Should I block off access to an area behind the cage?

[j_frenetic]

So, I’ve had my young bunny for a week so far. He’s still very scared of me. He stays in his playpen for most of the day. But when I let him out in the morning, and in the evening, even when he comes out of his pen, he still tries to find a spot where he can hide. A playpen I have for him is easily moveable. I want to encourage him to spend more time around me, and I give him plenty of space, but whenever I let him out, he just tries to get to that narrow space between the pen and the wall. Even when I move the pen right next to the wall, he still manages to squeeze in and make space for him. The dilemma is, should I make sufficient space for him in that area, and let him hide for as long as he wants, or should I try to block it off completely, so he’ll be forced to spend more time around me? He still has a place to retreat to – his hidey house in the pen. The problem with letting him hide in that space, is when I need him back in the pen, I’m forced to gently push him out with a broomstick from there, which might not help with conquering his fear of me. And I really hate doing this, but I can’t wait forever for him to come out.

[DanaNM]

I would block it if it makes it hard to get him out when you need to put him back in the pen. But I wouldn’t worry about forcing him to spend time with you. Best thing is to just sort of ignore him for now and let him get settled. By that I mean spend time hanging out in the same room, but just pretend he isn’t there. So reading a book on the floor or watching tv, etc. Hand feeding is also really helpful. I would also add some more hiding spots, and maybe a tunnel, in the play area outside the main pen.

As for getting him to go back in, try to lure him with food. I will usually feed salad or pellets in the pen when I need to lock buns in and they usually run right in.

. . . 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.  

[j_frenetic]

Thanks, @DanaNM, helpful as usual 🙂 I ended up giving him access to that area. It seems like he’s enjoying too much going through a narrow space. I should probably build him a tunnel.

[DanaNM]

🙂 I bet he would like that 🙂 You could even make a tunnel leading to a hideout in that area for him, and put a sign on it that says “no humans allowed” lol

. . . 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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