‘Safe’ enrichment while recovering

[Wick & Fable]

In short: Wick broke his middle finger >> it healed >> he injured another finger because it started bearing more weight since the middle finger no longer touches the floor >> that finger is pretty much healed, but not yet cleared.

To best ensure he doesn’t damage things again (he’s only got so many fingers!), he will be in a restricted pen for at least a few more weeks. Finances are dedicated to do x-rays and we have metacam from the vet in case we notice anything, so there is a plan to check how things look at necessary intervals and when we feel comfortable letting him free-roam more often, quick measures to ‘band-aid’ any concerns until another x-ray can happen.

We are being very cautious about this because, worst case scenario (i.e. It looks like he won’t be able to reliably use this paw safely), we need to amputate the foot. A tripod rabbit is not the end of the world in the least, but I want to avoid that for him obviously. That being said Wick is pretty pen crazed now. He’s essentially been restricted 2 months cumulatively at this point (1+ month from the initial middle finger break >> 1+ week free-roam >> 2+ week currently due to the second finger injury).

I don’t know how to make things more exciting for him, barring me just sitting in the pen more often to pet him. Wick’s primary purpose in life is non-hay food. Wick doesn’t ‘play’ unless pellets are involved. He also enjoys jumping on things and sleeping in high places. Unfortunately, he is grounded to flat surfaces only– the vet even said stairs (i.e. small steps) might be dangerous during this period, so outside of his initial excitement for pellet time and veggie time…. the poor guy’s life has become pretty small. I can’t even do a pellet ball since it uses his front paws and needs space to roll around, which he doesn’t have too much of.

Any ideas on ways to engage him? I’m thinking of making a small tunnel structure so there’s something new, and maybe re-arranging stuff in his small space so there’s some excitement… but there’s only so much. Any other ideas would be nice!

Below is the restricted space, which is about three 14in x 14in tiles on the floor of his cage, with an extended x-pen area. This cannot be expanded further. Red signifies floors he does not have access to, and green is everything he can access.

 

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.

[LBJ10]

I love the drawing!

Hmm… could you take down the upper panels and use them to make a maze-like area? Steps aren’t safe… what about an enclosed ramp (i.e. so he can’t possibly fall off)?

[Wick & Fable]

Thanks. Much easier than describing the layout in text, haha.

I don’t think there’s enough distance to make a ramp with a low enough grade that wouldn’t be an issue. I think the vet is concerned with any significant pressure at this point, so whether that’s jumping down from a step or walking down a slope– both likely would be better to avoid?

I do like the idea of using some panels to create some interrupting walls/maze-like quality to it. I’m not too concerned about free-roam space (obviously), plus Wick doesn’t really use space (which is weird to say, but he just doesn’t do much). I have spare grids I can use.

I was also thinking of using some spare fabric and cutting strips to tie and have hang down from the second floor to the first floor, that way there are some things he can nuzzle and be frustrated at…. haha.

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.

[LBJ10]

Yes, a curtain made of fleece strips might be fun. You said he likes food… what about one of those forage mats?

[Wick & Fable]

I’m afraid to give him anything that will encourage vigorous digging 😯 , considering he already does it during recovery periods anyways… But I can try! I have an incomplete one I really need to spend time finishing up.

I did the fabric strips and hung up a treasure barrel toy which seems to be a success if I fill it with pellets.

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.

[Bam]

My Bam spent a lot of time gnawing the bark off of apple twigs. He perfected this skill, we used the  stripped twigs as kindling.

A bun can go through quite a lot of twigs, so it would require access to actual trees, and they obviously must be pesticide free.

[DanaNM]

Poor Wick, I can imagine that must be so frustrating for him and you!

I think the fabric strips are a good idea, or even make them out of paper to encourage him to chew them. I was thinking you could do something similar with palm fronds or bamboo leaves (or some other safe branches), make a little hanging forest for him to nibble on and explore.

Have you tried giving him palm plates? They are really just for chewing, but my bunnies love them and they are a huge hit at the shelter (where we try to give the buns extra boredom buster things since they are caged more than we would like).

He also might like the compressed hay cubes from the BB store, since they are food, but also require some effort.

. . . 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.  

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