coaxing rabbit out?

[Bren]

Well our new bun, Hickory, has been with us for over two weeks now. I have had him in a three story nic condo in my kitchen wtih another pen around it so my other rabbit can get real close, but not touch. I am thinking about trying some bonding session starting this week. My question is how do I get him out of his condo without completely terrorizing him!? lol. He has come around pretty well but I can hardly blame him for NOT wanting to come out of the amazing condo I built, he has everything he needs! haha.  I have set the thing up so I can clean the whole thing with no issues, but, didn’t ever think about the fact that I cant crawl through it……..no comments needed  So, any ideas would be appreciated. They are both big rabbits, he is 11 lbs or so and my nilly is 8 lbs.  I got him out once but it was a chore and the poor boy was scared to death. He was amazing and calmed down quickly while I held him, but geesh, ya hate to do that to them ya know!? but eventually it is a situation that has to start occuring! I want them to cohabitate together. at least that is the plan eventually. They seem to really be curious of each other and eat near each other (with a barrier) and my nilly doesn’t sleep by her cardboard condo anymore, she sleeps over by his cage even on the floor just to be near him. I am hoping that is a good sign! 

[Bren]

when i referred to trying to bond I meant next week…this week coming up  

[LittlePuffyTail]

Have you tried luring him out using a treat?

[Bren]

yes I have, and he will only come to the door. he stops and wont come out. (and he is a big boy!) lol.

[Beka27]

During the bonding period, would it be possible to downgrade his habitat to a basic xpen, allowing you needed access to him? It would only be temporary.

PLUS, if the large condo is the eventual desired home for the pair, leaving it empty for awhile should help to minimize Hickory’s claim to it.

[Bren]

I think you are right. I hate to break it down again since it was a LOT of work getting it just so. But, he was in such a small cage where I got him from (and his is 11 lbs of all rabbit!) I wanted him to have the “best” and not be cramped! I think I may have to revamp for temporary reasons anyhow. Oh how I hate to do it! But I think in the long run it will be better. Hopefully someone can learn from my mistake……awesome condo’s have a place just like everything else! haha.  I think I know what I am doing this weekend! sigh.

[Beka27]

Can you just block it off so it’s empty and not take the whole thing down? Or remove a few zipties so it’s a little bit collapsible?

[Author]

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