Moving….

[Hamster Munchies]

So we’re moving…and I don’t know how to take the pets without stressing them out. I’ve looked for someone who can take them in for a while until we’re settled, but there’s no one. We haven’t actually bought the house yet, so I don’t know how far way it will be. We’re staying in city, though. That could be anywhere from 2 minutes to 30 minutes even, and I don’t know…

Plus, the buns are scared of anything that makes loud noises (hint hint the moving truck!) so I don’t know what to do! 

Please help me!

[BlueMoods]

First, get them used to being in their travel carriers NOW, give them their greens or pellets in there, and water of course. Then when the time comes, they will be comfortable in there and, it won’t be as stressful for them. Once moved you can let them keep the carriers as a safe place while they get used to the new house and, you can put them in the carriers, in as quiet a place as you have when the movers come.

You can’t let your life revolve around not upsetting your rabbits, they live in a home with you and need to get used to everything that goes on there, noise included. My house has loud noises at times, new rabbits are upset by it for a while but, they get used to it and learn to ignore it. That’s part of being a house rabbit, they have to get used to new sounds, scents, people, animals, etc… from time to time and, now and then they need to get used to a whole new house, no different than when you first got them.

[LongEaredLions]

Before you move, put some blankets in your rabbits cages for a few days. When you put your rabbits in the carrier, put the blanket in with them so they hae something that smells like home. Give them the blanket in their new cage too.
A 30 min drive isn’t that bad, i wouldn’t worry.
They will be fine.

[Dwarf Sparrow]

I also like to leave the carrier in the supervised play area, without its door attached if possible (depends on the carrier). That way they can hop in and out as they please to explore it, and don’t only associate it with scary trips to the vet haha.
I agree with BlueMoods and LEL; they probably will be a little freaked out during at least some parts of the move, but they’ll be okay and get over it. I moved apartments at the end of December (that was fun e.e), and left Merida in her corner of the old apartment until everything else had been packed up and moved -we were only moving a few blocks away. She didn’t seem too stressed out during the packing, only peeved that we were disturbing her afternoon rest haha, and while she certainly wasn’t thrilled at being packed up herself, she settled into the new space nicely.
If it would make you feel better, is there any way you can transport the critters in your personal vehicle, so you don’t have to worry about the stress/foreign-ness of the moving van?

[Monkeybun]

When you move, before you get the truck loaded, get the bunnies over there first, into a room where you won’t be walking through the entire time. Less scary that way

[Author]

Messages