Suddenly scared of the x pen?

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 7sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 8 months ago by Stickerbunny.

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- 07/30/2014 at 8:41 AM
  bigorneaux
  Participant
  12 posts
  So up until last night, Gettysburg, the sweetest, calmest bunny in the world spent his days outside his pen with his brother and happily went to play in it at night when me and my partner go to sleep. For some reason, he just flat out refused to go into his pen last night. We tried everything, coaxing him in with treats, picking him up, but the minute he got to the opening of the on he would run away flicking his feet. He even growled at andy!
  
  He’s not having fights with his brother, he’s eating and drinking fine, and his health doesn’t seem to be poor.. Nothing has changed, except Gettysburg. :S
  
  I’m not entirely sure what to do. I cleaned their pen out this morning and only just managed to get him in again after a night lounging on my sofa, but since going in he’s looked very on edge, he’s had a few stamps and seems very wary of his brother, who isn’t doing anything to him. He’s even loafed out right next to him right now but gettys all freaked out looking.
  
  I’ve never had an issue with either of them being like this, and this is our second year together.. Has this happened to anyone else? Any advice? Also, sorry about the formatting, I’m posting via mobile browser.
- 07/30/2014 at 2:16 PM
  manic_muncher
  Participant
  1061 posts
  Perhaps a noise or smell spooked him when he was in the xpen and he’s still associating the pen with whatever it may have been? Like a predator outside. It could take a few days or so to get over a scare, so maybe give it a few days to see if he calms down. Hopefully some others here may have some input for you.
- 07/30/2014 at 2:30 PM
  Stickerbunny
  Participant
  4128 posts
  Yeah, it sounds like something spooked him. If you didn’t, clean with vinegar instead of just a regular cleaning. That will remove any scents that would be bugging him. It’s also possible while you asleep or something they had a slight argument over something in the pen (litter box is a common culprit) and he is now scared of upsetting his brother again. I would put some tasty salad and treats in the pen and try to calm him, but he should get over whatever happened within a few days as long as nothing else happens.
- 07/31/2014 at 2:31 AM
  bigorneaux
  Participant
  12 posts
  Thanks for your replies!
  
  I had a thought about the litter box thing, do you think if I got a new one it might help?
  
  I hope he gets over his scare soon. I wish I knew what had done it. I hate seeing him look so freaked out.
- 07/31/2014 at 6:51 AM
  manic_muncher
  Participant
  1061 posts
  I would have it so they both are able to get into the box at one time. Whether it be one bigger one to use or add a second to place side by side. That way they both are able to eat and poo and pee at the same time and don’t have to argue about space.
  
  You know.. what Stickerbunny said makes sense. I would try adding another.
- 07/31/2014 at 7:32 AM
  Stickerbunny
  Participant
  4128 posts
  Getting a new one won’t prevent arguments over them, they are hot spots for territorial spats for buns since it has the heaviest scent. My pair will occassionally do the run around / hump thing over the litter boxes for reasons only known to themselves (they typically are fine). Afterwards, they eye each other for a bit then go back to normal.
  
  But, if it is too small for both an upgrade may be a good idea as manic suggests. Pairs love to go potty together, we find it odd since bathroom time is private, but they have to share everything. Lol
- 07/31/2014 at 11:39 AM
  manic_muncher
  Participant
  1061 posts
  What’s this private time you speak about Stickerbunny?!? I haven’t been to the bathroom alone in the last 10 yrs! Whenever I walk down the hallway, it’s like a caravan… dog.. dog… rabbit…
- 07/31/2014 at 11:58 AM
  Stickerbunny
  Participant
  4128 posts
  Haha true, I don’t get privacy from the animals either. My bird crawls UNDER the door to get to me ! But, if the other human here tried to come in I would so kick him right out.
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