What to do with the bunnies when on holiday

[Milly&Theo]

Hi Everyone, 

So I need help again… I have a dilemma. I’m going away in July for just over a week and have two options regarding bunny care. I can either book Milly and Theo in at a local bunny boarding house or I can ask my partners mum to look after them. 

Theo is prone to GI stasis which makes me think that I shouldn’t move him for the week as a change in environment might bring on the Stasis due to stress. But if I leave them at home and have my partners mum look after them then although they’ll be less stressed, she won’t be able to spend much time with them and is not rabbit sayy enough to pick up on the GI stasis signs. I’d prefer to have them with someone who can give round the clock care and can spot the signs should it be necessary, but i’m terrified that by moving them I might end up being the cause of another stasis episode  

What would everyone else recommend in this situation? I’m panicking about it already and i’m not going away for another 6 months ! 

The bunny boarding house does look very nice and the lady has said she has experience staying up all night looking after sick bunnies before. If everyone thinks that the boarding house is better then i’ll go and visit it first, but I don’t want to waste the lady’s time if they’re best to be kept at home. 

Thanks in advance for any help! 

[Sirius&Luna]

If you can have someone visit them at home i’d choose that. I think for a week it’s not the end of the world if they don’t get as much attention as they’re used to, especially since they have each other.

Can you give your partners mum ‘the treat test’? Eg, offer him a treat 3 times a day and if Theo refuses a treat call you immediately for further instructions. It doesn’t have to be a sweet treat, I just use pellets for my bunnies.

You can also leave strict instructions about diet etc

[Mikey]

I would have partner’s mom look after them. Write her a detailed note on what bad signs to look for that are considered an emergency where she would need to contact you asap. You should also ask her to check in with you once or twice a day to give you a run down of how the bunnies are doing. If your phones allow for video chat, you can always ask to video chat with the buns to look over them/their space while partner’s mom cares for them.

[Deleted User]

I also think leaving them home is best.

Definitely school the mum on the treat test, and I would go one step further and show her what normal poops should look like and ask her to check a few each day. Are they familiar with this mum or not really? If not, I’d say definitely do get them acquainted with her since you have some time before you go!

[SlinkyKat]

If you want to keep them home but don’t trust your partner’s mom to notice those signs maybe you could find a bunny sitter in your area? Might cost the same as boarding but your bun gets to hang out at home. With 6 months spare you’d have the chance to do some researching on the bunny sitters to find a reliable one. Or you could do your best to school your partner’s mom, which is probably the easiest and less stressful option, at least it would be for me in this situation.

Good luck finding the best option for you and your bun!

[Wick & Fable]

If you go with the route the above replies suggest, I recommend inviting her over for a few sessions of rabbit faq, and seeing how you interact and work with your rabbit, and also give her time to get comfortable interacting with the rabbit as you supervise so you can coach.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

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