Skittish Mini Lop Help

[Romy]

Hi

I'm the owner of a mini lop rabbit who we got at 8 weeks and is now 16 weeks.

Currently having problems with her going back into her cage at night. The cage is in the living room but as it's hardwood flooring she prefers it at night in the bedroom with carpet. I used to tempt her back into the cage with treats but now she has realised that it means going back so ignores the treats!

I don't like chasing her around the room as I'm sure it must stress her but I don't know how else to get her home.

I contacted the breeder and she thinks she is having too much freedom and acting like a wild rabbit. She suggested a playpen in the bedroom in which we place her inside so it gives us the chance to handle her (which is another issue in itself!) and therefore she will associate being handled with something fun.

Would appreciate any advice.

Thanks​

 

[ZRabbits]

Your breeder is right. She's young and has way too much freedom. We go through this with our babies. They get overstimulated. We even have a Netherland that just likes his time in a smaller area. He's not too fond of too much space.

I would get a play pen or x-pen and put it in your bedroom. Work with her there with handling and just being with her. As she grows up, you can give her more freedom. She's be older and wiser. And it' won't be such an overwhelming experience.

Congratulations on your new bunny. Post pics. Let us know what you do.

K

 

[Romy]

Thank you so much Karen for the advice.

It's hard being a first time bunny owner as there is so much conflicting advice out there. I first thought it would be sad to keep her to one room but I think giving her so much freedom is making her think she is the boss!

We will purchase a playpen and hopefully as she gets older she can be trusted. I do hope that the playpen will also help with handling as she hates being lifted and thiscan be very problematic trying to get her home. It stresses us both out

 

[ZRabbits]

Romy wrote:

Thank you so much Karen for the advice.

It's hard being a first time bunny owner as there is so much conflicting advice out there. I first thought it would be sad to keep her to one room but I think giving her so much freedom is making her think she is the boss!

We will purchase a playpen and hopefully as she gets older she can be trusted. I do hope that the playpen will also help with handling as she hates being lifted and thiscan be very problematic trying to get her home. It stresses us both out

Here's my x-pen. I get in with my babies and just be there, handle them. I'm a full contact breeder. And it's amazing how less stressful it is for both.

Hope this helps.

K

 

[Romy]

Aww thats a lovely pic! Hopefully I will be able to hold Chica like that.

Can I ask if you think the Ferplast Casita 120 cage is too small for a petite mini lop? On another forum someone suggested it's too small and that's why she wont go back in. However, she does like to spend time in there even when the door is open.

 

[ZRabbits]

Romy wrote:

Aww thats a lovely pic! Hopefully I will be able to hold Chica like that.

Can I ask if you think the Ferplast Casita 120 cage is too small for a petite mini lop? On another forum someone suggested it's too small and that's why she wont go back in. However, she does like to spend time in there even when the door is open.

What's the cubic feet of the crate? And if you decided to allow her to run, the crate will be just fine for her to sleep in. As long as you give your bunny exercise every day, the size of the crate doesn't matter. As long as she can sleep stretched out, she can stand tall without hitting her head, and can do her business comfortably in the litter box, you are there.

The average bunny really doesn't need a whole lot of space, just a whole lot of love. That's what bonds the friendship and trust.

K

 

[Romy]

Size is 119 x 58 x 61cm (48” x 23” x 24”) It is very large as everyone comments on how big it is when they see it and there is 20% extra head room as the roof is curved and pitched higher. Feel a bit better now as I was worried after reading the other comment that I was keeping her in a tiny cage!

 

[ZRabbits]

Romy wrote:

Size is 119 x 58 x 61cm (48” x 23” x 24”) It is very large as everyone comments on hoe big it is when they see it and there is 20% extra head room as the roof is curved and pitched higher. Feel a bit better now as I was worried after reading the other comment that I was keeping her in a tiny cage!

It's perfect for her. And with the exercise pen, she will have no problems.

Just give her time. Play your part as a doting bunny parent and the trust will build as she grows and matures.

K