Quick Behavior Questions.

[daisyandoliver]

Daisy, my netherland dwarf, is a bit snappy when it comes to her cage, is that just normal? Is she just territorial? She has been like that since I got her. She does NOT like it when you try to remove her from her cage or touch anything in it. When you feed her she tries to attack your hand and then she will dump her food dish and water dish as soon as you fill them. But then when I get her out she will cuddle and nuzzle for hours on end... So, is it normal how she acts with her cage?

And my rabbit Oliver is SO hyper, he hates being held but will allow you to pet him when HE wants to be held. Is that normal? Is it just because he is young? I spend a lot of time with him but he only will allow himself to be held when he jumps in my lap. Just wondering if its normal, I don't want a bad relationship with my bunnyboo.

 

[Blue eyes]

I'm sure you'll get a variety of answers here. I've had some rabbits more cage protective than others. I don't think it's ever a good idea to force a bunny out of his/her cage (except emergencies). I like to see their cage as their place, their sanctuary, their 'safe-zone.' I open the door for playtime and let them go out on their own. I also clean their cage when they are not in it.

Their food bowl is actually attached to the door. It can't spill because it's locked in place. But I can easily twist it out when I open the cage door. That way, I'm not really "in" their cage to change the water.

I prefer to respect their cage space. They know I won't bother them when they are in there.

And I've had many-a-rabbit who have not liked to be held, period. Someone on this forum had a recent poll asking how many of us have rabbits that like to be held. Only a few did. Rabbits tend to accept affection on their terms (not ours). One of my current rabbits cannot, will not, just won't let me pick him up -- no way, no how. BUT, if he's sitting on the floor, he loves for me to pet him and pet him.

Your buns sound completely normal to me!

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Sounds like normal bunnies.

 

[daisyandoliver]

Thanks and she can't come out of her cage because its on my dresser. And my dog will eat her.

 

[Blue eyes]

daisyandoliver wrote:

Thanks and she can't come out of her cage because its on my dresser. And my dog will eat her.

Hmmm... it would be a good idea to figure out some alternatives to allow her out on her own. I assume you can close your room door to keep the dog out. Then you could put the cage down on the floor during those times she's allowed out, or maybe set up a ramp or boxes depending on how high that dresser is. I'm wondering what size your cage is if it fits on your dresser. Are both bunnies sharing the same cage?

 

[eclairemom]

sounds like Pixie she even grumbles at me when I reach in to get her and feed her. Once out she tolerates being held.

 

[daisyandoliver]

No no they have separate cages. Oliver's cage is about 4 feet x 3 feet. Daisy's is about 3 feet x 2 feet. But she spent the first 5 years of her life in a cage because she was a breeder bunny where she was living. She won't come out of her cage by herself and when she is out she just sits there. But I can try to leave her in there for a while. I just need to watch her so she doesn't chew on the cords. I also have an indented area in my wall where the dresser and her cage is, so its kinda off the edges of my dresser, but supported.

I let Oliver out all the time because if I leave the door open he goes in and goes potty in the cage and when he is done running around he lays down and just stays in his cage.

 

[Blue eyes]

Is Daisy or Oliver the newer arrival to your home? Can't remember now. If it is Daisy, I understand she is not used to freedom. If she does just sit when you pull her out, she's probably feeling insecure. All the more reason to put her cage on the floor, open the door, and give her lots and lots of time to decide whether her curiosity will get the best of her. Maybe even a little pile of hay or veggies outside her cage may encourage her. Poor little thing. It's so great that she can have a spoiled life now with you!

If your cords can't be put out of reach, you can try covering them with flexible tubing. I got some at lowes or home depot. They sell it by the foot for 30-60 cents. You just slit it lengthwise and wrap it around the cord. It comes in clear of black.

 

[daisyandoliver]

Thanks! Yeah Daisy is the new arrival. She won't eat veggies either, I keep trying to introduce them to her slowly but every time I try she gets diarrhea. :/ But when she just eats hay and her food shes fine. But tomorrow when I go grocery shopping I think I will stop at lowes. Then I'll try it out.

Oliver chews EVERYTHING. He even chewed through his cage. So we just gave up on that and he kinda goes when he wants lol.

 

[missyscove]

Is Daisy spayed? Sometimes cutting down on hormones can reduce cage aggression.

 

[Blue eyes]

missyscove wrote:

Is Daisy spayed? Sometimes cutting down on hormones can reduce cage aggression.

I think she said Daisy is already 5 yrs old. I'm not sure, but I thought that might be considered beyond the age recommended to spay.

 

[cwolfec]

Definitely sounds like good 'ol normal bun behavior to me Apparently, bunnies (some more than others) are pretty protective of their cages. I bun-sat my friend's rabbit, and he lunged and growled at me every time I tried to get near his cage! I kept trying to explain to him that I had to get near it to put food inside, but he still chased me around!

I would try to figure out a setup where the buns can enter and exit their cage without you having to reach inside. Sounds like it may be tricky for you though...

And as far as being held, my baby girl HATES it! Unless I have a serious hold on her (more like a good squish) she will launch herself out of my arms, even if I am standing up. And at nearly a 6 foot drop, it's not a soft landing! I try to minimize picking up them both.

 

[daisyandoliver]

@Missyscove & blue eyes; Yeah Daisy is 5 and not spayed she was a breeder bunny her whole life

@cwolfec; After my senior year, this year, I'll be moving into an appt for college, I refuse to dorm because I love my buns too much to leave them home. When I do that I'll be able to figure out how to let them go in and out as they please. I'm pretty sure Oliver could be a house bun because he only pees and poos in his cage no matter what.. Daisy I think is have to restrict her space a little until I could possibly train her..

 

[daisyandoliver]

Daisy likes to be held when she is out. She seems more confident and friendly when she's being held as long as I'm sitting or laying.