He climbed up but not down

[ErinZimm]

We adopted our rabbit, Ollie, and brought him home yesterday.  We are first time rabbit “parents” and were given only one instruction about acclimating him to his new environment and that was to not handle him for about a week.  We were all excited when he explored his house and climbed up to the 3rd level, however, he hasn’t climbed back down.  This is mostly problematic because his litter box and hay feeder are on the first floor.  We put a water bowl, pellets, and some hay on the third floor last night and he has been just going to the bathroom wherever which is not ideal as he is supposedly litter box trained.  We don’t want to handle him and put him on the bottom floor, but we also don’t want him to feel trapped on the smaller third floor.  Is is possible that the second floor is too small or too far away?  I assumed that if he climbed up he could climb down.  Any words of wisdom and encouragement appreciated.

[Bam]

He probably can go back down, but he hasn’t quite figured out how. My Bam was the same when he was first in a bunny condo. He went up but not down. Then eventually he did go down – without a problem. You could try putting food only on the bottom floor. Food is a strong motivator. If he wont come down, you will have to handle him and take him down. Rabbits don’t enjoy being held and lifted, but when we have to, we have to.

We’d love to see a picture of his set-up so we can see if the second floor seems too small or too far away. If the site dont let you attach a photo to your post, PM me or one of the other forum leaders and we’ll help.

[Author]

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