They will likely be scared, but if you are quick about it they shouldn’t be too traumatized. If it’s possible to remove them from the space while you clean, that would be nicer to them, but if it’s not possible don’t fret too much.

I have a studio apartment, so when I have to vacuum, there isn’t anywhere else for the bunnies to go. I always leave their condo open so they feel like they can run away if they need to, and I don’t actually vacuum inside their condo while they are in it. I try not to spend too long on the area near them. They don’t like it, but they do get used to the sound after a few minutes and I’ve never seen any lasting effect on them.

I literally vacuum around my rabbits. They refuse to move so I vacuum everything except the spot they are sitting on. I have to physically push them out of the way to vacuum where they were sitting. Probably not the answer you were looking for. LOL

All you can do is turn on the vacuum and see how they react. If they are scared, then take it from there.

Clover ignores the vacuum, for the most part, unless the wand gets within a couple of inches. Then she gets up and relocates. Doesn’t like it, but isn’t afraid of it. Dawn thinks it’s a dragon or something, because she grunts and stomps at it, then lunges at it. That done, she binkies off in victory.

When I had Ruby she hated it and would literally pull the plug from the wall.  She didnt fear it tho.  

Cotton Boo he got used to it and I could vacuum with the nozzle a few inches from him before he would move away.  

Somebody suggested a while back that you start your vacuuming as far away from where the rabbits are as you can, and keep your body between the bunnies’ position and the vacuum cleaner at all times. Apparently that helps reduce the stress and fright some. I’ve used a Dust Buster several times to vacuum the upper level of my buns’ condo; it’s not particularly loud but it produces a high-pitched sound which I myself find unpleasant, and Panda and Fernando really don’t like it.

My Bam is attracted to the vacuum. It’s supposed to be an animal-friendly vacuum soundwise, but I never thought it would actually make a bun want to hang out with it. It was more practical when he hid from the old vacuum, now I have to simultaneously vacuum and watch the cable like a hawk.