Can’t afford an xpen right now, next best thing?

[Flint]

Harlow was pretty good about using her litter box until we moved. Now she goes around the cage instead. Our apartment is 800 sq ft and we have a very small bathroom (probably 8’x4′) and a shower that is about 3’x3′ would it be best to get her established either in the bathroom or shower as her room since we can’t afford an xpen to get her litter trained again?

[Sarita]

Have you checked Amazon for x-pens – they usually always have them at very affordable prices.

[Flint]

We have a child on the way and have to buy a new vehicle. We just can’t afford something that isn’t a necessity right now.

[longhairmike]

change the litterbox to different corners. she will let you know where she likes it.
a bunny is a responsibility too, and expenses should be prioritized for such.
you don’t just lock her away in solitary when something bigger comes along.

[Flint]

I wasn’t talking about locking her away. An xpen isn’t crucial for her well being and we can’t spend $50 on something that isn’t. My rabbits are well cared for. If she would die without one, she would have one.

[longhairmike]

if the box is not already in a corner,, put a flattened cardboard box behind it to create a wall
buns feel more comfy spending time in a littlerbox where they are backed against a ‘wall’ knowing nothing can sneak up on them from behind.

[Enzo's Mommy]

Try amazon! They go as low as 29-35! I was in the same boat of not being able to afford one but thought that was reasonable. If you join amazon prime you get free two day shipping. Then just cancel your membership right away to avoid any charges!

[Sylvansinger]

I can understand! We use wire cubes (about 20-30) and secure them with wire ties.  They are great and safe. I saw it online and found this guide for you to see what I mean http://breyfamily.net/bunnycage.html  It’s referring to making a condo but you’ll get the idea that you can just make a continous connection of cube and standing them up. I actually use a hair holder to close secure it to the cage or to itself.  Do remember to trim the wire ties. BTW – it will be floppy so make sure to secure to something or build the roof part as in the guide.

If $20 is still too much you can also use cardboard with cable ties. You have to poke some holes in the carboard to join it to the other pieces of cardboard.

PS – Ikea is a great place to get large pieces of cardboard

[LBJ10]

I was going to suggest the NIC grid panels too, but I’m not sure how much money that would save you. Then again, you could always repurpose those later if you wanted to make her a cheap condo.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

Nic panels are more expensive than a xpen. I’ve seen them recently for 35 shipped, it doesn’t get better than that.
Check Craigslist too, might have something.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

Is she spayed?

[Flint]

No, neither of them are. I have a male and a female.

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

We used baby gates to enclose the buns in or out of certain rooms, or in a hallway when they were young. It’s probably something you’re going to use down the line with the baby….so maybe it’s more justifiable?

You could also try Craigslist or garage sales for baby gates – which are far more common than Xpens.

Congratulations on the coming baby.

[Amys Animals]

I HIGHLY suggest you get your bunnies fixed before an accident happens! If you don’t think an x-pen is a necessity or would better your rabbits life then if you want to better your rabbits lives you will get them fixed.

[LBJ10]

The last package of NIC grids I purchased was $20…

[Beka27]

An xpen will limit her space, but it won’t be the solution you’re looking for. She is reaching sexuality maturity AND there is an unneutered male in the same space as her. Her poor litter habits are not surprising given the circumstances, and you cannot expect this to improve until she is spayed.

What is your plan for these bunnies, short term and long term? I worry that you may be in over your head in a small apartment, with limited funds, baby on the way, and two unfixed rabbits… We want to help you any way we can, but there is only so much we can recommend without you taking the additional steps needed.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

Posted By Suka on 05/31/2013 02:38 PM
No, neither of them are. I have a male and a female.

 

This is a must before anything. I know how rough it is working out money with a babe coming, mine is due in less than 3 months, but its for the health of your bunnies and the sanity of you honestly. Check out your local house bunny association to see if they offer vouchers, ask around at the different vets to see what your options are, and maybe even see if the local rescue has any resources.

[tanlover14]

I agree with everyone. Getting her spayed is very important – not only for your sanity but for her health. I bet her litter box habits will clear back up to normal once this is done. My female is 6 months and waiting to be spayed and one day she lost all sense of her litter box habits despite being perfect for quite some time. The sooner you spay her the better as females are very high risk for uterine cancer without being spayed (which will be a much bigger cost than a spay).

You should look around at some rescues near you – they usually can help with low cost spay/neuter programs for both of your bunnies.

Putting her in a small space won’t solve your problems if it’s her hormones raging. It’s almost impossible to litter train a hormonal rabbit who is unspayed and marking their territory.

[Author]

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