From what I've observed and heard from other bunny owners is that even though the buns have the run of the house they still should have a cage/box/pen to retreat to. The cage/box/pen gives them a sense of protection and safety. In fact most people I talk to never close the cage door so the buns can choose where they want to be. Sometimes my guys will sleep on a blanket on the kitchen floor and other times they'll go into their cage to nap.

I still think the pen is the way to go....it's roomier than a cage/hutch and yet they are still confined and the pens usually cost less than a cage. This would make you happy because the rabbits would have some running around room and they would get some exercise while you are gone, and it makes your bunny sitters happy because the buns would be confined/easy to find/easy to clean up after. If you don't go with the pen..I don't think having them confined to a cage for 2 wks is harmful...It is only temporary after all....it will probably bother you more than it will them!