Transport in full cages -- frowned upon?

[-HRanchito]

I'm thinking of going on a road trip to pick up some buns pretty soon, and also planning on buying some cages from the breeder. Now, would I look like a terrible heathen if I planned on bringing the buns home in the cages that I buy? (They have pans and everything) More importantly, is it dangerous?

My motivations are: 1.Space efficiency, and
2. Not wanting to put in an order for wire carriers and actually waiting for them get to me before getting my rabbits

I do plan to get some carriers once I get the courage to start showing...but I have nightmares about the breeder harrumphing and refusing to sell me rabbits without proper carriers.

oh, and, HI! I'm Alex.

 

[Secuono]

I don't see why not. Though, ask the breeder first. When I got my pair of SF rabbits, breeder was not ok with putting both in the same carrier. The doe was far older and the buck a freshly weaned baby. My rabbits show interest in mounting after the 9wk mark, but he said no and got me a box to put him in.

Also, you can just toss each in a small cardboard box.

 

[AnnClaire]

Pet taxi's work just fine for transporting. Put down a layer of newspaper, then hay on top. That will give the bunnies something to munch on while traveling and keep them from being bored. The newspaper will absorb any urine and the hay will keep the bunnies feet dry.

The goal with transporting is to have the bunny in a small container so that it isn't thrown around and is secure. Most animals appreciate a small, dark place when traveling as it makes them feel secure. Also, unless you are traveling a long distance, the bunnies don't need food and water while traveling. Bunnies can get carsick like other animals. If it is a long distance, stopping to water is a good idea.

 

[trinityoaks]

I've done it, and it was fine. However, if you can buy, make, or borrow travel carriers, your buns have less of a chance of "flying" around the cage and getting hurt.

It's a good idea to have carriers on hand even if you don't show. I don't show, but I've found numerous occasions where I needed to have travel carriers (including moving eight adult rabbits 650 miles from our old home to our new one).

I made a bunch of travel carriers from scrap pieces of regular cage wire (1"x2" sides and top, 1/2"x1" floor) with cheap jelly-roll pans (from Wal-Mart) for dropping trays. I made the cages to fit the pans (larger pans for my Cals, smaller pans for my Rex and Zils), with the entire top hinged (using J-clips for hinges) and spring latches to fasten the cages to the pans as well as to keep the cages closed.

Make sure you take some old bed sheets to cover the cages to keep the buns out of the sun. Even the sun that comes through the windows of the vehicle can make them too hot. Covering them also helps to keep them calm.

Traveling buns don't eat or drink much while moving, but have some water for them to drink when you stop. You can also give them each an apple to munch on, which gives them fluids as well as food.

 

[Frosted Rabbits]

cardnoard boxes are great-- there is store here-- puts all their boxes out frotn- they never go to waste-- I actually have told someone which product box to pick up for me-- Poptart boxes for the 6 pound rabbits, toaster strudel for smaller, etc... Another box is perfect for haulimg the block ice--

 

[-HRanchito]

Thanks for suggestions! At this point, i'm thinking i'll ask the breeder if it's ok, and perhaps duct tape some pee pads to the fronts and backs in case of emergency stops...those pee pads are soft! I think i'll have to start figuring out how to build cages/carriers sooner or later, but maybe the second resort is now to bring the pet taxis

 

[rittert3]

The breed I bought from was snooty and scoffed at pet carriers but absoloutly didn't told me not to show up with cardboard boxes, I have hauled rabbits will success in diaper boxes though. lol, at frosted!

 

[Cindi Davis]

All the helpful hints Gotta luv you guys

 

[Random Rabbit]

part of the reasoning behind using a smaller container to transport... is the Safety of the animal. If carried in a large cage... the potential of injury is higher ...a sudden stop or swerve could toss the animal side-to-side or straight onto its nose.

We even go so far as to try and have all the rabbits Perpendicular to the direction of travel... that also helps keep jostling to a minimum.

So... while i wouldn't recommend large cage transporting... a cardboard carton can be very useful.

 

[trinityoaks]

I've transported rabbits in bunny-sized cardboard boxes before, as well. A tarp underneath (to protect the seats/floors), a layer of peat moss in the bottom of the box with a layer of grass hay on top of that, close the top of the box, and they're good to go. Just don't leave them in the boxes for too long after you arrive, or they'll chew their way out.

 

[AnnClaire]

I find my pet taxi's are perfect for hauling the kits from the inside corral to the outside pen, and pulled appart, they make great hidey-holes for the babies in the runout pen :lol:

Once you have them, you will find tons of uses for them. I would also recommend a mix of the small pet taxis and the medium size ones ... I can fit 5 angora 10-week bunnies in a medium pet taxi for the trip to the runout pen

 

[rittert3]

I've been using a smaller (18x24) cage to transport my bigger rabbits in when I have to. I just lay a tarp or old shower curtain down in the trunk of the car. I would rather have them in the cab where I can keep a better eye on them but with this being our only vehicle and having car seats it's not possible.