Thumping bun

[MissMaple]

I’ve had my bunny for a few month now and she’s just on 5 months old, sometimes when I put her down she thumps at me but last night she thumped for about two hours straight. I opened the cage a few times and she stopped for a pat, I’m pretty sure it’s an attention thing how do I stop it?

[Bam]

If you are sure she is thumping for attention only, the only way to stop it is to ignore it. The moment you react to her thumping you have rewarded – and thus reinforced – the behavior. Even if you were to react by scolding her it would still be a reward, because what she wants is your attention and any attention is better than no attention.

Is she getting enough time outside her cage? Does she have access to for example chew toys, pesticide-free twigs, a cardboard house that she can bunstruct?

[MissMaple]

Thanks so much for your reply! When it’s not pouring rain I take her into her outdoor run for hours, she had heaps and heaps of toys and twigs to chew. She is in a pen in my room atm with a play pen attached so she has some space but I’m still worried it’s not enough. I can’t have her free run as there’s just to much to chew, after she’s desexed I’m thinking of bringing a baby boy into the picture (obviously with proper Bonding techniques) do you think it would be best to permanently house her outside once they’ve bonded?? I just want what’s best for her and to make sure she’s getting enough exercise but worried about the hot days/cold days and mosquitoes! I got her as a present when she was 9 weeks(obviously the person had no idea about bunnies or how much work they are) so I have plenty of questions to ask!

[bear_the_bunny]

I personally keep my bunny indoors.  I thought it was best since I live in Wisconsin and it can get pretty cold.  Bunnies are very sensitive to temperature, hot or cold, so if you live somewhere where the weather can sometimes get extreme, it’s probably not the best idea to keep them outdoors.  If you look outside and wouldn’t want a dog or a cat out there, do you think your bunny should be?  There are plenty of people here who keep their bunnies happy outside.  However, many would suggest keeping them indoors.  Also, feel free to ask any more questions you have.

[Asriel and Bombur]

Also, if she thumps when you pick her up, don’t pick her up. 99% of bunnies hate being picked up and do not enjoy being held and cuddled. Spend time on the floor at her level. You go to her, she doesn’t go to you. And if you need to transport her do so in a litter box or carrying case.

[bear_the_bunny]

About your room, do you think it’s possible to bunny proof?  My room was a mess before I got my bunny, (cords EVERYWHERE), but I wanted him to be able to free roam.  I raised some cords, took some out altogether, and others I stuffed into plastic tubes that he wouldn’t chew on.  I was fortunate enough to have a bunny who likes exploring and running instead of chewing and digging.  If you do decide to let her free roam, the first day just sit back and observe her.  What does she like to chew?  What are her favorite spots to be?  If she starts chewing on something you can say, “No!”, and herd her away.  There are also a ton of youtube videos about bunny proofing, that are definitely worthwhile.

[MissMaple]

Thanks everyone, it’s more when she’s on my lap and I’m hoping out that she thumps.
At the moment I really can’t see her being able to be free roam as I live in a barn and we are renovating, I’ll defiantly try and think about it because she can jump over her 3ft play pen that I have in there And I’m worried she will hurt herself, she is litter trained but still does poo’s everywhere. Do you think she will use the litter more if she’s free roam? Also can someone recommend a bigger litter then the corner ones or do you all use a kitty litter??

[MissMaple]

Posted By MissMaple on 10/09/2018 9:53 PM
Thanks everyone, it’s more when she’s on my lap and I’m hoping out that she thumps or when I stop patting her and sometimes she bites me!
At the moment I really can’t see her being able to be free roam as I live in a barn and we are renovating, I’ll defiantly try and think about it because she can jump over her 3ft play pen that I have in there And I’m worried she will hurt herself, she is litter trained but still does poo’s everywhere. Do you think she will use the litter more if she’s free roam? Also can someone recommend a bigger litter then the corner ones or do you all use a kitty litter??

[Author]

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