Travelling with Rabbits

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A couple of years ago a big stink was made by Animal Rights Activists at a rabbit show.   This show was a multi-animal show with cats, dogs and other critters, but only the rabbits were targeted.  The reason for the Activists upset?  Travel cages for rabbits.   So today I would like to talk with you about how to keep a rabbit safe while you are travelling.  Travelling with rabbits is more than just putting them in a handy cardboard box.

What Rabbits Like:

Did you know that domesticated rabbits… so your California, Holland lop, Polish, Netherland Dwarf, New Zealand, French Lop etc breeds of rabbits … are all descended from European rabbits?

These rabbits naturally build underground dens, sorting out their territories from each other.  They set about raising their young and keeping themselves safe.  Since they burrow they are used to confined spaces where their feet are on the ground.  Dark small spaces just big enough to turn around in.  An important consideration to remember when travelling with rabbits. 

Enter in the Need to Travel

I have to admit, this need to travel is generally not done because the rabbit asked for it.  🙂  But sometimes rabbits find themselves in situations where travel is necessary.

Reasons they might travel

• they are finding a new home
• they have to travel to the vet for medical
• their owner wants to show them off at a rabbit show
• they are therapy bunnies bringing comfort into the lives of others
• they are wanting to be bred and the owner doesn’t have a buck
• their family is going on vacation and want bunny to come along too
• they are part of a rabbit education program
• or a host of other reasons 🙂

How to Keep a Bunny Safe

Remember that bunnies actually like small enclosed spaces?  I know, so unlike people eh?  When bunnies travel from one place to another they should be in a small cage.  Just like they make kennels for dogs and cats, or have dog friendly seatbelts, travel carriers are small to keep a bunny safe while on the road. 

You will find them in a variety of styles.

• Hard-sided kennels like you would use for a small cat or dog.  A bunny can live in these for a couple of weeks with daily cleaning.  Not ideal but possible. 
• Soft-sided kennels meant for short term transit.  Bunnies can’t live in them because they have teeth and claws and a determined bunny could dig or chew their way clear. 
• Wire travel Carriers.   These are most popular among rabbit breeders.  They keep a rabbit very safe and secure while they travel.

Why Not Let Them Out?

This question comes up among concerned individuals.  Once you are at a show, event, training exercise, why don’t you let the rabbits out into a bigger space?

Unlike with dogs or cats, rabbits often won’t share space.  So if you are taking 30 rabbits to a show how do you take space along for ALL those rabbits?  How do you keep those rabbits safe from those who want to bring along their dog to the rabbit show?  Who are you looking to make happy.. the rabbit or the people watching?

Remember, rabbits LIKE small spaces.  It’s one of the ways that you make them feel secure.  The comfort and security of the bunny needs to come first don’t you think?  Letting them stay in their own secure area also helps to protect them from random illnesses that other rabbits might carry.  They can’t lick, touch or otherwise interact with rabbits from another herd. 

https://www.amazon.com/All-Things-Bunnies-Carrier-Transport/dp/B078QQN9QL/ref=sr_1_52?keywords=show+rabbits&qid=1562648608&s=gateway&sr=8-52

Is There Room for Change?

Well, like with anything there is always room for improvement.  The question is: What change?

Things to consider:

1. A frightened or surprised rabbit can panic and cause injury to itself.  How does one prevent that?
2. Is the change to make people happy or the rabbit?
3. Can a easily transportable system be designed to give rabbits more room when no longer travelling?  Time outside of their travel area?  Would that area be safe from unexpected surprise ergo keeping the bunny safe?
4. Would any change be accepted by rabbit handlers?
5. Should the tried and true be changed just because animal activists can’t understand rabbit mindset and safety?

Others in This Series

• American Fuzzy Lop.
• Baby Bunnies.
• Culling well.
• Discussing Death.
• Errors in Judgement.
• Feeding Rabbits.
• The G’s of rabbits.
• Holland Lops.
• Interesting facts about rabbits.
• The Joy of Bunnies.
• Choosing Rabbits to Keep. 
• Leaping Lagomorphs. 
• The Scoop on Poop.
• Not Wanted Rabbits.
• Over the Hill.
• Educating Pet Rabbit Buyers. 
• Quarantine. 
• Rescues and Breeders.
• Shelving Babies.
• Travelling with Rabbits.

Letter T Link Up

Each week we will be linking up with the hosts of Blogging Through the Alphabet. Please visit some of these other blogs to get things like book lists, vegan recipes, and wonderful places to visit, just to name the topics I can think of off the top of my head.

• Amanda @ Hopkins Homeschool
• Christine @ Life’s Special Necessities 
• Kimberly @ Vintage Blue Suitcase
• Dawn @ Schoolin’ Swag
• Wendy @ Life On Chickadee Lane
• Yvonne @ The Life We Build
• Jennifer @ A Peace Of Mind
• Kristen @ A Mom’s Quest To Teach
• Kirsten @ DoodleMom Homeschool