Lots of rabbits going 8 hours away, need care tips!

[GBov]

A friend is sending quite a few of their rabbits on an 8 hour drive in the next 12 weeks or so and she was wondering how best to help them travel comfortable?

Kits, pregnant does, youngsters and a few very old ones are going.

 

[trinityoaks]

Cover all upholstered areas with a tarp. Carriers just large enough for each rabbit help prevent a lot of bouncing around and possibly injured bunnies. Start giving them small pieces of apple between now and the trip. An apple or two for each will provide them with enough food and fluids to get them through the trip without the possibility of spilling feed and/or water. Cover the tops of the carriers with old sheets to prevent overheating from direct sun.

 

[GBov]

Would they travel better in their own big cages or small carriers? It might be hard to come up with 30+ cat carriers.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Great advice, Trinity!

Would they travel better in their own big cages or small carriers?

Smaller carriers are better because as trinity said it prevents them from bouncing around. Imagine standing blindfolded in a vehicle and not being able to anticipate turns or stops. They are on four legs so have a bit of an advantage, but they will still be unstable. The cages could be divided with sturdy pieces of cardboard- make each "hole" about the size of the nestbox that rabbit would use.

 

[trinityoaks]

Ideally they should each be in their own carrier, although it might be better to put nursing does with their kits. When we moved our herd, I made carriers from large scraps of cage wire and cheap jelly roll pans.

 

[3mina]

I don't know that I would put litters in with the does unless they're older than two weeks and maybe not then, I'd worry about the does stomping on them. Litters in nestboxes, I would cover the nestboxes with wire to prevent them from escaping and transport them that way.

 

[GBov]

I love you guys! Many things my friend and I hadnt come up with or even thought of.

 

[AnnClaire]

Also, if you are using cages, you could combine litters in shoe boxes with hay in one cage ... compartmentalizing them. The older kits will probably all gather in one large box, but the >2 week old kits can be kept in shoe boxes with lids ... just punch plenty air holes.

As for the length of the trip ... 8 hours is not too long for adults to go without water or food as long as they have hay to nibble on. I have found that during travel, most rabbits won't eat or drink while the car is moving. Then, when they get to their destination, if there is a larger pen for them to "stretch their legs" in and be able to run around a bit, they will generally empty their bladders and seem to be a pooping pez LOL

When I bring rabbits in from a long road trip, I also only give pellets and oats for 5 minutes ... whatever they eat is all they get until morning when they go back on their regular feed schedule. Of course, they have all the hay they want. This seems to help get their gut back in motion and prevents intestinal upset.

For the weanlings, I would suggest oats with just a bit of pellets and plenty of hay, then another feeding of pellets 3-4 hours later to get them through the night. They will be hungry hippos in the morning so first feeding should be more oats and hay than pellets with a steadily increasing portion of pellets through the day. The weanlings will probably be the most at risk for intestinal upset of all. Also, if they are used to fresh fodder, you could include that each feeding.

 

[ZRabbits]

Both my Lionheads had a 6 hour ride and they both did very well. The breeder made sure they had a good meal before we brought them home. They didn't eat or drink throughout the long car ride home. They did urinate in the crate they were in, but once they got home, and put into their new crate, they both drank and ate very well. Also pooped and peed with no problems. I had no problems with any digestive issues.

Hoping all goes well. Have a safe trip.

Karen

 

[Mary Ann's Rabbitry]

I do have one advise beside what every one else told you.... Make sure the carriers that you are gong to use has good ventilation. I find that rabbits need open carriers. Like the ones in the show... IF they are ^put in dog or cat carriers for that lenght of time. They get sneezing ect afterwards. Like breathing in there own air all the time. Not good.

 

[GBov]

I do have one advise beside what every one else told you.... Make sure the carriers that you are gong to use has good ventilation. I find that rabbits need open carriers. Like the ones in the show... IF they are ^put in dog or cat carriers for that lenght of time. They get sneezing ect afterwards. Like breathing in there own air all the time. Not good.

Would good sized, heavy duty, plastic totes work if I cut the ends out and zip tied cage wire in place?

I have lots of those and it would only take a couple of days to make enough for everybody.

 

[Mary Ann's Rabbitry]

I think that would be fine. More open it is .. The better. All you need it a solid top and solid bottom and the sides have bars all a round.

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

I used totes with wire ziptied in the sides. Make sure you put the wire and the ends on outside of cage.