Rabbit Who Has No Permanent Address.

[bundleboo]

Hi guys!

So I am a college student who adopted a holland lop bunny named Bundle when she was three months old. The previous owner said she grew up mostly in her cage because she had a pitbull that didn’t like the rabbit (obviously thats not healthy). A year later, she’s very socialized yet still having issues with hiding and lack of comfort. I originally had her in my old apartment that was carpeted and she loved it, but my lease ended and now she’s in a new house with full tile and wood flooring which I can tell she doesn’t like. There’s 3 other people living in the house, and if anyone other than me and my boyfriend are present she will hide under the couch. She lives in an xpen in the most quiet basement area. Yet, when I take her out to run around it seems she’s not very comfortable with it. Some days she hides, some days she will run around and have some good ol’ bundle fun. I have treats and toys for her but she seems uninterested until I leave. Yet, when she is in the basement (outside of her xpen) she runs around like crazy with binkys everywhere. Help! Also, I have a spaying appointment in August for her so that may contribute to some of the behavior.

[MoveDiagonally]

Welcome!

When you let her out do you let her come out on her own or carry/take her out? If you are carrying her/taking her out I would try just opening her pen and letter her venture out as she’s comfortable. Also, how long have you been in the new place? Her behavior would also be pretty normal for a bunny adjusting to a new home.

[bundleboo]

Thanks for replying!
In my old apartment, I just opened the cage and let her roam free. At my house, she has been there about 2 months maybe, and I HAVE TO take/carry her out to the living room because the basement might intrigue her, but it’s full of dangerous tools and whatever you shove in a basement. Yet, she seems to love it. The few times she has escaped I have found her flopped over in a corner. I think she likes the basement because there is so much going on down there in terms of things to look at and explore, totally curious. I just feel horrible about the fact that she constantly has to adjust, but that will end soon as I’m graduating in december. Any tips help!

[MoveDiagonally]

Is there a way you can bunny proof/block off the dangerous spots in the basement so she can have some happy fun time down there safely?

On moving her upstairs for playtime, could you set up a small second home for her up there? Something you can put away when she’s not up there and bring out when she is. Maybe a small-med dog covered dog crate? Giving her a home base upstairs where she feels safe might make her feel more comfortable about exploring and playing.

[Stickerbunny]

If she dislikes the flooring something you could try is get one of those cheap $20 throw rugs and roll it out for her during playtime. It is hard to walk for some buns on tile/wood. Otherwise, try having something that smells like “home” ( the basement) when you bring her up to play. They are very smell based, when my two had to go out to the garage they found comfort in their cat condo being with them (we had a gas leak a few months ago) since it smelled like them.

[Beka27]

I was also going to suggest a large area rug for playtime… Or even a large blanket you can spread out. Maybe you could check a local thrift store for a used queen or king size bed spread that you could lay out, but wouldn’t care if she nibbled.

It does sound like you’re doing a good job with her tho. Just try your best! Hopefully things stabilize when you’re done with school! 🙂

[Sindri]

I use blankets on my pergo floor so that my bunnies can play when they are in the hallway and living room. I think an area rug or blankets would be a good idea to try as well.

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