I had to do the weekly cleaning today for the first time since Panda and Fernando came home, so I went in to retrieve the litterbox, clean it out (and retrieve as much good hay as I could), and clean out the stray hay and poops just now. That went well, I cleaned the litterbox with white vinegar, laid down new litter and hay and put it back in, and swept out the week’s trash (and gave the buns new cardboard hay-rolls). I’m afraid I may have spooked them a little bit, though, with all the bustle and fuss and they were scampering to get out of the way; they’re huddled up in one of the upper-deck hidey boxes at the moment.

Maybe I should have set up their X-pen and let them out first, though I had to roll out the condo and turn it sideways to best be able to get at the lower deck; I guess I should do that next time, though neither Panda or Fernando exhibited any significantly territorial behavior, they were just made a little nervous by the whole thing. I gave them a banana treat which does appear to have soothed their jangled feelings somewhat. I hate to scare them in any way but they do need to have a clean home and especially a clean litterbox. What would be a better way for me to handle the weekly necessaries going forward?

EDIT: I may have been overreacting (again ). I just took at P&F in their hideybox and they’re cuddled up together peacefully, to all appearances having a nice afternoon nap. That being said, tips to keep the buns happy next time I clean house will be very much appreciated! As far as rolling the condo around goes, I think they’re in fact starting to get accustomed to it – Fernando stood his ground during the operation though Panda headed for the safety of the hidey boxes.  Also, how do rabbits generally react to the smell of white vinegar? I wiped out the litterbox thoroughly after spritzing it and wiping out the remaining dirty stuff, but I think some of the smell may still be there.