Safe height for jumping?

[ILoveLucy]

So…I’ve recently expanded “Lucy’s World.” Per my other thread in the Habitats and Toys section, Lucy’s space was just getting too small for her now that she is comfortable with her new home! She’s a smart girl and she likes to be able to explore and play and get into things!

I’ve given her my entire breakfast nook to be out in while I am at work and asleep, and then we put her on “full-roam” through the house when I’m around (except the bedrooms…those doors stay closed.)

My breakfast nook has a small ledge by the picture window though…and she has taken to jumping up there and looking out the window.

My question is: Is that a safe height for her to be jumping off of? I know stereotypically…rabbits are jumpy.  But in ratio that would be like me jumping out a second story window!

We gave her some small steps that we found at the pet store, and she uses it sometimes…but most of the time she just jumps right up and right down.

I don’t want to come home from work to a bunny with a broken leg! 

What do you guys think? Do I need to barricade it off?

[ILoveLucy]

I should have mentioned…she’s a big girl…about 5 pounds. When she stands up she can just get her front paws that shelf…

[Beka27]

I don’t think that’s too large of a span. But if you are really concerned, you could box it in with NIC grids… make a safe bunny tunnel and have it open to where the steps are… Of course, that won’t stop her from jumping off the steps. ;o)

Bunnies routinely jump up and down from couches and beds that are higher than that.

That’s a very neat use of space… and good idea putting a blanket on the crate so if she goes up there, her feet don’t fall thru!

[ILoveLucy]

Thanks! We just put up a baby gate to section it off. I have a formal dining room, plus I really mostly eat in front of the TV anyway, so I didn’t mind losing the space!
I’m looking forward to building/buying/inventing all sorts of fun stuff to keep her busy. First thing is definetly a diggy box.

[Monkeybun]

Moose routinely jumps off the back of my couch, which is higher than your shelf thingy. And he’s always fine

[RabbitPam]

I like the steps that are an available option, so she chooses to jump or step down. If she stands up and can reach her paws on the ledge, then it really isn’t too high.

[jerseygirl]

My pair routinely jump 25 inches up onto a set of drawers. It’s where they sleep and hang out in their area. I have a chair alongside that’s lower but they still opt to do the full leap. It appears you have something lining the shelf? This is good as it gives traction on landing but also prevents slipping when launching off. They can land ungracefully if their feet slip from where they’re jumping from. Also I see she’d land on carpet so that lessens impact on her joints. To me, this height looks fine and she obviously enjoys jumping there.

[Elrohwen]

Definitely doesn’t look too high for her to jump up and down comfortably. I think it’s important that she has carpet to jump off of and land on for traction, but it looks like she has that.

[ILoveLucy]

Yeah we bought a big rug to put over the laminate floor, and then we bought some cheapo small rugs and extra strength – double side taped them to the shelf.
I had the same concern…that she would lose her footing getting up or down and face plant into the ground or window.. (Like she face-planted into her food dish this morning when I brought it out with her breakfast in it! hhehehe. Gosh Bunny! Chill out! Remember to breath while you eat!)
I made a diggy box yesterday and she LOVES it.

[Elrohwen]

Hannah is able to jump up and down on the dining room chairs from a hardwood floor, so they can do it, but I also don’t like the lack of traction.

But maybe Hannah likes slippery surfaces because she loves to pick up speed and them jump onto our leather couch so that she slides across the cushions. Bunnies are crazy sometimes, but generally I think they know their limits for jumping (though there are those that are more daredevils than others)

[4Lily]

Awe what an awesome set up! She’ll definately be a binky bunny! It’s like you thaught of everything for her!

[Battie]

I like your setup!

I only worry about heights if the surface is too narrow for a good kick or if it’s slippery. They can probably handle it, but I help them down from things like that.

I once found a bunny hiding on top the books on the second shelf of a tall bookshelf. I’m still not sure how she pulled that one off…

[bunnytowne]

Yes that seems fine to       jump.    lol Cotton is jealous and digging on my leg   lol 

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