Too much attention?

[Kaz]

Ok the situation is, I bought a rabbit for my son about 5 weeks ago…. me thinking at the time that it would be a great option instead of a dog because it’s an easier pet, now I know that is not the case but we are really really happy with our little rabbit …….. it’s funny because when I was a little kid my sister’s had rabbits kept in the backyard in a hutch, they were depressed, lonely and scared.

As I type this right now my rabbit is circling my feet lol … it’s funny because my son and my wife we’re not really keen on the idea of a rabbit because they have always had dogs – which I hate… I’ve always see myself as an anti pet person so it’s been a really really big surprise that I’ve got so much enjoyment from having a house rabbit.

But my question here was the question is can your rabbit get used to having too much of your attention? At the moment he doesn’t really have his own area as such but has his own corner if that makes sense, the plan is to build something for him soon…… we don’t live in the biggest of houses so we have to make use of all the space available but I’ve got plenty of ideas of little homes for the guy – last thing I want is something that sticks out and takes up too much space…… regardless though I’m starting to think that as soon as he gets neutered, I’m going to start looking at finding him a little friend …

I suppose as Alex can roam around the house .. the more I see him running around having fun and wanting attention the more it makes me feel bad for him to not have a friend, if that makes sense…….

[DanaNM]

He sounds adorable, it’s amazing how they win hearts when people see their true nature as affectionate, social creatures.

If he’s anything like my bunnies, too much attention is never enough, so I wouldn’t worry about that! I think having him free-range most of the time and eventually bonding him with a friend is a recipe for a very happy bunny.

If/when you do bond him, keep in mind you will need to keep the two bunnies separated during the bonding process, so building him some sort of enclosure now will make that transition easier. You might even want to reserve a room or two of your house as off-limits so you have some neutral territory to work with.

The easiest solution is probably an x-pen around his corner. You can choose to leave it open all the time, if you want to keep letting him free-range, but it is nice to have the option to contain him if necessary. I have a storage-grid cube condo for my bunnies, and I let mine out whenever we’re home. (I would let them free-run but Bertha is a carpet chewer, and my cat can get a little feisty sometimes, so I don’t trust them alone.)

Most bunnies do appreciate having some sort of space that is “theirs”, that they feel like they can retreat to and not be bothered (like a burrow in nature).

. . . 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.  

[Wick & Fable]

There are times when rabbits really want attention, then want their own space.

When attention starts to lessen, due to a busy day or change in schedule, just observe how your rabbit reacts.

Wick’s separation anxiety fluctuates, but it helps to keep the TV on, provide him with fresh food and water before I leave, and leave him some stations with things with my scent. His main sleeping spot in his cage is a shirt of mine I donated to him after he slept on it so many times when it was on my dresser. Since he’s neutered, past the hormone spike, and officially doesn’t pee outside his boxes anymore, I don’t wash any clothes or fabrics he seems to enjoy. I use the same cleaning towels for him (which are washed), he gets the same old shirts and pillow cases to lounge in and on (these don’t get washed unless they need to be so they retain scent).

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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