Tips For Introduction To Playpen

[GypsyVanner636]

Ok, so a bit of context first.
I have a Netherland Dwarf rabbit who lives in an ‘indoor’ cage in the garage as we have indoor terrier-type dogs. I have purchased a puppy playpen (which is brand new and has never been around dogs; that’s just what it was labelled as) with mesh sides and roof for him.

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I would like to use the playpen to allow him to be outside on occasion safely (though he does get sun and fresh air through the window and open doorway). It would only be used under supervision. My concern is I don’t want to scare him and this will be an entirely new experience for him.

So far, I have only had him in it once for around five minutes. I placed it nearby to his cage so there would be familiar smells, sounds, and sights for him and put his shelter and some hay from his cage inside as well as some food scattered around.

I know this sounds silly, but I couldn’t tell if he was really scared, excited, curious or all if the above (though all seems most likely). He had his ears pricked and was jumping in circles sniffing around. He went inside the shelter a couple of times, only to come out again a second later. He didn’t touch the food at all which is unlike him, although I guess I didn’t really give him a chance, haha.

So, what I want to know is; Do I have the right idea? Should I keep introducing it to him in short intervals with familiar surroundings and work up from there?
Or am I making it worse by taking him away from it before he has a chance to get comfortable?
Is there another method I should or could be using to help him realise the playpen is a good thing?

Thanks in advance.

[DanaNM]

If it is soft with mesh sides, he would easily chew his way out and escape. Even though you plan to supervise, a better option would be an x-pen that has metal sides.

If he is unable to retreat to his cage, he will likely be scared in the pen.

What is his set up like? Is he in a cage all the time? Or does he have a space to run around in the garage?

. . . 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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