How long can you leave a rabbit alone?

[Rob Duncan]

I seem to stir up controversy. Oh well. I still feel I should ask this.

This summer we went to stay out in the wilderness on a friends property. We
spent the time crabbing, digging for clams and gooey ducks, etc. We had a
home for Pokey our Jack Russel, but not one for Max... so we figured... what
could it hurt? We left him with plenty of food (keep in mind that at the
time I was only feeding him pellets) water and a clean cage. How long is
reasonable for a rabbit to be left alone? I wasnt worried about him
overeating because he has a light appetite. Still does. But was that a
mistake? Should I have gone out of my way and left him at the vets in our
pet carrier, or was he just fine in his cage for a few days? Thoughts?


Rob

[Linda boucher]

On Fri, 9 Jan 2004 17:40:54 -0800, "Rob Duncan"
<***@gbronline.com> wrote:
hI

Rabbits should never be left alone that long,

anything could happen to them,
why didnt you have someone come in to check
on max, a couple times each day
Linda

I seem to stir up controversy. Oh well. I still feel I should ask this.
This summer we went to stay out in the wilderness on a friends property. We
spent the time crabbing, digging for clams and gooey ducks, etc. We had a
home for Pokey our Jack Russel, but not one for Max... so we figured... what
could it hurt? We left him with plenty of food (keep in mind that at the
time I was only feeding him pellets) water and a clean cage. How long is
reasonable for a rabbit to be left alone? I wasnt worried about him
overeating because he has a light appetite. Still does. But was that a
mistake? Should I have gone out of my way and left him at the vets in our
pet carrier, or was he just fine in his cage for a few days? Thoughts?
Rob

[Arlette & Cocoa]

Hi Rob,
I'm sorry, but I think that is a dumb question...are you smirking as you
type this? I would think any adult would know not to leave a pet unchecked
for a few days. Early morning to late evening is the most time I've ever
left Cocoa.
Nevertheless, I will add my bit here. Apart from feeding times, and now that
your bunny has more than pellets, (it is good to feed veggies once or twice
a day at least for variety), your rabbit needs exercise and attention. I
hire a petsitter (at some expense) for morning food/cleaning, and then get a
friend who doesn't mind coming (for slightly cheaper) in for the evening
veggies and attention.

Another reason to get someone to check on your rabbit is that unforeseen
accidents can happen...dumb things like your rabbit getting a nail or leg or
whatever caught on something. You just never know, and it would be heart
breaking and tragic to have happened simply out of negligence.

Ok, maybe this is an honest enquiry, I just find it hard to believe that you
wouldn't realize that.

--
God Bless,
Arlette, Cocoa & Brownie in spirit (See us here
http://photos.yahoo.com/cocoa3c
Need a vet? Click here
<http://www.rabbitvet.net>
There is no blessing from God so sweet as having
two chocolate coloured bunnies melting in your lap
in the warm morning sun.

[Angela]

Post by Arlette & Cocoa
Ok, maybe this is an honest enquiry, I just find it hard to believe that you
wouldn't realize that.

It most likely is an honest inquiry. I get called about this all the time on
the rescue line. (Well, okay, a few times a month, not daily)


Angela (Aol.com doesn't hop!)

www.rabbitadoption.org Rabbits & small animals for adoption--worldwide links,
including vet referrals & other rescues, care tips, mail order products, etc.

[Dave Balderstone]

Personally I'd be fine leaving Toby on a day-night-day trip, but any
longer and I'd have someone come in and make sure he wasn't out of
water at the very least. Also keep in mind that if hay is not a large
part of a rabbit's diet (it should be) then switching to an all-hay
diet for a few days could cause some tummy trouble.

djb

[diane]

Post by Rob Duncan
Should I have gone out of my way and left him at the vets in our
pet carrier, or was he just fine in his cage for a few days?

We leave our rabbits alone for a day and a half, maximum -- not more than
36 hours (leaving Sat. morning and coming back Sun. evening, say), and that
ONLY if they are in perfect health. If we have any niggling suspicions
about health we board them with the vet or, more likely, we stay home to
keep an eye on them.

Otherwise, I feel that, for *my* rabbits, the stress of the capture, the
drive, and the strange environment outweigh the dangers of something going
wrong at home in a period of less than two days.

YMMV,

diane
and Betsy (homebody) Vanderbun

[Lorien'sMum]

Lorien comes with us all the time when we go for an overnight. She loves
the freedom she gets when she goes to my parent's place, and my parents
come over enough times for her to know who they are. And they don't mind
her running almost all over the house, and binkying and darting.

They're even planning to give her a indoor run when they up dated the
house. A place where she can dig, and run, and hide. Of course that's
when we go on longer trips we can leave her there, and have no worries.

Ilona and Lorien

[Judith Gordon]

Post by Rob Duncan
I seem to stir up controversy. Oh well. I still feel I should ask this.
This summer we went to stay out in the wilderness on a friends property. We
spent the time crabbing, digging for clams and gooey ducks, etc. We had a
home for Pokey our Jack Russel, but not one for Max... so we figured... what
could it hurt? We left him with plenty of food (keep in mind that at the
time I was only feeding him pellets) water and a clean cage. How long is
reasonable for a rabbit to be left alone? I wasnt worried about him
overeating because he has a light appetite. Still does. But was that a
mistake? Should I have gone out of my way and left him at the vets in our
pet carrier, or was he just fine in his cage for a few days? Thoughts?
Rob

Okay except for house fires, burglars, gas leaks, the rabbit getting
sick unexpectdly or there being an accident like the rabbit getting his
foot caught in something or the water spilt. Well also rabbits need
company so not okay for that. We take our rabbits camping with us. They
love camping and make wonderful travelers (better than a cat or dog) if
you have a nice carrier for them. Why not take bunny along with you next
time?

Judith Arwen and Sproing

[D. Stussy]

Post by Rob Duncan
I seem to stir up controversy. Oh well. I still feel I should ask this.
This summer we went to stay out in the wilderness on a friends property. We
spent the time crabbing, digging for clams and gooey ducks, etc. We had a
home for Pokey our Jack Russel, but not one for Max... so we figured... what
could it hurt? We left him with plenty of food (keep in mind that at the
time I was only feeding him pellets) water and a clean cage. How long is
reasonable for a rabbit to be left alone? I wasnt worried about him
overeating because he has a light appetite. Still does. But was that a
mistake? Should I have gone out of my way and left him at the vets in our
pet carrier, or was he just fine in his cage for a few days? Thoughts?

My rabbits will consume 8 (fluid) ounces (aka 1 standard cup) of water in less
than one day - and that's what their water dishes hold. 24 hours is pretty much
the limit.

It seems that your stay was more than one day. That's too long.

[Carrie]

Here is an example of why you don't leave bunnies alone...
I went out for a day, I was gone for 14-15 hours on Saturday... when I came
home, my bunnies had tipped over their water bowl and hence had nothing to
drink... oh, they were also wet because they decided it would be fun to play
in the water they had tipped up. However, if I had stayed away overnight, as
would have been sensible (for me, if not for them) they would have gone from
having fun, to be dehydrated and getting really sick... this is why you do
not leave bunnies alone overnight... and no, this is not a big deal about
nothing...
--
Carrie Twilight and Venus
http://community.webshots.com/user/carriephlyons
www.lyonsmusic.co.uk
carriephlyons at btinternet dot com
Non illigitamus carborundum

Post by D. Stussy

Post by Rob Duncan
I seem to stir up controversy. Oh well. I still feel I should ask this.
This summer we went to stay out in the wilderness on a friends property.

We

Post by D. Stussy

Post by Rob Duncan
spent the time crabbing, digging for clams and gooey ducks, etc. We had a
home for Pokey our Jack Russel, but not one for Max... so we figured... what
could it hurt? We left him with plenty of food (keep in mind that at the
time I was only feeding him pellets) water and a clean cage. How long is
reasonable for a rabbit to be left alone? I wasnt worried about him
overeating because he has a light appetite. Still does. But was that a
mistake? Should I have gone out of my way and left him at the vets in our
pet carrier, or was he just fine in his cage for a few days? Thoughts?

My rabbits will consume 8 (fluid) ounces (aka 1 standard cup) of water in less
than one day - and that's what their water dishes hold. 24 hours is pretty much
the limit.
It seems that your stay was more than one day. That's too long.

[Carrie Lyons]

Post by Carrie
Here is an example of why you don't leave bunnies alone...
I went out for a day, I was gone for 14-15 hours on Saturday... when I came
home, my bunnies had tipped over their water bowl and hence had nothing to
drink...

[ cypherpunk is being channeled ]

Not to disagree with you, but there are water containers
that can't be tipped over. I could put up a picture of
one. Again, I agree with your response though.

----

Now that I have Miss Winter, the two buns seem to be
eating like three! It's like they're competitive when
I put out food, as if one is worried the other will eat
it all.

Miss Winter is so cute in her shyness.

I start laying down food and she hops to the rear,
while Penis (Netherland Dwarf) stays right by me and
stands up to beg. Miss Winter then makes random approaches
but spooks off after she gets close.

She finally came all the way to get food yesterday. Of course,
the slightest extra hand movement still causes her to pop to
the back, but the progression towards familiarity with me is
happening. Getting to know youz...

[Anita]

This has been a big question for me. Dennis is out of town and I have to
work three nights (and five days) a week right now. I have to go out of
town on the nights. I worry about something happening to me and the rabbits
being trapped in the house with no food and water.

Before I leave, I put down a three-day supply of pellets and hay. I worry
less about them overeating than I do about them going hungry. One never can
tell what might happen.

Anita, Jessie, and Quark

[Rob Duncan]

Post by Anita
This has been a big question for me. Dennis is out of town and I have to
work three nights (and five days) a week right now. I have to go out of
town on the nights. I worry about something happening to me and the rabbits
being trapped in the house with no food and water.
Before I leave, I put down a three-day supply of pellets and hay. I worry
less about them overeating than I do about them going hungry. One never can
tell what might happen.
Anita, Jessie, and Quark

Ive noticed that a lot of simple, straight forward, honest questions are met
with ridicule and insults on this group. You would think that a bunny group
would be the last place for such a thing. Odd isnt it?

From what I gather, a night or so is okay, but much longer than that then a
person should check in on the rabbit. Im not worried about "something"
happening. Our house is as stable as a house can get, the cage is fine, and
his water bottle is immovable. For some reason I was worried about
over-feeding him. I guess thats not a concern.

As long as he cant die from boredom I figure Max should be fine. We do
leave the radio on for him though. I think it drowns out noises that may
otherwise spur some anxiety on his part. Speeking of anxiety... the other
day Max did something Ive never seen him do before. He was making small
little "Thumps" with his back feet. Then the power went out. I have a
magic rabbit. (or is he psychic? do de do dooooo...)


Rob

[scGram]

Rob ... We do the same thing, leave the radio on for BB and Cissy. I
feel that, since they are so accustomed to the noise of the TV or us
talking, it will help them feel not so alone when we need to be out.
So far we haven't had to be away over night when they were home, but
that may be necessary at some time.

Maybe you do have a psychic rabbit :-) ... Seriously, I think they
hear things that are not in our hearing range and maybe he heard a
crackle or something before the power went out. My BB sometimes thumps
for no apparent reason, but I'm sure he knows why. I just wish he
could tell me <g>
--
Dori ... BB and Cissy
"Rob Duncan" <***@gbronline.com> wrote
We do leave the radio on for him though. I think it drowns out
noises that may otherwise spur some anxiety on his part. Speeking of
anxiety... the other day Max did something Ive never seen him do
before. He was making small little "Thumps" with his back feet. Then
the power went out. I have a magic rabbit. (or is he psychic? do de
do dooooo...)

Rob

[Dave Balderstone]

Post by Rob Duncan
Ive noticed that a lot of simple, straight forward, honest questions are met
with ridicule and insults on this group.

You noticed that too, eh?

If you hang around for a while longer you'll just start ignoring a
bunch of people, maybe killfile one or two, and settle in with the
folks worth talking to.

djb

[Rhonda]

Hi Rob,

Post by Rob Duncan
Ive noticed that a lot of simple, straight forward, honest questions are met
with ridicule and insults on this group. You would think that a bunny group
would be the last place for such a thing. Odd isnt it?

Well, sometimes. The group dynamics change from time to time. I think we
might be a bit on edge right now.

Could be some of the emotions that get out of hand from time to time
(and affect the whole group), or possibly too much sugar at Christmas.

Post by Rob Duncan
From what I gather, a night or so is okay, but much longer than that then a
person should check in on the rabbit. Im not worried about "something"
happening. Our house is as stable as a house can get, the cage is fine, and
his water bottle is immovable. For some reason I was worried about
over-feeding him. I guess thats not a concern.
As long as he cant die from boredom I figure Max should be fine. We do
leave the radio on for him though. I think it drowns out noises that may
otherwise spur some anxiety on his part. Speeking of anxiety... the other
day Max did something Ive never seen him do before. He was making small
little "Thumps" with his back feet. Then the power went out. I have a
magic rabbit. (or is he psychic? do de do dooooo...)

Yep, he's got to be psychic! He's going to be great if you ever have an
earthquake on the way.

Rhonda

[Professor]

Most rabbits are psychic & magic..... Then again, I'm a
Magician, and tend to believe that stuff. ;)

[scGram]

Life can't always be exactly what we would like it to be. Do you have
someone who would be willing to check on Jessie and Quark if you
didn't arrive home when planned? I know It's hard finding sitters for
our babies, but maybe a neighbor that could be called, just in case,
on an emergency basis? So you wouldn't have to worry so much.
--
Dori ... BB and Cissy
--------------------------------------
"Anita" <***@outdoorrabbit.com> wrote ...
This has been a big question for me. Dennis is out of town and I have
to
work three nights (and five days) a week right now. I have to go out
of
town on the nights. I worry about something happening to me and the
rabbits
being trapped in the house with no food and water.

Before I leave, I put down a three-day supply of pellets and hay. I
worry
less about them overeating than I do about them going hungry. One
never can
tell what might happen.

Anita, Jessie, and Quark

[Anita]

Jessie and Quark's foster parents live across the street, so help would be
there as soon as they knew something was wrong. That is why I don't give
the rabbits a 2-week supply of food ;)

Anita, Jessie, and Quark

Post by scGram
Life can't always be exactly what we would like it to be. Do you have
someone who would be willing to check on Jessie and Quark if you
didn't arrive home when planned? ...

[scGram]

It sure sounds like you have everything under control Anita ... You
have all the necessary precautions in place and Jessie and Quark have
each other for company. Sometimes I think BB and Cissy wouldn't even
miss us until it was treat time ;-) they do a wonderful job of
entertaining themselves.
--
Dori ... BB and Cissy
"Anita" <***@outdoorrabbit.com> wrote in message news:Px2Nb.6651$***@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...
Jessie and Quark's foster parents live across the street, so help
would be
there as soon as they knew something was wrong. That is why I don't
give
the rabbits a 2-week supply of food ;)

Anita, Jessie, and Quark

Post by scGram
Life can't always be exactly what we would like it to be. Do you have
someone who would be willing to check on Jessie and Quark if you
didn't arrive home when planned? ...

[Steverddrf]

Post by Anita
I worry about something happening to me and the rabbits
being trapped in the house with no food and water.

This is something that I am very aware of as a single person and one of the
reasons why my bunnys are out side in hutchs.
My imediate neighbour is a retired lady who takes great delight in feeding
Toffee having seen the codition that he was in when he arived here, and so I
supply her with his food :)
On the occasions that I have had to leave a bunny in doors while at work it is
a major worry while going to, being at, and coming home from work.
With my bunnys outside in their hutchs they are accessable by someone who while
lacking the finer points of bunny care does have feed for them, knows their
medical history, and knows what to do for them if I get hit by a truck.



What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

Is there another word for synonym?

[D. Stussy]

Post by Carrie Lyons

Post by Carrie
Here is an example of why you don't leave bunnies alone...
I went out for a day, I was gone for 14-15 hours on Saturday... when I came
home, my bunnies had tipped over their water bowl and hence had nothing to
drink...

[ cypherpunk is being channeled ]
Not to disagree with you, but there are water containers
that can't be tipped over. I could put up a picture of
one. Again, I agree with your response though.

Tipping is not the same as when a rabbit deliberately moves and/or picks up
his(her) water dish and tosses it. If it's heavy enough that the rabbit can't
do it, then it's also probably large enough to be an annoyance and they will
try....

[Professor]

LOL! It's, "The way of the rabbit".

[C***@nyc.rr.com]

A corz she hopz ta da rear youz stoopid faggot. She doesn' wan youz ta
hope ta her rear. Lookz like she'z a kwik lerna.

Post by Carrie
Here is an example of why you don't leave bunnies alone...
I went out for a day, I was gone for 14-15 hours on Saturday... when I came
home, my bunnies had tipped over their water bowl and hence had nothing to
drink...

[ cypherfart is being channeled ]
Not to disagree with you, but there are water containers
that can't be tipped over. I could put up a picture of
one. Again, I agree with your response though.
----
Now that I have Miss Winter, the two buns seem to be
eating like three! It's like they're competitive when
I put out food, as if one is worried the other will eat
it all.
Miss Winter is so cute in her shyness.
I start laying down food and she hops to the rear,
while Penis (Netherland Dwarf) stays right by me and
stands up to beg. Miss Winter then makes random approaches
but spooks off after she gets close.
She finally came all the way to get food yesterday. Of course,
the slightest extra hand movement still causes her to pop to
the back, but the progression towards familiarity with me is
happening. Getting to know youz...

[C***@nyc.rr.com]

{Rivernet forgery}On Fri, 16 Jan 2004 14:25:03 GMT,

Post by C***@nyc.rr.com
A corz she hopz ta da rear youz stoopid faggot. She doesn' wan youz ta
hope ta her rear. Lookz like she'z a kwik lerna.

Rivernet are going to close your account, k00k.

Post by C***@nyc.rr.com

Post by Carrie
Here is an example of why you don't leave bunnies alone...
I went out for a day, I was gone for 14-15 hours on Saturday... when I came
home, my bunnies had tipped over their water bowl and hence had nothing to
drink...

[ cypherfart is being channeled ]
Not to disagree with you, but there are water containers
that can't be tipped over. I could put up a picture of
one. Again, I agree with your response though.
----
Now that I have Miss Winter, the two buns seem to be
eating like three! It's like they're competitive when
I put out food, as if one is worried the other will eat
it all.
Miss Winter is so cute in her shyness.
I start laying down food and she hops to the rear,
while Penis (Netherland Dwarf) stays right by me and
stands up to beg. Miss Winter then makes random approaches
but spooks off after she gets close.
She finally came all the way to get food yesterday. Of course,
the slightest extra hand movement still causes her to pop to
the back, but the progression towards familiarity with me is
happening. Getting to know youz...

[C***@nyc.rr.com]

Shore dey iz k00000000k. I'm golden wid dem.

Post by C***@nyc.rr.com
{Rivernet forgery}On Fri, 16 Jan 2004 14:25:03 GMT,

Post by C***@nyc.rr.com
A corz she hopz ta da rear youz stoopid faggot. She doesn' wan youz ta
hope ta her rear. Lookz like she'z a kwik lerna.

Rivernet are going to close your account, k00k.

Post by C***@nyc.rr.com

Post by Carrie
Here is an example of why you don't leave bunnies alone...
I went out for a day, I was gone for 14-15 hours on Saturday... when I came
home, my bunnies had tipped over their water bowl and hence had nothing to
drink...

[ cypherfart is being channeled ]
Not to disagree with you, but there are water containers
that can't be tipped over. I could put up a picture of
one. Again, I agree with your response though.
----
Now that I have Miss Winter, the two buns seem to be
eating like three! It's like they're competitive when
I put out food, as if one is worried the other will eat
it all.
Miss Winter is so cute in her shyness.
I start laying down food and she hops to the rear,
while Penis (Netherland Dwarf) stays right by me and
stands up to beg. Miss Winter then makes random approaches
but spooks off after she gets close.
She finally came all the way to get food yesterday. Of course,
the slightest extra hand movement still causes her to pop to
the back, but the progression towards familiarity with me is
happening. Getting to know youz...

[Rob Duncan]

Post by D. Stussy

Post by Rob Duncan
I seem to stir up controversy. Oh well. I still feel I should ask this.
This summer we went to stay out in the wilderness on a friends property.

We

Post by D. Stussy

Post by Rob Duncan
spent the time crabbing, digging for clams and gooey ducks, etc. We had a
home for Pokey our Jack Russel, but not one for Max... so we figured... what
could it hurt? We left him with plenty of food (keep in mind that at the
time I was only feeding him pellets) water and a clean cage. How long is
reasonable for a rabbit to be left alone? I wasnt worried about him
overeating because he has a light appetite. Still does. But was that a
mistake? Should I have gone out of my way and left him at the vets in our
pet carrier, or was he just fine in his cage for a few days? Thoughts?

My rabbits will consume 8 (fluid) ounces (aka 1 standard cup) of water in less
than one day - and that's what their water dishes hold. 24 hours is pretty much
the limit.
It seems that your stay was more than one day. That's too long.

Max drinks from a water bottle. But I get your point.


Rob