Can rabbits ration their own food???

RebeccaUK · Jul 25, 2005

Ok, we've been offered the opportunity to goaway camping at the weekend - would be from 5.00pm on Friday nightuntil 5.00pm on Sunday night and then we would be home. Iwould so love to go because as many of you are aware my life has beenpretty complex with the loss of my Dad lately and I would absolutelylove a break.

My problem is the bunnies!!! All my family will be campingwith us and my two close friends are away on holiday. Theclosest neighbour will be away for the weekend too so I have nobody Ican ask to come and feed the bunnies and check on them. Myhusband really wants us to go and suggested leaving the bunnies intheir very safe outdoor run (all covered over on every side/ top/bottom etc) with the huts open for them to hop in and out and leavethem with 3 bowls of food and 3 or 4 extra large drinking bottles fullof water.

I'm pretty sure that the bunnies would be very safe - we live in anarea where I have never seen a single predator to scare the rabbits,the weather is fine at the moment and I know that run is completelysafe but I worry that leaving them with bowls full of food might be badfor them - would they eat it all at once - i.e. carry on eating untilit was all gone or would they eventually stop eating.

It really seems a shame to miss a chance to camp but I'm so frightenedof leaving the bunnies unattended that I'm seriously considering sayingno. What are your thoughts?

Am I being a terribly Mummy by even considering leaving my buns?

naturestee · Jul 25, 2005

I've left mine for the weekend. They were fine.

Bassetluv · Jul 25, 2005

My opinion only...I'd be very nervous to leaverabbits alone for that length of time. If it is at all possible to findsomeone who can drop in on them (or someone to take them to...I don'tknow how many you have), that would be the best bet. Cats can prey onrabbits or even frighten them with their presence, and I know thatother animals such as raccoons kill them as well. (I live in the middleof the city and we have raccoons and skunks that frequent thearea...two years ago I discovered a raccoon living in my outside shed.)Snakes can also be a threat, depending on your region.

Water bowls can be inadvertently tipped if you are using them, as canfood dishes (which can attract rats). I believe that bunnies are likeall other animals...some with pick at their food or only eat enough tosatisfy themselves at one time, while others will chow down and pigout, so the food might not last as long as you plan.

I know what it's like to have the dilemma of wanting to go away andhaving the animals to consider; it can be a real hassle if you don'thave anyone close by. Do you have a vet with whom you could board themfor the three days? Perhaps that could be an option for you.

Jul 25, 2005

no your not aterrible bunny mom , every momneeds a break ,

How many do you have ? is it possibleand/ or feasable to take themwith you?

Next question concerns weather, is it hotand humid? Is there a chance of thefood spoiling over due to dampness, remember rabbit grain will mold in highhumidity .

Maybe you could boardthem with a Near by Vet for theweekend ? most donot charge alot for small animals. its an option tokeep in mind .

I agree with all thats been goingon in your life a breakis what you need . Iwould try and Board themfirst before leaving them outside . Ifnot Do they have indoor cagesthat maybe a betteroption than outside . I stillworry about sneaky preditors , even tho nonehave been spotted doesntmean the buggers are not there .

Its not much in the sense ofoptions but I hope you getto go , you need it hon .

pamnock · Jul 25, 2005

I wouldn't risk the additional emotionaldistress of something happening to the rabbits -- take them with you ifnecessary, or find a responsible local teen to check on them.

Pam