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Advice for transporting bunnies on long journeys

11 replies

AShowerOfBastards · 12/11/2013 22:02

We moved from London to the West Country earlier in the year. My three bunnies have been at my parents' place since then until we were properly sorted out but not as a permanent arrangement.

It's a usually a four hour drive but when I go back later this month to collect our furniture and the buns it'll be in a Luton van so overall much slower and obviously requiring more stops.

They're a bonded trio so should they travel together? If so how big a carrier will they need to be comfortable? What about stops for leg stretches etc, how can I give them a break during the journey?

Would really appreciate any tips to help make the journey as comfortable as possible for them.

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Mogz · 12/11/2013 23:47

Can you buy or borrow a dog crate? If so cover the floor with a tarp and some sawdust/blankets that they've already been sleeping in for a night, attach one or two water bottles and hay racks to the wires of the cage (easier to do on a dog cage than conventional pet carrier), when you stop for anything on the journey pop in a few herby/veggie treats for them to keep them happy. Don't be tempted to let them out, they will be fine for the half day of travel to sit in a confined space so long as they have food and water. Do check on them as often as possibel though as vans are noisy and sometimes smelly enviornments. To minimise sets keep them all together and put some cardboard up around the crate so that any movement of the outside world/wobbly furniture they can glimpse is reduced. Set up their hutch and get them in as the first thing you do in the new house so they can hide and be quiet.
Best of luck with your house move.

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TeamSouthfields · 12/11/2013 23:49

after the journey leave them alone to recover until at least the next day!

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FernieB · 13/11/2013 08:16

Would echo the dog crate so they can all be together. I wouldn't put a water bottle in though as the movement of the van will probably shake the water out! Our previous bun used to do a 12 hour trip with us regularly and I would offer her water on a regular basis. Stick in some food - those chew sticks that attach to the cage bars are good for this kind of thing. Some veg is a good idea as it contains water and also put in lots of hay. Every time you stop just check on them and give them reassuring cuddles. They'll be fine.

Ours used to sit at my feet in the car (in her carrier) and would sometimes be allowed out to sit on knees but she mainly just settled down for a snooze.

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FernieB · 13/11/2013 08:18

Have them in the front with you if possible then they can hear you talking to them.

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Chopstheduck · 13/11/2013 08:21

They def need to travel together, or at the very least be able to see and smell each other. It will strengthen the bond, as they will find comfort in each other. If you separate them, the bond could break down.

Don't make the carrier too big though, otherwise they may get thrown around more with the movement of the car. Lots of hay, they shouldn't need any other food. Do they normally drink from a bottle or a bowl? Mine would be ok for 4 hours without water, they rarely drank much during the day, but you know your rabbits.

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Chopstheduck · 13/11/2013 08:22

Mine tbh would have preferred to be left alone too, they were never cuddly rabbits, and preferred each other's company. Cuddling them would have agitated them more. Depends on your rabbits though!

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AShowerOfBastards · 13/11/2013 20:29

Thank you all, loads of really helpful advice I hadn't thought of.

I'll be driv

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AShowerOfBastards · 13/11/2013 20:31

Stupid phone!

I'll be driving alone so will make sure they're in the front with me, is it best to have them on the seat so the belt can secure the carrier or in the footwell where it's darker?

Really excited to be bringing them home, have missed but snuggly buns this summer.

Thanks again all :)

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Mogz · 13/11/2013 20:45

If the cage fits snugly in the footwell I'd put them there, less chance of an accident if you have to break suddenly.
I'm sure they'll be glad to be back with you too, it must have been hard leaving them while you've sorted the house move.

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bigdonna · 17/11/2013 09:52

hi i moved from london to newcastle in sept 13 we bought a dog carrier its made of material we put them in the boot with plenty of hay and water,it took five hrs in car they were fine when we got to the new house we let them have a run around they were very happy we have three bunnies too.we moved them onto a big hutch the next day good luck

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AShowerOfBastards · 17/11/2013 22:58

I think it'll be about 5 hours from my mums to our new house, thank everyone for your advice I'm going to get a dog carrier so they can go together and get DH to make sure there's space set up for them as soon as we arrive so they can chill out for a bit after the journey.

Two weeks left :)