New to rabbits!

[Gravellilac]

Hello everyone! I recently got a bunny (m) 13 weeks old, this is my first time owning a rabbit and the health anxiety is real. he’s a harlequin lop rabbit, very playful some nights I have to sleep in a different room I let him free roam my room and I usually would let him free roam during the night as well but he has learnt to jump onto my bed and over his cage I’ve had to add another layer to his cage and shut him in at night which I’m not happy about but I can’t let him take over my room he’s the sweetest little guy not much into cuddles or petting but on occasion he’ll let me pet him. Ive only had him for a week and he got comfortable very quickly which shocked me! I’m getting him neutered on Thursday which is really worrying me but I know it’s better to have done than not, maybe in the future I’ll think about getting him a friend but for right now I want to get to know him more and bond a lot better. He was doing his potty training amazing for about 3 days then decided to slack it off and poo and pee everywhere which was great! Hopefully after being neutered he’ll get back on track with it. Overall he has destroyed my tortoise thermometer, my bedside table and a tshirt Which I’m quite proud about as I thought a lot more would be destroyed. (I have not introduced my tortoise with my rabbit as I wouldn’t want any disease to be spread) I wouldn’t mind some tips for making a food schedule and what types of greens are best for him, he is addicted to his pellets I’ve had to cut down on them so he can eat more hay but the hissy fits he throws is crazy I would love to learn a lot more about rabbits and how to give him the best care. I would upload a photo of him but I’m struggle to figure out how sorry everyone!! Any help is appreciated thank you!

 

[JBun]

Congratulations on your new bunny Same thing here, bunny takes over my room, now I'm sleeping in another room

The potty training can definitely be hormone related, but will also have to do with rabbits natural behavior of marking new territory, especially when it comes to their little poop balls. It's a very common thing for rabbits in a new place, to leave their fecal balls scattered around to mark their area.

Other things related to peeing outside the litter box are how the litter box is set up. Things like - too small of a box, litter that is uncomfortable for them to step on, or where the litter box is placed; can all affect litter box use and training. As well as him being a young rabbit that can easily be distracted and doesn't have solid litter box habits yet.

Which brings us to how to best manage teaching him how to use a litter box. Usually it's recommended to start with keeping the new rabbit in a smaller rabbit proofed area, then gradually expanding their space when they are using the litter box well (peeing in it primarily, poop is a whole different thing). Giving too much space too quickly, can cause these types of peeing accidents and poor litter box habits. So that's what I'd suggest. Reduce his area and only gradually expand that as he's peeing in the litter box consistently.

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/litter-training.html

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Litter_training

Bonding to another rabbit would need to wait anyways, as it can take up to 8 weeks post neuter surgery, for the hormones to be gone enough that it won't cause problems with bonding. But it possibly may not take that long since you're having him neutered at a younger age. But until that time, and if and when you decide to find him a bun companion, here are some tips on how to form a trusting relationship with your rabbit.

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-with-your-bunny.html

It's possible for a bun to be happy as a single bun, if they get enough interaction from the people they live with. But if not, or you feel your bun is lonely and does need a companion, it's best and easiest to find a rescue or shelter with already fixed adult rabbits, that allow you to bring your rabbit in for a test 'date'. Rabbits can be picky about who they like. Bonding can already be a difficult and stressful process, so finding the right rabbit can help reduce the stress and difficulty.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Bonding_rabbits_together

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-bunnies.html

To post a photo, click on the 'Attach files' box at the bottom of the place where you 'Write your reply'. Then select where to download your photo file from.