Noisy work

[Sorayya]

In six weeks we are getting our roof repaired.  I’m really scared my rabbit will be frightened all day long.  What do you guys do in situations like this?

[GottaLoveTheAngora]

Hello there! My name is Rachel, and I would most certainly love to help you in any way possible! My two rabbits, Alfie, and Thumper have two completely different approaches to loud noises, particularly the vacuum. While Thumper remains perfectly calm like nothing out of the ordinary is taking place- Alfie on the other hand is at the other end of the spectrum. I have several solutions, tips, and advice for you regarding helping your rabbit cope with loud sounds. However each and every rabbit is different, and it all depends on your particular situation. I must first ask … how has he responded in the past to loud noises?

Please do let me know if you have any questions, Sorayya, and I would be more than happy to help you in any way that I can 🙂

[tobyluv]

I had my roof replaced 2 years ago and it was all day noisy banging and voices and equipment moving around the outside of the house. My bunnies usually spend their days out on the screen porch, which is where my bunnies were that day. Maybe it wasn’t as noisy out there, although there is a roof over that too which was replaced, but the noise didn’t seem to bother them. One of my bunnies may have been deaf, but the other bunny had perfect hearing. It bothered me and gave me a headache.

If your rabbit is prone to being scared by noises, maybe you could keep a radio going that day. It certainly won’t block out the noise of roof repair, but it might help. Will you be home too? Hopefully, your rabbit is one that isn’t frightened of noises like that, or one that will soon calm down after hearing the noise.

[MiNinoJack]

So they just finished about 2 weeks of work on my building. Loud drilling and hammering and guys walking outside my windows on my fire escape and one of those platforms that are raised and lowered on pulleys. I have a shy bun and he is terrified of loud noises and I was super worried.

At first he was freaked out, but I made sure my radio was on at a decent volume (I listen to NPR all day – nice calming talk radio) and also had a fan or my ac on to help drown out the noise. The worst was the drilling because the vibration even freaked me out.

The thing is, he got used to it. At first he was super scared. I made sure he had his favorite place to hide available and I offered him hay and a couple of treats and pets when the noise got really bad. Eventually he was just alert when it was loud, but slept through most of it once he realized nothing was going to hurt him.

See if you can be there with them the first day to offer comfort and extra hay and treats. They’ll get used to it. Hopefully the work won’t last too long!

[Sorayya]

Thanks guys, I’ll try the radio.

I was also thinking of buying a small cage for the day and putting it in the basement since I can’t move his huge habitat from upstairs. I would hate to see him in a cage though.

What do you guys think of that idea?

[MiNinoJack]

Does he ever spend time in a cage or in the basement?

If not then that may stress him out more by being in a new environment.

[Sorayya]

No, he doesn’t.

I was also thinking of getting some calming herbs from Small Pet Select. They are kind of expensive, so if anyone knows of any other ideas for herbs let me know.

[GottaLoveTheAngora]

I would have to agree with MiNinoJack on this one. The added stress of moving him to a new environment, may be more overwhelming then leaving him in his current habitat, even with the given noise of roof repair. And yes, that is exactly what I would recommend to help him cope with the loud noises- making sure that he has a hideaway house available, and offering him his favorite treats to associate the loud noises with something he finds pleasant. Also talking to him in a soothing voice should help to reassure him that everything is going to be okay.

[LittlePuffyTail]

We had some roof work done in the Fall. It was pretty noisy all day. My buns were stressed at first but since it pretty much lasted all day they got used to it and were fine. If you’re going to be home just make sure to go in an reassure your bun once in a while.

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