Should I be concerned? Old rabbit keeps trying to escape

[grunesdragon]

I have an older rabbit (9-10 years) who has his cage, but also has free run of my room. I am aware his health isn’t the greatest, he’s thin and spends most of his time sleeping or sitting around, which I bring up in case it is relevant to the question. (I’ll get him to the vet when this polar vortex is past, don’t want to take him outside in -4!)

He will suddenly get a burst of energy and become quick & crafty as soon as an opening to one of the “forbidden areas” is opened (the office half of the room, or the doors to the basment/rest of the house). I barricade and lock the door but he’ll sit there gnawing and tugging on it like he’s absolutely desperate to get in to the basement in particular*. There’s nothing for him there, no food or anything interesting, just a bunch of furniture and shelving for him to sit and hide behind in the dark.

Every form of enrichment I try to entice him with fails completely, he ignores it and has no apparent interest in enrichment items, and yet he just HAS to get into that basement as if he’s super bored. I socialize with him whenever he’ll let me but he usually runs away when I approach, he has to be the one to approach me which happens maybe once a day.

Is he just being a little understimulated bastard, or could there be a serious explanation for this behavior?

*fun detail: the door to my room doesn’t seal, it’s basically just a room divider, despite my best efforts he can pull it right open if it’s not locked, and even then he can jiggle the lock loose. not important but very silly

[Bam]

It doesnt seem concerning to me, it’s not one of the (many) classic signs of a rabbit health problem.

If it is possible, it could perhaps be good to let him explore the area he’s so interested in. It almost sounds like he believes Narnia is on the other side of that door 😃

My rabbit is 8 and he’s not interested in toys etc – but he does become very enthusiastic when I do house cleaning or sort laundry. I dont know why, but he comes running to help out every time.

Older rabbits do tend to lounge a lot. They can however become less interested in doing things due to age related pain, like arthritic- or joint pain. It’s just something to keep in mind with all buns that are getting on in years – can the bun jump in and out of the litterbox, can he bend and reach his cecotropes etc.

 

[DanaNM]

The grass is always greener I suppose! My buns always want to go to the one area they aren’t allowed, even when they have a huge area filled with toys to explore.

It can help to try to change up his main area a bit (rearrange hides, add or remove tunnels, etc.), but I think bunnies just really want to explore everywhere!

. . . 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]

Rabbits are experts at not “ever” doing something…. until they do.

[BinkyBunny]

@Bam— I had to laugh at this — “My rabbit is 8 and he’s not interested in toys etc – but he does become very enthusiastic when I do house cleaning or sort laundry. I dont know why, but he comes running to help out every time.”

Now if he could only DO the laundry, right?   LOL

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@grunesdrago – I have two suggestions:  One is just dittoing Bam’s idea of letting him temporarily explore on the other side of whatever forbidden area he’s trying to get at?  His curiosity just may be getting the best of him.

If that doesn’t work or isn’t an option, what I would suggest is creating “Activity Distractions” as the blockades.  For example check out our DIY section on BinkyBunny- and see the Boredom Buster, Jellyfish and Diggy Box specifically.   These may keep him busy when he is trying to get to the other side– at least he will be accomplishing something — tearing, digging etc.

Now if THAT doesn’t work and he is destroying the rug, door etc to no avail.  You can spray some perfume or body spray, if you have any,  on a cloth and rub the understand of the door or blockade.   Don’t spray directly on the door or blockade — too strong that way— and it could ruin carpeting if you have any.   This should deter your bunny then from wanting to find out what is on the other “stinky” side.  🙂

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