Bunny Advice for Going on Vacation

[snowballsmomma]

Hi forum members!

I’m hoping to get some advice on what to do with my foster bun during my short vacation.

I’ve had my foster bun for a couple weeks now and I’m planning to do a short vacation with my boyfriend nearby for 3 nights.  We had planned this for a while, and my initial plan with the bun was to bring it back to the shelter for 4 days so that the shelter could watch her (they offer to do this for vacations).

Anyway, I live with my family (mom, dad, brother), and they all feel that they can handle watching the bunny for a few nights.  They say it would be better for the bun to not have to be moved back and forth (I agree with this part) and that they are fine with taking care of her.  I’ve had about 4 foster buns over the last year, and while my parents have taken care of past foster buns while I stay for one night at my boyfriend’s place, it would never be more than a night.  I don’t doubt my family will feed my foster bun appropriately (change hay, give the right pellets and veggies as instructed), but I worry that they might not be able to determine if the bun gets sick or goes into GI stasis.  My first foster bun did actually get GI stasis about a year ago, and I don’t think my parents would have noticed his constant shifting around as a sign that he was sick.  Granted, there were other signs beforehand (slowly losing weight, mushy poops) in the days/weeks before that I know now should be taken more seriously.

What do you think is best for the bun?  The foster bun itself is very friendly, loves pets, and is not the nervous type thankfully.  My dad spends quite a few hours in the room where the foster bun currently is and my brother spends some time with her as well, so my foster bun is comfortable with them.  Thanks!!!

 

[Wick & Fable]

If it’s 3 nights and you trust your family to feed your rabbit correctly, and your rabbit is used to that environment and has had adequate engagement/enrichment in that environment, I think it’s fine to leave your rabbit there. GI stasis is a symptom of something going on, such as eating something upsetting, stress, pain, etc.. If the environment is going to be generally the exact same as when you were there, the likelihood of something happening is pretty low unless your family introduces something different. This is all assuming the rabbit is currently fine and healthy.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[snowballsmomma]

Thanks Wick – I think you are right and I’m probably overthinking a bit.  Thanks for your input! 🙂

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