Holiday Planning – Away from Olaf

[pinknfwuffy]

I got Olaf just before Halloween last year. When I go home for Thanksgiving and Christmas I have to leave him here because it would be too stressful to bring him along. I usually leave for 4-5 days and have a pet sitter come feed him twice a day. Since he only had been living with me for a few weeks I was only letting him out periodically until he could get used to being in a larger space to free-roam during playtime. He was comfortable being in the cage so it wasn’t a big deal while I was gone.

This year, he’s gotten used to being out of the cage a lot (6AM-9AM in the morning and 5PM-11PM in the evenings). Since his out of cage time has increased so much since last year I’m worried he’ll be stressed being in his cage for 4-5 days over both holidays. My pet sitter is my friend and neighbor but she has two dogs of her own and I don’t expect her to have to let him out and sit around for long periods of time. She also has a job and her own holiday plans. I was going to attach an x-pen to his cage so he would have some extra play space but I’m worried about trying anything new while I’m away. When I used to use the pen he loved to try and lift it up and bang it around. I’m also pretty sure he would try to jump it, even with a sheet cover.

Anywhoo… do you think it is okay if I leave him in his cage for a few days over Thanksgiving and again over Christmas? His cage is a two-level, C&C that is 2 grids wide by 4 grids long. I plan to add some extra toys and cardboard in case he needs a distraction.

I just worry too much…

[Odette]

I think that would be fine. My bridge bunny was free range– she wasn’t a chewer like Odette. I boarded her with her vet when I travelled by plane. I took her if it was a road trip, but she was used to road trips. The vet cage was a typical boarder/overnight cage, but she was happy in the cage because they made over her at the vet. I don’t know/remember if they let her out for a run.

I would tell the friend to watch Olaf for any signs that he is not eating. But I don’t think the cage will be an issue. Honestly, I’d be more worried about someone not familiar with bunnies trying to get one back in their cage after a run. I think you are doing the best thing.

[Odette]

Double post, sorry!

[pinknfwuffy]

Thank you! I appreciate your insight and experience. I agree, the thought of her trying to wrangle him back in or something happening while he was out. It just seems safer. I think I worry too much about his feelings. :] Rabbits are so resilient. It amazes me. Maybe he’ll just think it’s a very loooong day of waiting to come out, instead of four.

[Q8bunny]

A roomy bunny condo is not exactly a “cage” – he should be fine. I’m sure he’ll be glad to see you again and be out and about but it’s better for him to be in a safe space of his own while you’re away.

[pinknfwuffy]

Thank you! You’re right. He does have a pretty expansive mansion. :] I appreciate the justification.

[Author]

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