Habitat Problems

[BunnyFriends]

I’m having a few problems with cages recently.

. Before I elaborate, I’d like to remind everyone the cage I’m mentioning is TOO SMALL for a rabbit by itself. My buns have it and a room to themselves, so they’re okay. If you do get a cage like this, try connecting an x pen to the front or giving then a room/free range.

http://petca.imageg.net/PETNA_36/pimg/pPETNA-5203108_main_t300x300.jpg That is the cage I use. The only difference is it’s in red. (5 sq feet, I believe, but not counting the room space). I don’t use the supplies with it except for the wood chew as Winter enjoys it and it is rabbit safe. (Note my rabbits are unbonded, so they EACH have a room and a cage. Exact same ones.)

The first problem concerns Licorice’s cage. He likes surveying the area and sleeping on the platform. All has been fine (he’s had the cage for nearly 4 years) but within the past two weeks everytime he jumps off the platform becomes uneven and sometimes it falls (never hurts him as it doesn’t completely just one hook unhinges). He doesn’t seem bothered but it’s a concern for me. I fix it and it happens again. Is it time for a new cage for him?

Moving on, Winter and Licorice are progressing in bonding quickly, and if they’re to live together, I want them in a cage. What do you think would be best? Cheapest? I was thinking an x pen, but I’m not sure. Do some x pens have double doors? Another thought I had was connecting both cages to opposite ends of the x pen so they each having eating area and a litterbox, and the x pen is a play/lounge place, but I wasn’t certain if some had two doors. 

Also, what height x pen is best? Winter is a bit of a jumper, so it needs to be tall. 

One final question — until bonded, do you think it’s okay to keep Licorice in his current set-up? I’d rather the x pen/other cage be neutral when I go to cement the bond, but if he needs to be moved….

Thanks in advance!

[Starla]

The idea of connecting the cages with an x pen is a great idea. For the cage, it may be time to get a new one or remove the platform. For the cage you can use large dog crates (keep the tray in it) and if you want to keep the ledge I would recommend the Living World Deluxe Habitat X-Large. It may be pricey but it will be worth it. X-Pens usually have one door. My rabbit is a jumper and I got her a 48 inch x-pen and oh my is so tall, too tall. If you are worried about price, you could connect baby gates to each side. And if the baby gates are too short, cover the pen with a sheet (be creative and try not to let sheet droop). Also make sure to secure them to the cage. If you use baby gates maybe you could loop a few zip ties around the wood part of the baby gate and then buy a bunch of hooks/clasps to attach it to their cage. (Loop the zip ties around the wood only, this will make it easier to find clasps that fit around the zip tie and cage, instead of the larger wood on the baby gate plus the cage). Having the clasps would almost make the baby gate become a door itself. Hope the wasn’t to confusing.

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