New Issues with Room Layout//Angry//Scared Bunny Troubles! :(

[holtzchick]

It has come to my attention that Peter Cartier is stressed out like crazy since the move. I thought it was maybe the cage size he didn't like because he always had a huge cage. My sister chimed in that maybe it's the noise that's making him uneasy since my apartment was always quiet and now we live on the corner of a BUSY road. I'm also worried that he's stressed out due to the ferrets being in the same room, that was never an issue before but my ferrets play quite loudly now even in their cage! I know he's stressed because he's not munching on his hay like he normally would and his appetite is decreased, although he is the one that gets free roam most of the day and my poor ferrets have to stay caged until night, he thumps at me when I want to put him away and runs away from he as if I'm going to hurt him (bonding from square one anyone?). I'm very concerned about him and think maybe I should stop touching him. During the move I did not have time to wait for him or play games for him to get into his carrier/cage etc so I had to pick him up, seems that he will not go near me now and will no longer accept a treat from my hands (I baked him these lovely bunny cookies!)

I would like to somehow build a room divider (any ideas from what? lol) without actually adding any drywall since this is not my house. I have discussed the possibility of moving him to another room but no one is allowing it Is there any way I can section off the room and maybe soundproof some of what is coming through the windows? If I do not have the windows open, the room gets stuffy and smells like animals and I have the door open all day with a baby gate in it. By the way, I would LOVE to remove this TV but it is heavy so until someone buys it and carries it out, it's not going anywhere I have it listed online already! Here is a diagram of the room everything is roughly proportioned.

What do you suggest I do?

 

[ZRabbits]

Bunnies take a bit to get used to their surroundings. Even though you bonded with him so well in the old place, you will see a set back of the bonding, because he's really not sure of how safe he feels in the old.

New sounds, smells, noises, will throw off your bunny. And you will see a decrease in eating because he's so tentative of where he is.

Give him time to get used to all of it again. Don't be upset that he won't take treats, or he runs from you right now. Keep talking to Peter, assuring him that everything is OK. Your voice will help bring him back to that sweet bunny. Once he realizes that the new place is safe, the noises outside won't hurt him, the ferrets won't harm him, he will start coming around.

I'd keep the windows open, let him hear everything. I don't think you need a divider in your room. I really think it will just take a bit of time for Peter to settle into your new place.

It's stressful for bunnies when they leave a their old, safe place. No matter how old they are, or how long they have been with you.

Hope this helps.

K

 

[holtzchick]

Thank you for making me feel better !

It's really stressful on me, because I didn't know how stressful a move could be on them! (Peter had NO issues when I moved out before). I maybe would like to divide the room anyways just because when I let my ferrets out they climb on top of his hutch or they bother him from the front view and maybe it's adding to his stress! I feel horrible and the only way I can get him back in his cage at the end of the night is to chase him around the room (more so walking) until he decides it's a good time to hop back into the cage.