Bunny doesn’t like Outside?

[princessbookworm]

So my Jakers and I are finally becoming very close. He’s free-range in my little apartment and he’s very outgoing inside. He follows me around, he begs for treats, he plays with all his toys (his favorite being this one…highly recommend! https://www.amazon.com/Carrot-Play-Patch-Hamster-Animal/dp/B004FGF5J6), and he’s generally a happy camper (except when I try to clip his nails ). 

But I have a little apartment (it’s just a studio; I’m only 19) and I want him to have more room to run around. I know bunnies get frightened easily but I wish there was a way I could calm him down more so he can enjoy the courtyard on warmer days. One unusually beautiful day, I took him out to a park (I scouted first to ensure there was a quiet space) and let him explore on his harness. He just totally froze up! I felt so bad; he looked so afraid. At first I thought maybe he was just getting used to the smells but it didn’t abate after 10 minutes and I didn’t want him to feel too afraid. 

I’d like him to be able to enjoy the outdoors but I don’t wanna frighten him. I’ve tried encouraging him with treats and he just sort of eats the treat then continues to be frozen. Maybe he hates his harness? It’s a nice, mesh one made for small puppies, but maybe he just doesn’t like the feel of it?

Anyways, that was a long intro to a short question: does anyone have any tips on encouraging your bunny to explore the outdoors (while on a harness)?

[Azerane]

Being prey animals rabbits it is natural for them to be scared in new surroundings. Is he used to his harness otherwise?

Parks can be difficult, the smell of dogs can be too scary for some rabbits, then there’s the wide open spaces that can also be terrifying. Rabbit’s feel safer if they know that they can have a place that they can run and hide to, without a hidey hole they are vulnerable.

For me personally, outside adventures like this pose more risks than benefits, but I’m sure with more practice and perhaps taking a hide with you could help Jakers become more confident. If he’s free range in your apartment, I’m sure he has plenty of room

[sarahthegemini]

I have thought about taking my rabbits for a walk but decided against it because I think they’ll be too terrified to enjoy it. Not to mention the risk of them getting really spooked and either hurting themselves on the harness or actually escaping. It scares me just thinking about it! Do you have any friends or family that have a garden?

[bunnytowne]

I got Cotton used to harness n leash inside my apt before taking him outside.  He took to harness n leash in 3 days never a problem even from the 1st time.  

Then confident he was ok with it I took him outdoors.  Oh he loved it.  The park I am leery of cuz when he smelled the smoke from the BBQ he panicked.   Ran got entangled in the picnic bench. Very risky.  And he is very afraid of dogs and cats.  Even at home he thumps when he hears dogs barking on tv lol.  Even when I mute it its too late.   I cant watch Nite of the Wild without muting it constantly lol.  The 2nd time it came on I didnt even watch it lol.  

Where I live there is a river and people dont  normally walk their dogs there.  I live in apt.  I take him there to play and he loves it.  

Perhaps if you lie on the ground with him he may loosen up.  Bring a pet carrier or toy grass hut for him to hide in.  Something with his scent on it so he feels more comfy.   That something that belongs to him is there.   Well you too of course lol.  Spend about 15 minutes at a time.  He may get comfy in a week.  If not then maybe it isnt for him.  

My Ruby I had to part with broke my heart let me tell you.  She just sat there.  Didnt phase her.  Wasn’t her cup of tea never explored Cotton ran circles around her lol.  Asked Fouad to hold her leash and he started dragging her was going to force her to have fun lol.  I made him stop immediately tho.  Not the thing to do of course.  I know you bunny people wont do that wouldn’t dream of it just thought it was funny of him to do that lol.   I was running behind Cotton and couldn’t hold onto her leash and run about behind Cotton at the same time lol.  So he held her for me.  

Maybe try some of these things see if it works for y’all.   Well all but draggin him about of course lol.  

[Krista]

My Bilbo has always loved outside. He has a spongy leash and a harness for rabbits and ferrets (though I’m going to have to buy a new one because he is outgrowing it). I was very careful the first time taking him out because I didn’t want to frighten him by making him thinking I’m stalking him. Bilbo is a very brave and bold rabbit, he doesn’t fear a whole lot I guess. He isn’t gun shy because I take him out to the farm where we shoot guns because it has a lot of fescue and Timothy growing in the fields and he loves exploring. My family shoots guns while I go on hops with Bilbo and they shoot large guns and the sounds don’t even bug him. It’s odd actually. He also doesn’t fear my dogs. He binkies around the field and tries to get me to play with him sometimes. He has gotten mad before while we were in my front yard. I found out he hates squirrels because he kept thumping when a squirrel kept doing their bark thing at us.

Tips wise, I’d say get a proper size harness and make sure the leash doesn’t jerk him backwards. I recommend a spongy leash. Also don’t walk him in any parks or anywhere you know pesticides have been sprayed. I would also recommend putting your bun on Panacur because the rabbit can contract worms and diseases from wild rabbits. My vet sells dog panacur for $2 for Bilbo’s weight and it lasts 6 months allegedly. Other than that, your bun should learn to like outside. Bilbo was out for about 4 hours today at the farm and he didn’t want to leave. It was difficult getting him back in his carrier. I hope you and your bun have fun on your outdoor adventures:3

[princessbookworm]

You guys are the best! I will definitely try bringing a hidey out with him

[Author]

Messages