Surviving the Spring Crazies?

[pinknfwuffy]

I have a compounded problem. For one thing, the arrival of spring has Olaf all excited and riled up. He just finished his big molt (thank goodness) and is feeling particularly rambunctious. All winter he was a bit of a slug and now it’s all about zoomies, begging, and getting into trouble–mostly digging.

The second issue (probably attributing to the former) is that I had a friend stay with be for a few weeks. They are generally very good about adhering to my rabbit rules but I think Olaf was getting more treats and extra food while I was a work. Now that we’re back to our usual routine he has been absolutely ravenous. His usual diet is fresh greens twice a day, 1/8 cup pellets at night, one baby carrot, and sometimes a spring or two of parsley at lunch. (Of course, hay all the time.)

But he acts as though I’m starving him, chasing me around which he has never done before. He’s also never cared for people food, running away from the smell, but now he’ll climb all over me to see what I have and has tried to steal a few things. I’m being very strict about it as to not reinforce any begging behavior but I can’t help but worry if he’ll go back to being satisfied with our old routine. It’s been a week since my friend left so I’m hoping it will calm down soon enough.

More of a rant than a question. Blargh. I love him so much.

[BanditCamp]

Sounds like rabbit curiosity, bandit hasn’t taken interest in anything not green and chewable for me. As this is his first spring he’s super bouncy and happy.

I love everything about him but when I see him starting to do something I don’t like I thump my hand on the ground and tell him no sternly. Afterwards I use my clicker and tell him good boy and he responds quickly and well.

I would use extra posterboard and maybe a box or two and mix up their positions so he has something to chew on. I wish bandit circled me but I have my hopes! And I would just hide treats from your buddy and remind him/her that it’s your rabbit and he has rules.

[pinknfwuffy]

Thank you! I’ll try the thumping. I usually clap but he hasn’t cared recently so maybe a louder, reverberating sound like that would be better.

I have two diggy boxes for him filled with paper scraps but maybe it would be worth moving them around or adding some willow toys. It’s hilarious to see him so excitable but it can be frustrating when I’m trying to get something done. My favorite part is when I deny him a treat that he thinks he so nobly deserves, he’ll take out his frustrations on his baby keys. It’s his therapy. I know he’s cursing me out while he tosses them around.

[Luna]

Lol silly Olaf. I agree that you should stick to his old routine so that you don’t reinforce the begging, but good luck trying to resist demands coming from that cute little face!

[Q8bunny]

I second the good luck wishes. With that face, I’m surprised he’s not the size of a toy blimp by now

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