Going on a mini-trip.. What should I take?

[whitney_g1223]

Okay, so I’ve been Lily’s Mom for around three weeks! My parents/family live two hours away from me and I’m going to see them next week. Lily is going with me . 

I’ve packed the essentials (Pellets, Hay, Treats, Litter, and some of the things that shes used to seeing at my house like toys, and blankets that she lays on ) But I need to know if there is anything I should take just for precautionary reasons. 

I am taking her in a pet carrier/kennel but also bringing a large cage for her because we will be staying for three days and her real cage will not fit in my car! Lol. 

I have a 1 year old nephew and a soon to be 2 year old niece who’s parents are fully aware that Lily is coming and will not be a play toy. She will be in her cage around the children. This is because Lily is not completely bonded with all of us human type! 

She isn’t mean or anything, she just isn’t the cuddling, holding type and I’m sure a 1 and 2 year old won’t comprehend that. 

I want her to feel as comfortable as possible, and I know it’s going to be a different area with different smells and she may be nervous/hesitant. Is there anything I should expect behavior wise? Because I have only had her 3 weeks I only know a few of her likes/dislikes right now. So I’m pretty much just a learn-as-you-go type right now with her. 

Any tips are greatly appreciated. Any Do’s/Dont’s would help too! 

Thanks in advance! 

Whitney and Lily 

[bunnluff]

My rabbits used to be very patient around children but now they have no tolerance for the quick, sudden movement and the poking and things that children often do. Since you are unaware of your rabbits behavior around children, I’d make sure that if the kids are going to see her, you are always there and if they want to pet her, that you are securely holding her so she knows she’s safe. Some rabbits are perfectly content being around kids. You will soon find out if yours is among the ranks. My rabbits pretty much only trust me and will lunge at or bite almost anyone who isn’t me, except for my sister.
As for the car ride and such, it seems like you have the necessities and it’s a short car trip so you’re good to go! I have a travel pen I take with me that pops open for trips. It’s super handy. Now if only they’d make a folding litter box! haha

[whitney_g1223]

Hey maybe that’s an invention you should do Bunnluff!
She is okay with moving around more than she was when I first got her.
At first if there was any movement she jumped to the nearest corner and didn’t move for a bit.
Now when we walk she doesn’t seem phased by it. I’m not sure if I’m even going to get her out of her cage around the kids.
They just get rough and I don’t want her to get hurt. Because she still isn’t too excited about being held. Because I’m in the process
of making her a ramp for her existing cage so she can come and go there are times that I have to pick her up to put her back in and she will begin
kicking her back legs, I’m sure she’s just nervous and doesn’t understand I’m putting her back down. But I don’t want the kids to get hurt or her to get hurt if this occurs.

[whitney_g1223]

Haha. Guess what I found on Amazon??? Portable Litter boxes!

http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Litter-Foldable-Lightweight-Sturdibox/dp/B00F9JNDD8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398562188&sr=8-1&keywords=folding+litter+box

http://www.amazon.com/Folding-Privacy-Tent-Litter-Ventilation/dp/B00F4LFRT4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1398562188&sr=8-8&keywords=folding+litter+box

[tanlover14]

I would not let her out around the children. If she’s not completely trusting of you, especially with handling, a child could EASILY spook, scare, or injure her and make the process much longer and more difficult. Even with proper supervision, I personally would not take the risk!

Some buns do well with being exposed to different things – others are more sensitive. I think the best advice is to watch her activities and make sure she does not become too stressed. Watch her eating and poo’ing habits to ensure she doesn’t develop any GI issues due to stress. I have found my own buns to be pretty resilient but I do have one who gets very stressed and will fall into a GI stasis episode. In simpler words, just be aware!

Have fun!

[whitney_g1223]

I’m not going to get her out. I will leave her in her cage with her hidey-house so she can kind-of get away if she needs to. I usually stay with my mom or dad ( they are divorced ) and so the kids won’t be there anyways. I’m bringing her fave treats and stuff so I hope she will eat well. She hasn’t had any problems yet, but I hope this trip doesn’t cause any! I want her to be comfortable when riding and staying there though, so I can take her back when I go again.

I don’t really think getting her out around the kids is necessary or worth the risk of her getting hurt or becoming scared.

[tanlover14]

I bet she’ll be fine I have taken mine on an 8 hour road trip in one day and they were all pretty annoyed but they were fine once they got settled back into an area and out of the carrier!

[whitney_g1223]

Well we are back from our trip! Lily did great! I got her out once around the children in a very controlled environment and they did great being very nice and just sat still and quiet and she was calm. The drive didn’t bother her from what I can see. She is eating very well and seems to have no change, just a little lazy today! But we have been going nonstop the past three dats so I’m pretty lazy myself!

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