Question on Sleep for Bandit

[BanditCamp]

My younger brother who lives in my apartment (although 21) has a nasty habit of coming home from whatever around noon and if I’m home I allow bandit to sleep under the table or bed cause he’s a very good bathroom boy. However while bandits in the loaf or flop position (head rested) his argument is that “Since his nose is twitching he’s awake so open to me to pet” I’ve argued with him that rabbits need sleep during the day preferably undisturbed as they feel safe in their resting spot and it will make them grumpy later on when he comes out to play.

Whenever I scold him about it he gets angry and listens to loud Snapchats near him. after I address it saying that it could alter his mood and the good steps I’ve taken in bonding he returns with that his friend owns a rabbit and it won’t alter his sleep or mood by being near him. Is there any truth in what I’m saying so I can address this once and for all?

[Bladesmith]

One, your brother is a jerk (And I’m restraining my language).  He’s showing ZERO respect for you as a brother or as a roommate.  Family or no, if my roommate refused to respect my rules towards my pet, they’d be looking for a new home in short order.

Second, I’m no expert on rabbit sleep patterns, but I DO know that startling or frightening a rabbit could kill them, as well as grabbing them without warning.

I’d tell your brother to knock it off, and from now on, what ever he does to your rabbit, you’re doing to him. 

[BanditCamp]

I have colorful language for him already, problem is that if we fight he will most likely be seriously injured. Last time was over him smoking thc (before bandit) and I literally had to hospitalized him before he accepted that pot parties in the living room are not ok. (He does not do such things in the house anymore)

I’m just concerned that bandit will become hostile if he keeps intruding on his safe space even if it’s under the table or the bed and yes you “could” touch him but I simply won’t cause that’s bandits time not mine. If he’s out in The living room and flops thats one thibg but. . .

[Limit]

You’re completely right, it’s not acceptable.

Buns are crepuscular – awake at dusk and dawn the most. I would not disturb a bunny that is resting. I’ve got between a scrap during my bond session and gotten a lovely bite because they thought I was the other rabbit, it doesn’t take much for a rabbit to confuse you with a predator – or something dangerous anyway.

Maybe you could make the rule of unless Bandit comes to your brother willingly then he isn’t to touch – basically the same as teaching a child to respect animals spaces.

[Azerane]

If Bandit stays near and lets your brother pet him when he’s lounging, then I wouldn’t think that he’s particularly bothered. If Bandit was disturbed by your brother’s behaviour, I’m sure that he would move somewhere else as he has the ability to. While it is rude of your brother to disrespect your request like that, I don’t really think he’s doing anything wrong. He’s not forcing himself on Bandit (stopping him from escaping or cornering him etc). A half hour or so interruption in the middle of the day isn’t going to make him grumpy for the rest of the day or undo your bonding work. If he was trying to grab him or pick him up etc I would be concerned, but if all he’s doing is offering attention and pets, then I don’t see too much cause for concern.

Obviously my pair also sleep a lot during the day, but they don’t have a long solid sleep, they’ll come down for hay and go back up to sleep, then if they think I have something for them they’ll come down to beg and for a pet or two then go back up to sleep and so on. I think it’s pretty natural for animals like rabbits to have shorter sleep periods over that time when they spend the day sleeping. They don’t just sleep for 6-8 hours, it’s an hour or two, then a short burst of activity, another hour or two etc.

[Mikey]

Off forum topic: I would never be ok having a room mate, blood related or otherwise, who disrespected me and my bunnies that way. The room mate would be given a 30 day notice to get out.

On forum topic: I think there is some truth to what you are saying. My buns are used to noises while sleeping now as they are stationed in the living room (easiest to bunny proof room in my apartment) and my partner works nights. They often play during the day and sleep during the night, with little cat naps throughout. If I wake up them up during their naps, Im sure to be sassed and pouted at for a while. My partner has gotten nipped a few times from waking them up from their naps, but Ive not gotten nipped, yet

[BanditCamp]

@azerane – thanks for the info, ive sadly noticed bandit wants to stay up later than normal but i guess that can’t be helped.

@mikey – bandit does not like being approached by him gladly. Last night he was super zoomy and binky around the house with me and my girlfriend so I’m happy. Cant wait til he starts approching for pets frequently ot learns that he can jump like 3 feet like i saw him do.

Regardless bandut now sleeps under my bed and not under the table i do think i need to put a bed under there to make him comfy

[Author]

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