Making inadequate housing less stressful

[GrumpyBun]

 Ok, so due to the fact that I’m parting ways with my husband the buns and I are going to be moving to my mother’s in mid-May. Whilst there they will have to be restricted to a two level 4′(h)x4′(w)x2(d) hutch with limited exercise time. They are currently used to having free access to at least one room at all times.

I’m hoping to bunny proof the room so eventually they can have access to it most if not all of the time but this will take money which I won’t have for some time. How can I make this less stressful for my boys in the mean time?

[Michelle&Lolli]

I’m sorry to hear you’re separating.  I’m sure it’s the best thing for you both, but it’s never easy.  (((Hugs)))  

It’s never easy restricting their space when they’re used to being free.  As long as they have enough space in their new living space, they really will be ok.   

I had to move in with my dad earlier this month.  I got him to let me have Lolli in the house, but he is adamant that she stays in her pen or else she’s going out in the garage.  I kept her pen area the same and she has like 6 feet by 4 feet of room.  But she was free range when we were in my apartment.  Plus she was around me all the time.  Now she is in my old room in the finished basement.  We have our tv room in the basement, so we spend a lot of time down there.  But it was still an adjustment for Lolli and I.  I try to spend some time with her in her room every day.  And I try to snuggle with her twice a day….when my dad’s at work and after he goes to bed.  LOL 

I *think* I’m lucky in that Lolli is adaptable. Maybe she’s not but hides it well.  ???  But she always liked when I moved furniture around.  I also think it helped that I kept her pen area all the same.  Everything is still in the same positions.  

So my advice would be:

-try not to stress out or worry too much cause they really will be ok

-try to keep their things in the same positions they were if you are able to.  So if their food bowl is located near the door of their room now, try to place it near the door of their cage. 

– and last but definitely not least, spend a lot of time with them once you all move in.   I’m sure you will anyways.  I don’t know if it helped Lolli at all, but it helped ME. 

[Sarita]

Great advice Michelle!

[GrumpyBun]

Thank you for the advice, and the hugs! I’m just focusing on the fact that they will be loved and cared for, despite the downgrading of their living environment. Luckily all their food/water/bedding stuff has a place in the hutch already so I’m hoping they will find that comforting.

[Beka27]

I am really sorry to hear about your separation. (((Hugs)))

I loved Michelle’s post. She has been struggling with the same thing (moving back in with the parents), but I told her and I’ll tell you… you are so, so fortunate to have family to depend on during this hard time. The buns will be fine. It is better that they stay with you and have slightly less exercise space, than go to someone else who might not know the first thing about proper care. They are so lucky to have you.

[Michelle&Lolli]

And I need to say too……

that I have to remind myself ALL the time that she really is ok.     

She does the same thing she did when she was free range  – picks a spot and sleeps all day and night.  LOL  She’s still eating, peeing and pooping.  She did rattle the bars when I first got her set up, but now that she knows she only gets out when I’m holding her, she has accepted she doesn’t get free time now.  I know she wants it, but she doesn’t sit and continuously rattle her pen. It’s more like she comes up to the pen when I’m with her and is like “pleez mom, I getz out? pleez?”  lol   I was thinking she was going to get all depressed or something, but nothing.  She was scared at first because it’s a new place with new sounds and my dumb dad whistling at her like a dog.    

And I didn’t say it right, but I am sorry you are separating.  It’s a very difficult decision to make, but in the end, you will know it was the right decision.  That’s all I meant. 
 

[jerseygirl]

I’m so sorry to hear of your sad news! Sending hugs and peace {{{vibes}}} your way.

I’m of the view that in a new place, limiting space is not a bad thing. It would actually help them feel more secure, especially if you’re using their hutch and are keeping items and routines the same. The hutch or pen will be their haven in an unfamiliar world so don’t feel bad about that. If they have familiar routine and have you, I’m sure the boys will adjust just fine. I hope you can draw comfort from them also. xx Kisses for Oxo and Bisto.

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