Moving bunny to a temporary new home?

[novabun]

Hi all. I am full of anxiety right now and I just needed some advice!

I am moving overseas for work for a year, and I did not think it was best to take Nova with me. For one, she would not be allowed in the cabin (the flight was booked by my company) and two, she is a very nervous girl who hates travelling. My mother agreed to care for Nova while I’m gone, but her care is basic at best, she has next to no time to spend with my bunny, and I don’t think she would take Nova to the vet if necessary due to personal reasons.

My flight is in 3 days.. I don’t even want to leave because I’ve been worrying so much about my poor girl. I wish I didn’t have to go. But when I was voicing my concerns about my mom’s care to an old friend of mine, she told me that that she would love to look after Nova for a year! My friend, C, has had a bunny in the past and loves animals dearly. But Nova would have to move into her apartment as she lives about 45 minutes away from me. I thought it might be a better situation.. But I’m in a bit of an anxious dilemma… weighing my options and most of all, worrying about Nova.

On one hand, Nova has lived at my mom’s house for 6 months now, so she is very comfortable there and has not had any issues with stasis or anything. The vet is only about 15 minutes away and they know Nova (if I can get my mom to take her there.. we disagree on the topic of spending money on animals for medical problems). But my mom is busy and will not give Nova a lot of attention, although her basic needs would be met.

On the other, C is very excited to meet and bond with Nova, and will give her lots of attention and extra care. I know she would take Nova straight to the vet if she sees any warning signs; she at least knows how to Google any potential problems unlike my mom  HOWEVER, I will have to put my bunny through the stress of a 45 minute car ride into the city and then adjusting a new room/house/owner. And a year is a really long time for her to be away from me…! She has had GI Stasis issues in the past and I’m afraid of that happening again while I’m gone. 

Has anyone had experience with rabbits moving houses or changing owners and adjusting? Nova is a very anxious rabbit but she’s adjusted to two new homes and has grown accustomed to my mother in a few months time. Please give me any advice and thoughts you have on the situation. My head is spinning with stress and I just want what’s best for her. Plus I only have 3 days to decide! 

[JosipTheBunny]

Honestly? It’s a hard decision. Of course it would be best to take Nova with you… but as you stated that is not possible.
IF I were in your situation and knew my mom wouldn’t take my bunny to the vet and had no time to spend with my bunny… I would take the bun to a friend. She sounds like she would really spend time with Nova and took care of her properly.
I think Nova would adjust…she might take a while to get accustomed to new surroundings but I’m pretty sure bunnies normally adjust to new homes just fine after a little while.

Good luck!

[Sirius&Luna]

What a stressful decision – I would hate to leave my bunnies too.

I would definitely take her to your friend – although the car journey will be stressful, perhaps you could get your friend to drive and you comfort Nova through it. I think 45 minutes of stress for a year of better care is a good trade off. She will adjust to a new home, and you can take her belongings to help her settle in so it smells like shes used to.

She will be away from you for a year whether it’s with your friend or your mum, and she will adjust. You can direct your friend to this site if she has any questions we’d all be happy to help her, and of course i’m sure you’ll be available to answer her questions. You could print out bits with relevant information and give her signs to watch out for of stasis. If she did develop a serious problem, you could still take her to your regular vet – my vet is about a 40 minute drive away, it’s not ideal, but I know they’re the best vets around so I don’t mind the extra journey.

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