Nipping through cage bars

[SirBunny]

Hello!

I have a question about adding an extra layer of cage to prevent nipping behavior. 

I have a 1 year old neutered buck, and a 3 month unnueutered doe. In my current living situation I am able to keep them in separate rooms, and I have a barrier in one of the doorways so the rabbits can interact. However, Maby (the 3 month doe) can fit her entire head through the bars, and when they first interacted through the barrier it seemed like one of them nipped the other, but it was hard to tell. So I added extra fencing so she can’t put her head through the bars.

But in a month I will be relocating, and I will have BOTH bunnies living in my room with me. I have to keep them separate for at least 3 months before Maby is spayed and healed, and THEN i have to bond them, and all of this while keeping them both in a relatively small room, when they are both accustomed to larger spaces. The end goal is to have them both free roam, but until then it will be tight and stressful… (even thinking about it stresses me out )

So I plan on having them both in x-pens, but I need to make sure Maby can’t squeeze her head through the bars when it is her turn to exercise. Is something like chicken wire acceptable to wrap the x-pens with? 

Also, bonus question: right now both Moby and Maby will lay against the barrier/fencing I have in the doorway. They seem relaxed and have their legs spread out. Is this a good sign? I read that this could also be a way of them saying, “this is the boundary of MY territory…”  

[DanaNM]

I recommend using hardware cloth (it’s a wire mesh) with 1/4″ size grids for reinforcing your x-pens. That’s what my local rescue uses in their cages and exercise runs so the buns can’t nip each other. It’s also easier to work with than chicken wire (which is a nightmare in my mind).

You can cut panels to fit each panel of the x-pen, then they would still fold up nicely. You wouldn’t even need to cover the whole x-pen panel, probably just about a foot and a half at the base where they would be able to reach each other.

Do make sure the baby can’t fit her head through anything regardless, as she could injure herself that way.

Laying against the barrier peacefully is usually a good sign.

. . . 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