More space for less time, or less space for more time?

[DanaNM]

Hi everyone,

I currently have my two pairs set up in side-by-side runs in a room. Each pair has about 5′ X 10′ attached to a small NIC cube condo, and they have the whole space 24/7 generally except when I’m cleaning. This is all a temporary set up at my in-laws house. Everything has been going fine, except tonight Cooper realized he can jump over the barrier into the other run. Thankfully I was there so nothing bad happened!

So I need to make the barrier taller, but now I am wondering if it might be better to give each pair access to the full space (approx 10′ x 10′) for half the day, rather than a full day with half the space?

What do you guys think they would like more? A full day with half the space (the current set up), or a half day with more space? At my old place when we just had Bonnie and the pair, we would do full free-roam with the half day rotations and it seemed like it worked out well, but I have been enjoying not shifting fencing around daily!

Splitting the day with more space would be a bit safer, because even if one bun jumped the fence the other buns would be locked in a condo. So noses could be nipped but at least no full on fighting could happen. Another benefit might be that Cooper and Bonnie are a new couple, and sometimes I like to pen them in their condo during sleepy times to days to encourage more cuddling.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[LBJ10]

I think splitting the day is a good option.

[DanaNM]

I was leaning that way too, thanks!

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[pinkiemarie]

Splitting the day can be a pain but I think they like it more. I know my rabbits get very excited when it’s their turn to go play in the rest of the house even though they have a good 20 sq ft when they’re at home. I didn’t see you mention how high the barrier is but I’ve had good luck with a 36 inch dog play pen that even has a door that opens and shuts. I have it attached to the front of their condo as a permanent front yard so that’s the minimum space they have unless we’re cleaning, but when someone is out playing, the home rabbit can freely go between their own house and the 2nd bunny house. They follow directions very well to go get closed up and wait while I do the space trade because they love having their turn.</p>

[DanaNM]

Thanks!
Yeah so far I think the switching is working out and they are getting used to the timing. They get really crazy right before it’s their turn to come out, but settle down pretty quickly. The poop wars are a bit nuts but hopefully that settles down!

I do think I will expand their condo’s a level, because right now I don’t like how much space they have when they aren’t out. Would like it to be 12 sq ft but it’s more like 8.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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