New Housing Ideas. Please help ASAP

[Nibbles1418]

Hello,
So I have had Nibbles as completely free roam in my bedrooms since I got her (almost 5 years ago). But due to some complications at my new apartment (mostly behavioral related), I need to keep her in a cage or something. There are too many things she is destroying that I can’t afford to replace so I need to have her in a confined area. I have tried all the methods I know to keep her from damaging things, and they curb it but it still is too much for me to have her roam when I’m not watching her. This breaks my heart but its what is best and safest for her and me. I need some ideas on a home area (I cant stand the word cage) that wouldn’t make her completely miserable. Please keep in mind that I intend to let her out as often as I can watch her (which since it is in my room will be plenty of time). I also have always been a strong advocate against any confinement for her, so please know how hard this is for me and that I would not be doing it if I thought I had another choice.

[Beau Bunny]

Hi! Free roam isn’t always the best choice especially if it’s not the safest, and not conducive to you both living happily ever after. As long as she has plenty of space for exercise and lots of attention, she can be perfectly happy in an enclosure.

I’ve had great success with these panels: https://www.amazon.com/Tespo-Playpen-Portable-Plastic-Transparent/dp/B06XTG94TH/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=playpen+panels&qid=1588642589&sr=8-1

This is about 22 sq feet of space and 28 inches high….if you think your bun can clear 28 inches, out can attach a second level. There are quite a few different options and sizes. These are completely customizable to your space and size of your bunny. These keep by bun safe and prevent my young daughter for trying to handle him if I’m not around to keep an eye on them.  If you have a larger rabbit, I’d recommend zip tying panels to a dog kennel or something heavy enough she can’t lift.

You can also get a basic x pen: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002908DX0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got two of these and attached them together for garden playtime.

Just make sure when shopping to make sure the space between bars is not too wide for a bunny, and keep in mind they can and will push toys and hideouts to use as an “escape ladder” if your enclosure doesn’t have a top. I hope this helps!

[Bella The Bunny]

You could put her in a large dog pen. This is what I keep my rabbits in! I know it isn’t ideal, but it’s what I have to do. I also have my bunnies in my room and it works good for me! 🙂

[DanaNM]

I made a NIC cube condo for my bunnies and they love it. It’s a good option for if you want to maximize floor space as well (you can build up instead of out). I think they honestly like having their own spot (no hoomins allowed!), even though they get free-roam when we’re home. So don’t feel guilty!

There are a ton of very elaborate versions online but mine is pretty simple and they really like it. They often sleep all day in it, even when the doors are open. (You can see Myra modeling how comfy she is on the bottom level).

Pic below, we started with 3 levels and then added a fourth when we got a second bunny (even though it was prob big enough already).

. . . 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.  

[Author]

Messages