Transporting rabbits is a difficult and responsible undertaking. So that the pets do not get hurt on the way, get to their destination healthy and without loss, the requirements for the transportation of rabbits should be observed.
Instructions
Step 1
For whatever purpose and by whatever means you are transporting rabbits (rail or water, road or air), you should obtain a specification with breed, sex, ear number, weight and age. Before transportation, it is required to complete all mandatory vaccinations and obtain a veterinary card, veterinary certificate or vaccination certificate. These documents are valid for no more than a month, and a certificate from a veterinary clinic is usually valid for 3 days.
Step 2
Over long distances (for example, for sale), rabbits are transported in special transport containers for small animals. These are usually lightweight, breathable boxes with a waterproof bottom. For rabbits of medium breeds, the box should be from 25 cm wide, 50 cm long and 30 cm high. A door with a large number of ventilation holes is mounted in the lid. The length of the cage is divided into 8 equal compartments.
Step 3
If rail transport is used to transport a large number of rabbits, the wagons should first be checked for treatment by a disinfection and washing station, sufficient ventilation. During the movement of a carriage filled with cages with rabbits, ventilation should be carried out through doors and windows on one leeward side in the direction of travel. You can open all doors and windows at the same time only in parking lots in very hot weather. If transportation is carried out during the cold season, the car should be ventilated only through the door.
Step 4
When transporting rabbits by car over short distances, they can be transported without cages, in groups of 10-15 pieces. Divide the body into several compartments and place the animals in them. Cover the body with a net or tarp to prevent rabbits from jumping out. In hot weather, animals should be transported either at night or early in the morning.
Step 5
Provide fresh hay for the rabbits along the way. If you have a long journey (more than 5 days), be sure to provide a guarantee supply of feed for more than 7-8 days. Try to keep the same feeding order and times as rabbits are used to during transport. In hot weather, make sure that the drinkers are constantly filled with water.
Step 6
To transport a small number of rabbits by air, you should first check the conditions of carriage directly with the airline. Some companies prohibit the transportation of animals, some have special luggage compartments for this, and other air carriers (if there are very few rabbits - up to 10) allow you to take them with you to the cabin. Each air carrier may have a different cage requirement.
Step 7
After transporting the rabbits, immediately transfer them to the harvested cages, inspect each one and quarantine for 4 days. The transported animals should be fed with their usual diet and at the same time as always. They should be handled with care and attention, as they are excited and while they are getting used to their new owners. If among the brought rabbits there are no lethargic and sick ones, then after examination by the veterinarian they are moved to the common farm.
