it is so true about that. Be wary of fast friends!

                                                  Job had been pretty good so far, but the biggest adjustment had been the commute. I got a cat for this job because public transit between my house and work is some rare form of torture. So I’m driving to work for the first time in 15 years, but never in my life have I had to drive in rush hour city traffic. It’s awful. An hour to go 12 miles! Ugh. I’m not sure if I’ll ever get used to it.

                                                  EDIT: I got a CAR for this job… Although a cat would be nice too


                                                • Ellie from The Netherlands
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                                                    Posted By MiNinoJack on 8/05/2016 7:09 AM

                                                    EDIT: I got a CAR for this job… Although a cat would be nice too

                                                    Darnit, I would have loved to see the local news heli hovering above the highway with live footage of you doing 30 on Sir Fluffykins, your mighty feline.

                                                    But good luck on the new job, and I hope that your bun will be adapting to your new schedule soon!


                                                  • Vienna Blue in France
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                                                      A bicycle? A motorbike? A push scooter? Segway? 12 mph is not fast…. a push bike would get you there faster? As would a monster cat to ride on


                                                    • MiNinoJack
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                                                        Usually biking would take about the same time as driving, but I am not the strongest bigger in the world. And I’m terrified of biking in NYC streets.

                                                        At least I get to listen to music. The train takes 2 hours so an hour drive is an improvement.

                                                        If I could find a cat mighty enough and willing to let me ride him to work I’d do it in a second. I’d never have to worry about parking again!


                                                      • GeorgieTheBunny
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                                                          Have you considered fostering a bunny companion?

                                                          If you’re still thinking about companionship for Bunny:

                                                          Where I live there are rabbit rescues that will let you foster if you’re attempting to bond to your current rabbit then adopt.

                                                          You put the rabbits in adjacent condos, sharing a wall, so that they get used to each other’s presence and scent. A passive, slow bond.

                                                          It’s an option

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                                                      Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Drastically Changing Schedule