Advice for big move!

[Nibbles]

Hello,

This summer my family, rabbit, 2 cats, and I are moving half way across the US. It will be about a 16-hour drive that we will split into two days. I’ve moved with cats before and am not worried about them, but am concerned about the bunny. The cats and Nibbles all have their own carriers and Nibbles is used to her carrier (I leave it out and put treats in it).

Has anyone else done a long move with their bun?  Should I start getting her used to drinking from a water bottle (she uses a dish now)?

Any advice is appreciated!

[BanditCamp]

If I had to do a move like that (which I will soon maybe) I would make sure that my bunny has a prepped litter box with some hay, a collapsible bowl for water and or pellets. Some fleeced and a few willow sticks and lots of treats to hand feed.

For the hotel I would get some of my nic grid barriers and setup a small space in the room for my bun to stretch and watch carefully as most hotels will not be bun proofed. I would ensure the the temperature is comfortable 72-77 degrees.

In the car I would have a small cooler with some chilled water bottles and two-thirds frozen bottles in case the car becomes hot. Ensure music is down and you give your bunny lots of comfort talking.

Stormy Rabbits on YouTube has a cool video on traveling with your bunny but always make plans depending on your bunny individual needs and personality.

[Dface]

My rabbits dont travel anythin near that far, but they do travel a lot (4 hour journey every month) can be up to 6 depending on traffic and missing transfers

All rabbits are different, but from what I’ve learned with mine, they do not eat in transit (They have food and treats in their carrier, but ignore them).
Now I’m always ready and the first things that get set up is litter tray(Sampras doesnt like to pee anywhere other than in the tray) and water (sometimes with a bit of tempting apple juice, or gripe water-mine love that stuff) with all their favourite foods and normally there is never an issue.
Before we go, they are fed a large amount of soaked leafy greens- to get the moisture into them.

Depending on your bun, you migth be able to tempt her to eat when you’ve stopped.
Bring with you critical care and syringes for hand feeding, as some rabbits dont deal well with long distance travel, rabbits do need to eat and have their tummies ticking over so I would talk to a vet about that, there are drugs available to help keep their tummies turning in case she is a bit off of her food.

The number one thing is to try and keep it as stress free as possible
I often wrap it over with a towel that’s been in the pen with them and smells a bit “rabbity”. This works in 2 ways- it blocks other “scary” smells, everything smells like home so it must be safe. ANd it also makes it dark. small animals feel safe in dark and enclosed spaces

Good luck with it!

[Nibbles]

Thank you, great suggestions! My daughter and I watched a few of the Stormy Rabbits videos and have more ideas on how to set up the rabbit area in the new house.

Even with ac on the car always gets warm, so will definitely freeze water bottles (the kids will like them too). Her current home has lots of blankets and I’ll make sure they are in her carrier. Is critical care something you can buy at a pet store/online or is it vet only?

Thanks again

[Dface]

You can buy it online, some vets sell it over the counter as well. It’s not pescription as there is nothing in it drug wise, but it’s generally only bought by people who have sick animals as its a little bit expensive (worth it though in my opinion)

I havent found it in any of the petshops I go to, but that doesnt mean yours wont stock it.

[Author]

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