Should I worry about Winston?

[LabAgility]

I have learned from this forum that our bunny pals are very sensitive- in a way I never would have given them credit for. We embarked on rabbit Winston’s addition out of necessity- intending to rehome the whole lot of rabbits. Well, we fell in love, have done a ton of research and are doing our best to provide for him.

I am Winston’s chief caretaker… and I am leaving for 4 days.

I let Winston out in the morning and evening into his x-pen for exercise. The rest of time he lounges in his 48 x 30″ dog crate where he gets fresh hay twice a day in his litter box, rotating 4 varieties of hay. He get his ration of pellets in the evening, salads morning and evening. Despite adding Winston primarily because my husband and kids wanted him; I have fallen for him. Winston is MY buddy. He takes his daily craisin from my hand, has started nudging me when I am in his pen, etc. If I sit quietly he will come and visit… although by tacit agreement I do not get to touch him, LOL.

Will my leaving affect Winston if my husband picks up all the rabbit keeping duties? He has promised to honor his salad giving, exercise time, etc.   

Thankfully Winston is a mellow guy… he doesn’t like my 2 year old much and often hides from him when he gets overbearing (something I do not blame him for, but my son is learning). Winston seems to handle the rest of our crazy, busy household with aplomb. He doesn’t seem to mind the noises too much, although they aren’t his favorite. He likes the dogs and often comes to the edge of his xpen to visit them….. He is in love with my 9 year old female black lab and often flops down nearest to where she lays down. He even handles 5 month old lab, crazy puppy Paige.  

I just want Winston to be ok…. This trip is hard for me as its the first time I have left overnight since I had the kids… 4 days away from my littles will be a challenge for me! It is a work trip, taking 11 high school students to State Competions so its a mandatory trip. Should be fun… but will still be a challenge for the mommy in me!

Please tell me Winston should be fine… and offer any suggestions about how to make him feel better. :

[Sarita]

He will be fine – he is going to be in good hands with your husband. Much of it is just following the same routine as much as possible as he has know. Rabbits really thrive on routine.

Sounds like it will be a fun trip and hopefully you’ll enjoy it and not worry too much.

[Elrohwen]

I’m sure he’ll be fine! Like Sarita said, if your husband sticks to his routine he’ll hardly notice the change.

[LabAgility]

Thank you! It is nice to have one less thing to worry about!

[LittlePuffyTail]

I agree. He will be fine. It will definitely help if your husband sticks to his schedule since bunnies can be really fussy about their schedules. And, of course, make sure your husband knows which signs would warrant a call to the vet and have the vet’s number handy, just in case.

[jerseygirl]

Ditto. Routine routine routine! Yes, he will probably pick up you are missing but routines will help he feel secure despite your being absent. You could always give him one an item of your clothing. I think Winston sounds like a bun that adjusts so well.
I can imagine it’s hard for you leaving everyone though!

I’d love to hear how he reacts when you get back. You might be given The Bunny Butt. Try not to take it too hard.

[Author]

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