Bunny always trying to escape!

[potatotot]

Hi there, Potato is a five month old unneutered (his surgery date is in March) male, and he is always trying to escape his playpen. Potato stays in my relatively large bedroom, and I block off a good amount of space for him. He has enough room to run around, binky, and play with toys. He also has a lot of toys and cardboard boxes, yet he is always trying to escape. He will push the play pen until there’s enough room for him to squeeze out. I secure the playpen quite well, and I don’t understand how he’s so strong (he’s a very tiny bunny)! When I’m home, I usually give him freedom around the entire room, but when I don’t, he’ll push the playpen with force until I open it for him or sit with him in the playpen. I’m mostly worried for when I’m not home though, for example, I came home to bunny poop and pee all over my bed (he’s litter trained, but he can’t resist peeing on my bed). Please help, I really need advice on his behavior!

[Wick & Fable]

Unfortunately this is a common issue. Wick was like this and eventually I just adapted to make him 24/7 free roam of the entire living space. If your rabbit isn’t satisfied with the size of the playpen, it will express it undoubtedly. Playpens are a bit mean in the fact that rabbits can clearly see the territory they cannot access. He sees your room but for some arbitrary reason (to him), he can’t leave.

Covering all the pen sides except one (for light) may help. If he can’t perceive there’s more space, he may not try to escape?

When he is neutered, hopefully your persistence and training will make it so maybe he can free roam more often!

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

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