Pen nearing completion, need advice on interiror

[mattman0182]

Sorry I dont have pics, but I built a square pen with each side being 4 foot long. I would never leave an animal in those tiny cages they sell at the pet store so I made my own pen. AND FOR LESS MONEY!! I do not have a bunny yet, but I want to get the habitat done first so he/she will have a nice new home. I plan to get a dwarf bunny. After I check the local animal shelter, I may just have to get a pet store bunny. (dont worry I will get him fixed when he is of age).

I dont want to be annoying, but I am really confused as to what should go in the pen. I will eventually add some type of door because the bunny will be able to roam my room while I am home. I did not buile a floor onto the pen. The flooring in my room is vinyl so that is obviously the pen floor also. This leads to my questions:

1.I would like to train the bunny to use a litter box. The problem is that litter boxes are designed for cats and may be too deep for a dwarf rabbit. Would some type of shallow pan work? I plan to use pet paper shred as litter.

2. Bunny will need a resting/hiding place. I like that edible house that is sold here on binkybunny and will probably purchase it at some point. I will also get something else for shelter. Would a cat bed work as bedding under the shelter or should I use something else?

3. Should I go with the water bottle attached to the wall or just use a bowl for water?

4. I plan to have toys and a Hay Bale in there as well, but are there other things that may be a good Idea to have in the pen also?

I am really sorry for the longer post, i just want to have a nice home for the bunny to stay in when I am not home. Thanks in advance for your help!! I would rather get it from you all than the people at the pet store.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Welcome to binkybunny!! You sound like you’ll make a great bunny parent!!

1) I don’t use litter boxes, I use these trays I got from walmart…They were like two bux!! I use cat litter boxes around my house though…You can see one on the right of this pic
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http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc181/kokaneeandkuhluha/Img_0383.jpg

2) Cat beds work fine, I have a dog bed for my bigger bunny…Can you sew or do you know someone who can? I bought a bunch of “fake sheepskin’ at the fabric store plus foam chair cushins and made six beds for the price I paid for one in a pet store!!

3) Usually bunnies prefer a bowl…That being said, my newest bun rupert has no idea how to use one and only drinks from a water bottle!! LOL….Just make sure if you go the bottle route, you want a glass one so you can wash it easier…and if you go bowl, make sure it attaches to the wall…Bunnies throw things!!

4)There are tonnes of things you can put in!! It’s a good idea to rotate what’s in there to keep them interested! You can put in hanging toys, throw toys, willow toys, cat condos etc etc. Check out the toy test section on this site for good ideas of home made toys!

I know you are looking at shelter and pet store bunnies: I have one pet store bunny, one pedigree/breed bunny and one rescue/shelter bunny…May I suggest going with a shelter bun??? It’s sooo much cheaper and less worrying to have one that’s already neutered/spayed….

[mattman0182]

Thanks. I just dont know if my shelter has bunnies. I will call and ask. The downside is that, when I go to the shelter, I want to take home every creature they have. Its sad. Im just saying the shelter is the first place I will look.

No I cant sew lol, neither can my gf. I will just have to buy a bed.

[Beka27]

1) actually bunnies can jump  and the dwarves seem to be able to jump higher than larger rabbits.  i don’t think you’ll have an issue getting the bunny into the litterbox… the problem will come when you’re trying to get him to use the box… lol!  make sure the litterbox is large enough for the bunny and a handful of hay.  that will help with littertraining.

2) i wouldn’t use a cat bed, at least not at first.  especially with baby bunnies (which you will get if you go the petstore route) the bed will most likely be mistaken for the potty.  try a grass mat that can be chewed, at least at first until the litterbox habits are well-established (after neutering).

3) i prefer a water bottle b/c it keeps mess (poop, litter, food) out of the water.  especially if you’re planning on being away for stretches of time, if the bunny knocks over the water crock an hour after you leave, he wouldn’t have water the entire time you were gone.  just something to think about.  even in a large bottle, the water would need to be replenished everyday.

[kimberleyanddarren]

i thought dwarf bunnies werent small and dwarf was just a name they had.. or was i confusing this with something else? *whacks head off desk* hmm..

[JK]

Hi Matt – As far as bedding?  I just use towels – they do get messy so you can just throw them in the wash.  Edson has a big beach towel in his xpen (which is attached to his cage) and that’s where he sleeps.  I also have a towel in his cage where sometimes he sleeps.  The doors are always open.  The other thing I highly recommend is a tunnel!  Rabbits love to run through these things.  You can get a 2-3 foot long one at a building supply type store – they are really concrete forms and made of tough cardboard…and cheap!  Good luck.  I love how you are getting things all set up before the big arrival!

Edited: Litter boxes – cat ones are fine.  I have a medium (in the xpen)and a large one (in the cage).  I actually thought the large one was too big at first but I prefer it because it keeps everything in really well.  A small bun should have no problem jumping in.  You do realize these critters can jump pretty high don’t you?

[Gravehearted]

mattman0182 – welcome!

how great that you’re building your own pen for your bunny and coming to do some research before bringing him or her home. I am glad you are considering rescuing a bunny. There are several rabbit rescue groups in your area.

Southern MD: http://www.bunnymagic.org/
House Rabbit Society for MD area: http://www.rabbitsinthehouse.org/

You can also look on petfinder.org to see many adoptable bunnies. Most rescues are desperately seeking good homes and have bunnies of all ages, sizes and breeds. I really encourage you to adopt a bunny.

now on to your questions…

1) I use kitty litterboxes and also the high-back triangle litterboxes that you can find in the rabbit aisle at most pet shops.

2) You’re right – bunnies love hide-holes, it helps them feel safe. The willow tents and tunnels sold here at Binky Bunny are great, since bunnies love to munch them. Although, some of the most beloved ones by my bunnies are short, longish boxes (think shaped like a shoebox, but a bit bigger) with a few doorways for the bunny to get in and out. They nap and relax in them.

3) It depends on the bunny. Bowls are better since you give them fresh water every day. But, if your bunny tosses their toys and newspaper in there every day, then a bottle in a good option. i wouldn’t get a huge one, since you’ll want to replace with fresh water every day or two.

4) A whole bale of hay? wow 😉 that’s a lot of hay! The hidey-hole, for sure and some toys. My bunnies also really enjoy maize and seagrass mats. they have several dangle wood toys too.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

kim and darren…LOL Yup dwarfs are smaller!! I think lionheads and dutches aren’t considered true dwarfs just smaller buns, but gosh you should see kokanee and kahlua beside rupert LOL They are about a third of his size!!

[Sage Cat]

Hey Matt Man,

I got a bunch of great stuff at Target – I know there is one of those near you. 😉
Target has rag rugs (20 x 30 inch) for $3.99 and towels (20 x 40 inch) for $1.50 – these are really easy to throw in the wash.
I also got some litter boxes there for only $2.

I picked up a few wine boxes at a local liquor store – cut a few holes. The buns love to hid in these. Winston is currently installing a few windows!

My buns bowls are on a stand – I got the set years ago for my cat. it is just high enough that they stay quite clean, but not to high for the buns to easily reach into. That my be to big for a dwarf, though.
They completely ignored the water bottle – I took it down.

Hope this helps.

[mattman0182]

Wow. thanks a lot for the info and the many replies. I really appreciate it. I may go and pick up a few more things tonight from the pet shop. I may even get the bunny within a week or two. Thanks again for all the help!! I will keep you all posted!!

[babybunsmum]

you’ve gotten some great tips already but i thought i’d add… i use pieces of fleece for my rabbits’ bedding since, like towels, they can be thrown in the wash.  but it was a good point some one made to hold off on this at first to get bun used to his/her new litter box.  when i brought pinky home from the shelter i left her cage fairly bare the first day or 2 except i put lots of hay in her litter to attract her there.  it worked really well.  90% of her poops are in thelitter and all of her pee stays there too. 

i use a big tub for her litter but i put a shallow dollar store plastic container in the end where she peed the most & filled it with yesterdays news.  now she olny pees in the small container which is great.  it’s real easy to dump & keep clean plus it separates hay from the pee.

also i found nice stainless steel bowls that hang on her cage for water & pellets.  they were in the bird aisle.  i fastened the holders to the cage with zip ties so she can’t take them off.

goodluck getting your bun!

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[mattman0182]

Well I went to the pet store and got one of those corner litter boxes. I got a water bottle for the wall of the pen. I got a pack of little wood chew toys.

I got a few items from the Binky Bunny store also: Two large mats and that cardboard tunnel. I also got the small willow ball. So now I’m out of money lol. (Well the money I allowed myself for spending.)

I still have to get a shelter to hide, a food dish, and bedding. Also hay. Just keeping you guys updated.

[JK]

Great job! Now you just need the rabbit!

[Deleted User]

Hey you’re doing really great setting up your bunny home.

Luey is a dwarf bunny … I use cat littertrays … no problem for Luey … I place old newspaper or flyers on the bottom of the tray and pile a good bunch of hay on top … he uses that fine.  And its cost effective … we are limited here in Western Australia for rabbit essentials so Lisa and myself do as best as we can to improvise (mmm spelling).

Cardboard boxes are fine for bunnies to hide in during the day … Luey chews his up too which can easily be replaced with another one.

I just use old towels on the floor (I have vinyl as well) but as its summer here Luey lies on the floor.

Guess it depends on the weather and where you live but as long as your bunny is comfortable and happy.

Can’t wait to see the new bunny in his new home.

 

 

[babybunsmum]

oooh your future bunny is very lucky! 

for a cheap / temp shelter you cold use a cardboard box… or even cover the top of the enclosure with some thing solid or a blanket.  i store my spare baskets on top pinky’s upper deck & she loves it up there.

[BinkyBunny]

Those fleece beds can get pretty pricey at pet stores. I found if I buy fleece, or some other soft material by the yard at a fabric store, I save so much. No sewing needed. You can just cut them how you want. You may have to double it up to make it fluffy. I can get a few yards for less than 10 bucks usually, and I just double it up to make a soft bed. And if you get more, you have one in the wash while your bunny enjoys a dry one.

The tunnel you bought is big enough to double as a hidey house and fun play tunnel. When I have that same tunnel out, Rucy hangs out and sleep in there.

Another thought for hidey houses – I’ve used plastic storage tubs, taken the lid off, turned them upside down, and cut entrance exit holes, all for less than 10 bucks (see below).  Just be sure not to put any flat topped box near the edge of the pen,as your bunny could jump out.

 

 

 

 

[mattman0182]

Thanks for the info and sorry I have not been on in a while. I dont have a computer right now so I rely on borrowing them.

Ok here is my setup: 4×4 pen with corner litter box conaining shred (pet safe) and orchard grass.
I have that tube with two large mats in it.
a few little wood carrot treats.
for now, one part of the pen has towels as a resting place
small glass bowl for food and bottle on the side for water
small willow ball to play with.

I did get a bunny finally!!! I will start a new thread on that topic. Pics as soon as I can along with more updates!!!

[JK]

Hey that sounds perfect! Do you have a hay rack or basket for the hay? That should be pretty big so the bun can graze all day. Can’t wait to see pics.

[mattman0182]

added pic of pen when it was almost done, no holders for hay..ive just been laying ir around on the floor of the pen

[BinkyBunny]

wow. That is beautiful! I gave you tips on how to protect your hardwood floor in the other post (urine, especially bunny urine can actually burn hardwood, so you want to protect the wood.)

[mattman0182]

Its actually not real wood. Its that roll-out vynil flooring so I dont have to worry about fluids. I will, though, have to protect the wood part of the pen near his water bottle where it gets wet.

[BinkyBunny]

Oh, NICE!

[Author]

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