Help getting Hoppy to use…

[Hoppy Valentine]

I made Hoppy and the cat this shelf under the window that has stairs for Hoppy to use to get up on the shelf but I can not figure out how to get him to climb the stairs to go up on the shelf.  I have tried treats but he just eats the ones off the first step and thats it.  Please help with any ideas.

Thanks in advance…

[Sarita]

I think they need to be carpeted…also might consider a ramp instead of steps.

[Hoppy Valentine]

If I use carpet he pees on it, I thought of the ramp instead but I wanted him to learn to use stairs. Maybe I will try something like carpet so they are not so slippery but I don’t want him to pee on them, is there something removable I can try that is washable.

[squidsquid]

I built a ramp for two of my rabbits to get in and out of their cage (it was raised a good 3 feet off the ground). They wouldn’t touch it for several weeks, so I just started leaving the door open 24/7. One day I found them hopping around out of their cage. I did put them on the ramp a few times and herded them up into their cage, but then left it up to them to figure out the rest. Just give him some time.

Also, it might help to actually have a ramp rather than floating platforms. Even putting a wall between the levels to make it look like stairs would help – that would be a lot less intimidating for your rabbit.

[LoveChaCha]

The floating platforms will make bunny feel uneasy about hopping up there.

[HoneysBuns]

You might want to try using cardboard boxes or other hideys of varying heights, and try putting your bun on them (if he/she is okay with being picked up). I would also suggest getting some 2″x4″ or something and making a railing so that there is less of a possibility of falling. Very cool though!

[RabbitPam]

Palace Pet Beds makes carpet that is for incontinent pets, absorbs moisture and is machine washable. They come in different sizes and colors, and can be cut easily with a matte knife or heavy scissors. You could buy one (order online) and cut several to size to cover the steps, then just clamp them down to see if it works. Toss them in the wash if he pees on them.

If not, you still have some carpet pads with that function for future use or to use lining a carrier bottom.

[Hoppy Valentine]

Well shortly after i posted this i put his favorite treats on the steps and he went up to eat them all. He now loves the shelf and goes up and down by himself to look out the window. He just loves it now, now if i can get him to stop chewing the curtains and window trim.

[Author]

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