Trying to do this right.

[Devi]

Yesterday after losing our first bunny the day before. We decided to try again so after sterilizing the cage and feed bowl and water bottle we set the cage up again. This time we looked for a bunny that was active, curious and had a desire to check things out the opposite of our deceased bunny. I don't know this bunnies gender but I know (I'll say he for now) he is around 8 weeks and is suppose to be this Lop lion head mix tortoise colored.

He is eating and drinking great. And likes to come out exploring his 40"Lx17"Wx19"D cage when we're not looking of course when we pay him attention when he is out cage exploring he darts right back in to his den to hide. So we have a hands off policy right now and keep our interactions with him to soft talking, feeding, watering and letting him sniff us if he wants other then that we let him be, he is our family room where he can observe us in our day to day activities.

So my question is what more can we do to help him settle in and get use to us and his new home?

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Give him time to settle. Maybe go in and sit quietly and you may get explored. After a bit, you'll have to start handling and get him used to it so you'll have and easier times with nail trims, cleaning, etc.

 

[Ilovemyrabbit]

I'd maybe make him a cardboard box house to hide in where he feels safe. I'd give him some time to relaxe and settle down too.

 

[Bunnylova4eva]

Sounds cute!

I agree: lots of time to settle in. But, that doesn't mean not spending time with him; just be quiet and spend time sitting hear his cage or sitting by where you let him out to hop around.

Don't try new foods too quickly, and wait on veggies for a little while to allow his GI to not be upset and develop more good bacteria.


I'm very big on routine. I think it helps bunnies SO much to get them in a routine of when, what and what order you do things in every day. They come to know what to expect, and therefore are excited and over time, learn to trust you so much.

 

[Devi]

We have started taking him out for playtime in a bunny play yard we set up (as we're still bunny proofing and wanting to litter train before he gets house freedom) So he can get some time out of cage the play area is about two or three of his cage in size. We take it outside where it is cooler in the evening because how our house is set it we're shaded all day except for late afternoon evening so it gets hotter in the house and he seems to love it all of the family sitting/playing outside and he gets to hop around nibbling at fresh grass. But as of to date, he is out of his Den for longer periods watching us and doesn't immediately run to hide anymore and will sniff us if we remain still but runs if we move during said sniffing. And he seems to like us clicking our tongues at him.