Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Living In A Carrier
I really do hate for rabbits to have to be in carriers for a long period of time. It doesn't bother me so much for a weekend, even a long one, because I know they will come out to be groomed and to be judged two or three or even four times. But having them living in a carrier for a week or more really bothers me.
So, I asked a rabbit savvy veterinarian about that this week. Her response was that it was okay as long as the carrier is big enough for the rabbit to be able to consume cecotrophes (night poops). See, I was thinking about this all wrong. I was worried about the exercise point of view and forgetting about the most important concern.
So when you are sizing carriers, keep the rabbits' nutritional needs in mind. Also, if you are treating a rabbit for a spinal problem or broken bone, consider their need for cecotrophes even as they are being immobillized for their own good.
I'm also a bit concerned that the carriers I have are too short for my rabbits. When I first got started in rabbits, I assumed that the carriers were made to some industry standard or some legal minimums. I trusted that they were tall enough. I later found out that the model I bought was based on the request of a particular breeder based on what fit neatly into their bunny van!
I have learned that by placing the feed dish in one corner and the water in the other, that I provide my rabbit with the diagonal - the longest point in their compartment - for stretching out.
And I do love a built-in hay rack. I'm a big hay feeder anyway, but especially rely on it during travel.
I prefer puppy pads in my carrier trays. I don't care for the strong smell of shavings. I also can't handle the extra weight. And empty trays smell too much. I know they cost a bit more, but to me, a pack of extra large puppy pads every now and then is a small price to pay for a lighter, better smelling carrier in the car. I do change them for long weekends, but leave them in for one- or two-night trips.
The one problem with puppy pads is that you have to be careful to get them tucked in or a bored rabbit will pull the whole thing into their compartment from just one tiny, tiny corner. I've had it happen more than once!
So, I'll worry less about all of those rabbits that spend a week at Convention in a motel room - assuming the carriers are of the larger sizes. I'll buy taller carriers next time I buy some. I want some that fit into those big wheel garden carts anyway. I'll continue to try to outwit the rabbits by tucking those puppy pads. And continue enjoying my wonderful, portable hobby!
Laurie ¶ 11:16 AM
So, I asked a rabbit savvy veterinarian about that this week. Her response was that it was okay as long as the carrier is big enough for the rabbit to be able to consume cecotrophes (night poops). See, I was thinking about this all wrong. I was worried about the exercise point of view and forgetting about the most important concern.
So when you are sizing carriers, keep the rabbits' nutritional needs in mind. Also, if you are treating a rabbit for a spinal problem or broken bone, consider their need for cecotrophes even as they are being immobillized for their own good.
I'm also a bit concerned that the carriers I have are too short for my rabbits. When I first got started in rabbits, I assumed that the carriers were made to some industry standard or some legal minimums. I trusted that they were tall enough. I later found out that the model I bought was based on the request of a particular breeder based on what fit neatly into their bunny van!
I have learned that by placing the feed dish in one corner and the water in the other, that I provide my rabbit with the diagonal - the longest point in their compartment - for stretching out.
And I do love a built-in hay rack. I'm a big hay feeder anyway, but especially rely on it during travel.
I prefer puppy pads in my carrier trays. I don't care for the strong smell of shavings. I also can't handle the extra weight. And empty trays smell too much. I know they cost a bit more, but to me, a pack of extra large puppy pads every now and then is a small price to pay for a lighter, better smelling carrier in the car. I do change them for long weekends, but leave them in for one- or two-night trips.
The one problem with puppy pads is that you have to be careful to get them tucked in or a bored rabbit will pull the whole thing into their compartment from just one tiny, tiny corner. I've had it happen more than once!
So, I'll worry less about all of those rabbits that spend a week at Convention in a motel room - assuming the carriers are of the larger sizes. I'll buy taller carriers next time I buy some. I want some that fit into those big wheel garden carts anyway. I'll continue to try to outwit the rabbits by tucking those puppy pads. And continue enjoying my wonderful, portable hobby!
Laurie ¶ 11:16 AM
