Parents want to move LB back outside

[LB&Me]

LB has been loving life as a house bunny for the last three months, and apart from a couple of issues that we’ve since sorted, he’s been good as gold. When he was outdoors, I’m ashamed to say he wasn’t looked after well. He was fed daily, but all the wrong things, and wasn’t cleaned out anywhere near as much as he should have been. I can’t do it myself when he’s outside due to chronic health issues, so my mum manages his care when he’s outside and she doesn’t listen to me when I tell her things need to change.

LB had to be moved out of my bedroom because he was disturbing my sleep (and yes, he did manage to make a small hole in my carpet), and he’s been living in our front room for a little over a day. He’s not penned in at all, so there’s no intrusive meshing in that room, just his big sheet of wood-patterned lino that he calls home. He’s only got his things in a corner, just his litter box, hay rack, water bottle and a little pile of blankets (plus all his little toys) so there’s no big, in your face objects to put anyone off. His whole arrangement is clean, simple and not in any way a reason for someone to object. His behaviour has been perfect! He’s been friendly, inquisitive and gentle, even wihth our cats, and has been going to the toilet only in the litter box, which I was honestly expecting to have issues with.

Last night when my dad walked in and saw him there he actually stormed out and refused to speak for the rest of the night. Today my parents argued over it. He’s angry that my mum didn’t tell him LB was moving in advance, which was impossible since it was a quick fix solution because I couldn’t take another night of sleep disruption. My mum now says he only has one night and she’s going to put my lovely bunny into our horrible, spider-ridden garage (the glass in the back door is even broken) to live. She claims he’ll be happy and get lots of attention but I know that won’t be true. If anything he’ll be worse off than when he was out in the hutch. I’ve been caring for LB with a no-picking-up philosophy which seems to have mellowed him out, and if he goes outside and my mum even bothers with him, she’ll be picking him up to bring him indoors or to the run.

I’ve bonded so closely with him that I cried when she said that, but she’s not budging on this. If I let it happen, LB won’t get the attention he’s come to love so much, and we’ll lose the connection and closeness. What can I do to stop her? It’s happening in less than 12 hours. (If it comes to it I’ll sit with him and refuse to move, but I don’t think anyone will take kindly to it.) Please, if anyone has any suggestions, help!

[Cocoa]

Maybe you could buy the foam pads to put on the floor in your room so he cant chew the carpet. Could you put him in a cage in your room at night maybe?

[Wick & Fable]

Is he disruptive because he’s free roam in your bedroom at night or he’s making noise?

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.

[LB&Me]

Posted By Cocoa on 3/09/2018 5:51 PM

Maybe you could buy the foam pads to put on the floor in your room so he cant chew the carpet. Could you put him in a cage in your room at night maybe?

His main cage is C&C grids on a lino base, and I used to keep him closed in at night but he just chews and rattles the bars in frustration. For weeks now he’s had access to an extended pen with blankets laid but he likes to rip and dig at the blankets to get at the carpet. I haven’t heard of the foam pads, what are they?

[Cocoa]

https://www.amazon.com/Interlocking-Exercise-Flooring-Children-Anti-Fatigue/dp/B01N1NWBV0/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1520639782&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=foam+mats+for+kids&psc=1

This is a link to some on amazon

[LB&Me]

Posted By Wick on 3/09/2018 5:54 PM

Is he disruptive because he’s free roam in your bedroom at night or he’s making noise?

He’s in an extended pen but likes to dig loudly at the blanket and rip it to get at the carpet. If I close him in his main pen he’ll rattle the grids furiously. He’s a very noisy rabbit sadly, and I’m a light sleeper with sensitive hearing.

[LB&Me]

Posted By Cocoa on 3/09/2018 5:56 PM

https://www.amazon.com/Interlocking-Exercise-Flooring-Children-Anti-Fatigue/dp/B01N1NWBV0/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1520639782&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=foam+mats+for+kids&psc=1

This is a link to some on amazon

Oh, like kids play mat pads! This could work! (Bunnies don’t chew on them right?)

[Cocoa]

Could he be free roam in your room with areas blocked off if there are things you don’t want him getting in to? That way he wont shake the bars of the cage

[Cocoa]

I would watch him at first but my bunnies dont

[LB&Me]

Posted By Cocoa on 3/09/2018 5:59 PM

Could he be free roam in your room with areas blocked off if there are things you don’t want him getting in to? That way he wont shake the bars of the cage

Sadly with the way my room is it currently isn’t possible. I gave it a try but it failed misersbly. If he’s completely free roam my cat, who always sleeps on my bed and is pretty much my therapy pet, is too terrified to set foot in the room because he’ll attack her. If I put even a few grids in the way to give her a safe zone by the door, he’ll focus all his attention on knocking them down (or getting at the carpet, but foam pads could definitely help!)

[Cocoa]

Maybe give him half of your room and tie foam mats to the side of the divider so he cant see the cat. And then he couldn’t get to the bars of the cage to be loud

[LB&Me]

Posted By Cocoa on 3/09/2018 6:05 PM

Maybe give him half of your room and tie foam mats to the side of the divider so he cant see the cat. And then he couldn’t get to the bars of the cage to be loud

When he’s penned in he doesn’t give the cat trouble unless she jumps in to get to the windowsill. If my parents agree to the foam mats I guess the layout can be more versatile and we can rearrange so she can get through the room without being in his territory. He’s one of those bunnies that isn’t always grateful for what you give them. Give him a pen extension and he decides he wants the whole room, and he’ll show it, and that’s why he rattles the bars.

[Cocoa]

Maybe you could hang a blanket or curtain so he cant see her?

[LB&Me]

Posted By Cocoa on 3/09/2018 6:11 PM

Maybe you could hang a blanket or curtain so he cant see her?

He’s okay with seeing her, just not when she’s inside his pen or he’s free roaming since he gets overconfident and considers the whole room his territory, and she can’t be in his territory at all in his opinion. If we do get the foam mats I can give him a decent cage size without free roaming that leaves my cat the room she needs, hopefully.

[Cocoa]

That sounds like a good plan! I was just wondering why you named your bunny LB? I like the name. Ive never heard that name before so i was curious.

[LB&Me]

Posted By Cocoa on 3/09/2018 6:23 PM

That sounds like a good plan! I was just wondering why you named your bunny LB? I like the name. Ive never heard that name before so i was curious.

When we got him he was a pretty tiny baby so the name stands for Little Bunny. Then he grew up and he’s actually massive so it doesn’t work anymore but we can’t just change it so he’ll be Little Bunny forever!

Thank you for your quick responses by the way, I was pretty terrified about this and you’ve really helped!

[Cocoa]

Im happy i was able to help. I hope your parents let him stay inside! What type of bunny is he?

[DanaNM]

If noise is really the issue with him being in your room, maybe you could get some soft ear plugs to wear while you sleep?

Some bunnies do chew the mats… so if you’ve got a chewer then he might. But they could be used when supervising him.

Heavy ceramic tiles are best for protecting carpet, and my bunnies really like chewing on cardboard cat scratchers (as a way to satisfy that same urge).

. . . 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.  

[LB&Me]

Posted By Cocoa on 3/09/2018 6:50 PM

Im happy i was able to help. I hope your parents let him stay inside! What type of bunny is he?

He’s a lionhead

[LB&Me]

Posted By DanaNM on 3/09/2018 6:57 PM

If noise is really the issue with him being in your room, maybe you could get some soft ear plugs to wear while you sleep?

Some bunnies do chew the mats… so if you’ve got a chewer then he might. But they could be used when supervising him.

Heavy ceramic tiles are best for protecting carpet, and my bunnies really like chewing on cardboard cat scratchers (as a way to satisfy that same urge).

I would be open to trying ear plugs but I’m not sure as I have very sensitive ears. I can’t even wear earphones without pain.

He’s not so much a chewer as someone with a fascination with carpet. He likes to pluck it like it’s grass. He has loads of cardboard chew toys which he uses, but it doesn’t seem to do a thing to stop him.

[LB&Me]

I got up early so I could be with him first this morning, only to find that my mum was already up and some things are already in the garage. I tried my hardest to explain but she says that as the parents, her and my dad have full say over what happens and that if I argue any more she’ll rehome him. She doesn’t care that it’s breaking my heart and condemning LB to a worse life. I’ve tried everything but she’s saying that either he goes back in my room the way things were or he lives in the garage.

I don’t know what to do, my opinion has no bearing over what happens to him (yet my younger brother not particularly liking LB being in the room seems to have strengthened her decision). I can’t move out or anything, so I’m stuck being told that I have no say and no impact over anything. I already had to rehome my guinea pigs six months ago, and I feel like if LB goes outside I’ll lose him too.

[DanaNM]

Well, I think if your only options are him being in your room vs. the garage, it would be worth trying him in your room again with ear plugs. They have very soft squishy ones (like the ones construction workers wear) that are very comfortable to sleep in. I often keep some with me for when I sleep in unfamiliar places or with people who snore! Many headphones hurt my ears too, but I find squishy ear plugs very comfortable.

Something like these: https://www.amazon.com/Ear-Buddy-Premium-Plugs-Decibels/dp/B00PSX6ZV2/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1520697693&sr=8-4&keywords=soft+foam+ear+plugs

You can also look into some boredom buster toys for him that are more quiet. Shredding phone books is often popular with busy bunnies. Chewing sticks and pine cones can also be good.

. . . 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.  

[LB&Me]

Posted By DanaNM on 3/10/2018 10:02 AM

Well, I think if your only options are him being in your room vs. the garage, it would be worth trying him in your room again with ear plugs. They have very soft squishy ones (like the ones construction workers wear) that are very comfortable to sleep in. I often keep some with me for when I sleep in unfamiliar places or with people who snore! Many headphones hurt my ears too, but I find squishy ear plugs very comfortable.

Something like these: https://www.amazon.com/Ear-Buddy-Premium-Plugs-Decibels/dp/B00PSX6ZV2/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1520697693&sr=8-4&keywords=soft+foam+ear+plugs

You can also look into some boredom buster toys for him that are more quiet. Shredding phone books is often popular with busy bunnies. Chewing sticks and pine cones can also be good.

Thank you! I’ve actually been very lucky, my mum came up with the idea that I switch rooms. I have a spare room beside mine, fairly small but good enough, which was housing my five hamsters, and my mum spent the last few hours helping me move the hamsters to my room and my bed to the little one, and LB is in my room again with lino and cardboard covering the floor. It seems to be working quite well so far, although he’s only been in there for about an hour! He already seems happier and I actually quite like the little room, so hopefully this will work out! I’ll keep the idea of squishy ear plugs in my mind in case he finds a way to make even more noise.

I absolutely love coming up with new toys for him, he already has about 5 different cardboard ones in with him at the moment and I have ideas for a ton more as soon as he needs some new ones.

[MountainBuns]

Oh No! I went through a similar situation when I first moved my rabbit Caroline into my room. My mom walked in and freaked out. I pleaded and begged her. I did not want to leave Caroline downstairs because she was lonely and it was very dark at night. In my room I can always check on her even when I am sleeping. I dont mind when she will move the trash can and play with her toys, it does not bother me. My mom was so ready to tell me to take Caroline downstairs because she thought it was nasty to have her in my room, but I got her to let Caroline stay by pulling out my final trick. Saying Caroline was litter trained, which she is. Ever since then me and Caroline have been roommates. I hope everything works out for you!

[Azerane]

I’m really glad that you are your mum were able to work out a solution to keep him indoors. I hope it works out for you and that you manage to get some rest at night. If not keep us posted and we’ll keeping trying to come up with ideas for you

[MountainBuns]

Sending (((((Good Night Sleep))))) Vibes

[OnyxMoon]

Is there any update on the current situation? I know its been a few days and i’m just curious if you found anything that was a solution! Hope he got to stay inside. 

edit: didnt see another page when i posted this comment, so just ignore it! lol 

[Nutmeg]

Posted By LB&Me on 3/09/2018 5:58 PM
Posted By Cocoa on 3/09/2018 5:56 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Interlocking-Exercise-Flooring-Children-Anti-Fatigue/dp/B01N1NWBV0/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1520639782&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=foam+mats+for+kids&psc=1

This is a link to some on amazon

Oh, like kids play mat pads! This could work! (Bunnies don’t chew on them right?)

LB&Me – Not sure if someone answered you on this, (so if so, my apologies for the double post) but YES both of my bunnies tried to eat it! I have it under their cage so it add’s some extra cushioning when they jump in and out and they started sticking their nose under the bottom and ripping out chunks and actually trying to eat it. If this happens it can cause a blockage and they will need immediate medical attention. And I wouldn’t have called my bunnies “Chewers” before this either.

I also have sensitive ears and can not wear the head phones – but my husband SNORES Sooooo Bad. So I actually found these ones that don’t hurt my ears as they are made for womans smaller ear canals. It has allowed us to sleep in the same room hahah.

These are them; I bought mine from Walmart though….

https://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Pretty-Pink-Womens-14-Pair/dp/B001EPQ888?th=1

[Nutmeg]

Oop’s – sorry I didn’t realize there was a second page hahaha so you can ignore half my post above lol.
But on a side note, if you ever need ear plugs, from someone who feel’s your pain – those ones are amazing!

Hope things are still going well in the new set up!!

[LB&Me]

A little update – Things are going pretty well! Apart from the 5am wake-up for most of my family when he decided to do zoomies complete with thumping for a full hour, he’s been very good and isn’t disturbing anyone. He’s got the full run of the room I used to have, except where I’ve put the hamsters in there.

Because of the occasional noise I’m currently in the process of getting some ear plugs (I have sound sensitivity issues anyway so they should help a lot) then things should be perfect! Thanks everyone for all your help!

[Author]

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