Rabbit won't leave cage

[Camzfl]

About 3 weeks ago i adopted my lop mix, Geno from a humane society. Since then he has become more comfortable around me, however he will not leave him cage. i leave the front part of his cage open for him at all times but i am certain he doesn't leave. I was maybe thinking that he doesn't want to hop over the front part of his cage so i was contemplating building a ramp for him, but the cage is only 6 inches off the ground. I am just curious about opinions on this. If anybody thinks i should build a ramp could you maybe give suggestions on how to do it? Also, i think its important to note that my floors are hardwood, i have put him on the floor in the room, he walks around for a short period of time and then goes back to his cage. could i possibly be because he does not have enough traction and doesn't feel comfortable walking on hardwood? Should i start by putting a rug down maybe? Thank you!

 

[Blue eyes]

You don't need a ramp. He can easily hop over the edge. A rug would be a great idea. It isn't unusual for some rabbits to not like walking on hardwood floors. Try to get a roomy rug so he'll have room to run and binky. He'll likely start coming out once he realizes he has traction.

 

[Augustus&HazelGrace]

Yes, rabbits do not have padding on their feet like dogs and cats, therefore they do not have any traction on slick floors. While some buns are ok with walking on slick floors most are not. I would start with a rug or even if possible put him in a carpeted room if you have one. Just want to add, if you are trying to litterbox train him, take out all of the litter/bedding on the floor it just confuses them on where to go potty.

 

[Camzfl]

Yes, rabbits do not have padding on their feet like dogs and cats, therefore they do not have any traction on slick floors. While some buns are ok with walking on slick floors most are not. I would start with a rug or even if possible put him in a carpeted room if you have one. Just want to add, if you are trying to litterbox train him, take out all of the litter/bedding on the floor it just confuses them on where to go potty.

Thanks for the advice with the litter, i have been litter training him, hes been pretty good about using the box but every now and again he will go outside of it. what do you recommend using instead of the litter?

 

[Augustus&HazelGrace]

If it's slick then you could try a fleece blanket on the bottom, he may or may not pee on this, it depends on the rabbit. Also what type of litter are you using pine, cedar?

 

[Camzfl]

If it's slick then you could try a fleece blanket on the bottom, he may or may not pee on this, it depends on the rabbit. Also what type of litter are you using pine, cedar?

Its a paper bedding. the brand is called "Critter Care"

 

[Augustus&HazelGrace]

Oh, that's a fairly good litter but if you start having issues with it smelling then I would recommend using horse wood pellets, it absorbs urine and odor very well.

 

[Camzfl]

Oh, that's a fairly good litter but if you start having issues with it smelling then I would recommend using horse wood pellets, it absorbs urine and odor very well.

Im try to keep the cage somewhat clean so i haven't run into issues with smell, but i think im gonna give the blanket a try so im not using as much litter and can cut down the cost. i appreciate the advice!

 

[Augustus&HazelGrace]

If you have a Walmart nearby. Fleece blankets are $2.50 and they are big enough to cut into four so you can put one in the wash and still have another to put in the cage. No problem!

 

[April LD]

Paper bedding is expensive, you may want to get a 40 lb bag of horse bedding (runs between $5 and $10 a bag and last a while if you only have one rabbit) to save money and smell. Just a suggestion if you are concerned about costs. I have 28 rabbits and I switched over and it is cleaner, less smell, and great for the yard...we are spreading the rabbit box contents on the backyard soil...and giving some away to the neighbor who wants it for her garden.

If you really enjoy the paper bedding I have read that some will use paper shredded from home, gather old newspaper (not the shiny kind) from the news stand areas at the supermarket so it's free, and shred it up for litter, but if you ever think or have concern for smell; the horse pine pellets are GREAT!!

I agree about the flooring - it may be too slippery and it hasn't been long since you brought him home; he could still be getting used to the new digs and needs more time to become confident. Spend as much time as you can with him, talk to him, offer pellets as "treats" so he will understand you are good and have patience. Eventually he will binky around...