Vacationing with Sully

[kellyrorgan]

Next weekend the three of us will be heading off for a week of relaxation at the beach. I think we’ve covered all the bases as to what to do with Sully once we get there. We’re doing things like bringing his box/cage, toys, supplies, and stuff to keep him cool and happy once we’re there. We’re lucky enough to be staying in a beach house with my boyfriend’s parents (who are bunny friendly) so Sully will still get his running and binky time in. The one thing I wanted to check up on was the trip there. The trip will take about 4 hrs and we’ll be driving our car. Sully’s cage is small enough to sit in the backseat and just be strapped in. This will also be his first ride in the car. We’ll have on the A/C of course and he’ll have his food, water, and hay like always. Is there anything special we need to do, or something small even that we may be overlooking? I’m just super happy that our little guy is getting come with us. I was actually really worried about him being home alone for a week with a non-rabbit person only coming once a day. Any thoughts, ideas, tips, and tricks are welcome.

PS I just wanted to say how awesome this group has been. We’ve only been part of this crazy rabbit loving culture for a little over a month and everyone here has made it really nice. Even other people that may not comment on my particular questions, I’ve read through theirs and found some really useful knowledge. Thanks a bunch.

[Hedi]

Im jealous! I would love to take my buns to the beach but its like 10hrs away. lol

When you say "strapped in" what do you mean exactly? Will he have access to his food, water and hay while in the car during the ride there?

My buns all get very nervous when in the car. It always means going to the vet or grandmas. Carrera and Pookie actually shake while in their carriers. I keep them in my lap and even pet them with the door half open but they still are nervous. Cooper on the other hand just lays down and waits until we get wherever we are going. He realizes it doesnt help to fight it. lol

I saw someone on myspace who has a big dog cage that fits in the back of their suv and it has a little doggy couch in there with a pawprint on it and his food and stuff. Its just so cute. They said he likes to travel like that. lol

[MooBunnay]

If its very warm out I’d recommend putting a frozen water wrapped in a sock in the bunny’s carrier to keep him cool while he’s driving. Also, remember to bring a sheet or newspaper or something to put over the cage to prevent the sun from shining directly onto the carrier and heating it up!

[kellyrorgan]

"Posted By Hedi on 07/20/2007 3:22 PM
Im jealous! I would love to take my buns to the beach but its like 10hrs away. lolWhen you say "strapped in" what do you mean exactly? Will he have access to his food, water and hay while in the car during the ride there?"

Yep, his regular cage is small enough to just be in the backseat and have the seatbelt secure it with him inside. Nothing else about his cage will change, so he’ll be comfortable nibbling his hay and having water while we drive out to the coast. I think it will be fun to take him to the beach though. We’ve been talking about getting a harness and leash and actually taking him out on the sand. He likes to dig on his rug and we’re thinking he’d probably love to play in the sand. And of course we’d go early in the AM before the sand gets too hot, not keep him out long, and of course watch for dogs. We’re just really excited all around.

 

[BinkyBunny]

Some bunnies are fine, while others really get stressed out.   Four hours is not that long, and he should be fine, but just keep a watchful eye.

Here are some tips from the House Rabbit Society.  Some of the tips are meant for longer, cross country rides, and some you’ve already thought of, but there are some useful tips that are also valid for short trips:

"If your rabbit is not used to car rides (except to the vet), start regular car rides as early as possible before your actual trip. Start with short (30-minute) weekly or twice weekly rides in a pet carrier. Try to have some longer rides (1-3 hours) before the trip. Remember, don’t leave your rabbit in a warm car

 

About Car Travel

 

• Rabbits cannot tolerate heat.
• If you have no air conditioning, drape damp towels over the cage and give frozen water cartons to lie against
• Don’t leave your rabbit in a parked car in the sun. You may have to get food-to-go, take food along and stop in shaded rest areas, or wait until early morning and late evening to stop to eat.
• Rabbits do not like drafts. Carriers should not be placed where AC/heat blows directly on them.
• Water bottles will often leak out all their water. Rabbits tend to not drink while traveling, so offer water at all stops. Add Pedialyte to combat dehydration, but be sure the rabbit will drink it. You may have to syringe/dropper-feed water.
• Rabbits may also not eat while traveling. Offer favorite vegetables, pellets and hay at all stops. Put some hay and pellets in carrier while traveling.
• Even if you don’t usually feed pellets, you may want to make an exception for traveling. Carrying enough hay for proper nutrition can take a lot of space. Instead, supplement the fiber of some hay with the calories in pellets.
• Try to establish some routine as to length of time in the car each day, stopping times, feeding and exercise times
• Strap down carriers so they do not slide during sudden stops"

Let us know how it goes and have fun!

[Author]

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