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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Being away from rabbit

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    • noodlebeer
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        Early next year I will be travelling overseas twice; once for 3 weeks and once for two, with about 6 weeks home in the middle.  While I’m away my bun will be cared for by my housemates.  Gus kind of likes them – he’s cautious of them (they’re both big, tall dudes and I’m a small girl so it’s understandable they are intimidating to him in comparison) but he will let them pet him.  I know they will feed and clean up after Gus well enough but I’m concerned about a few things…

         – Gus is very much bonded to me, and very affectionate.  He follows me everywhere.  I’m frequently giving him cuddles and pets and always talking to him, and he is ‘grooming’ me in return.  I know the guys will put in a bit of effort to keep him company but I’m sure he will only get maybe an hour or two a day of interaction (they’ll let him out of his pen for more than that but as he isn’t allowed in their rooms or the lounge, he will be on his own the rest of the time) If he goes 3 weeks with only that, will his personality suffer?  I’d hate to come back to a changed bun. 

        – How good are rabbit’s memories? Will he remember me when I get back?  


      • Dface
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          Rabbits remember and they hold grudges
          I went away for 2 weeks and Yumi did nothing but give me the butt when I got back. (Not the welcome home I had hoped for) but she got over it in a while(treats help)

          Sampras on the other hand is not able to be separated from me anymore. He became incredibly upset that I was gone, became very depressed and stressed and his pasturella(he’s already prone to it) flared up and we nearly lost him.
          Do make sure the guys he’s with understand what to do when he’s not well. My boy was fortunate enough to be with my mom who is a natural worry wort, and it’s the only reason I still have Sampras. Even while on antibiotic he developed pneumonia.

          I would like to mention Sampras is not particularly affectionate and mostly enjoys not being touched and left to explore by himself, wheras Yumi is a lovebun.


        • Dubbsmama1
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            I am going away next week only for a week and I am dreading it. Already trying to plan on coming home early. My boyfriend who lives with us is going to be watching Wubbie, but like you, me and my little guy are very much attached. Eddie will give him lots of attention after work when he is home, but I know he is going to miss me. I hope he takes it ok. I went away last November for 3 days and when I got back Wubbie just laid on my chest and kissed my face so much that I couldn’t sleep. By the second night of that he had to get booted off the bed, something I still feel guilty about. I never had an animal or person so happy to see me in my life :*) It was really quite amazing. I am hopefully buying what is called a nest cam which is wifi capable video baby monitor more or less so I could see him and video chat while I am away and he could at least hear my voice and pray that I could somehow manage to cut my trip short and come home LOL


          • pinknfwuffy
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              It is hard to be away from our bunny friends no matter what. All of your concerns are valid.

              Yes, rabbits have good memories and will know that you are gone. They may even be a little miffed when you get back. “Where have you BEEN?” But their memory also works in our favor because if they remember you, they’ll have an easier time acclimating to your routine again It will just take some time to adjust for both of you.

              Make sure you leave detailed instructions for food, care, supplies, and emergency information. Also make sure your bunny sitters are clear about how important it is to monitor food intake and bathroom habits. This includes veterinary contact information and a direct line to you for instruction, if needed. These are the most important things make sure your bunny is safe.

              As for emotional wellness, keep a few favorite pictures handy in your phone to look at while you’re away. It helps sometimes when you miss them. I was just away for the holidays and couldn’t stand the thought of leaving. When I came back, Olaf was a little suspicious but otherwise back to his normal self. My worry was far greater than his reality.

              If you think your rabbit will miss you because you are so strongly bonded, consider putting an item in their cage that has your scent. Like a blanket, t-shirt, or stuffie that you’ve slept with for a few nights. Of course, only do this if you know it is safe to leave these things with your rabbit (so they do not ingest filler material or threads). The smell will comfort them in your absence. Also leave extra toys and cardboard chews to distract and keep stress levels down. It may even give them something to groom.


            • BunnyFriends
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                @ Dface They most certainly do hold grudges. Licorice refused to come within a few feet of the evil people who took him to the vet for a few weeks.


              • Jessica
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                  Leave something that smells like you (like an old shirt you’ve slept in) for your bun to cuddle. I was out of town last weekend and my hubby was home with the bun. She was being antsy and not settling so he grabbed a t-shirt out of my laundry for amelia. She just cuddled with it, he said it made the world of difference.

                  He figured since on the rare occasion i dont have my dog with me all he will do is sleep in my laundry basket, that the bun would likely want something that smelled like me too


                • Jessica
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                    Leave something that smells like you (like an old shirt you’ve slept in) for your bun to cuddle. I was out of town last weekend and my hubby was home with the bun. She was being antsy and not settling so he grabbed a t-shirt out of my laundry for amelia. She just cuddled with it, he said it made the world of difference.

                    He figured since on the rare occasion i dont have my dog with me all he will do is sleep in my laundry basket, that the bun would likely want something that smelled like me too


                  • noodlebeer
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                      Glad to hear buns have good memories! I don’t mind if he’s grumpy with me for a while, so long as we get back on good terms eventually.

                      Giving him something that smells like me is a good idea, I didn’t think of that – he doesn’t chew his fleece blankets, so I might buy a new one of those and keep it in my bed till I go away so it will smell like me when I give it to him.

                      I’ll definitely write up a ‘how to care for Gus’ list to stick on the fridge before I go – and I’ll attempt to bunny-proof the lounge-room too so that he can spend time in there with the boys. So long as he has company most of the time he should be happy.

                      I’ve already decided I’ll make my housemates take a photo to message to me every day while I’m gone It’ll get me through, I hope!

                      Thanks for the advice, it’s most reassuring.


                    • Tay
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                        I just had to leave my bunny for two weeks as well. Granted I had only had him for about two weeks before I left – but he’s very attached to me. I left a looooong detailed list of instructions (feeding, routines, cleaning, and socializing). I was worried he would be lonely without me because he gets a lot of socialization when I’m home and is out of his cage for most of the day (and much of the night), but knew he wouldn’t be getting as much free time without me here. He did fine – was a little standoffish when I got back but eventually hopped right back into my lap and we’re back into our routine like nothing ever changed. Definitely bribe with some treats if you get the bunny attitude – it always works


                      • Nev
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                          Are your housemates willing to take the time to try to bond with Gus extra before you leave? We find with our Daisy, even a stranger sitting on the floor next to her will spark her curiosity enough for her to be interested. Maybe some time spent with Gus within proximity of you but not directly would help.

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                      Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Being away from rabbit