All this really interesting and informative. I think I have to start looking for an appropriate new cage and also a pen seems like a good idea. That would save me having to chase him around the room all the time. The idea of having a cage on the floor now seems more suitable. My idea of using the bird cage on legs was so that he was safe from cats/dog but they are already so blase about him so have accepted him "in his cage." I read somewhere that I should NOT let bunny bounce up and down as he hops in front of the cats outside his cage, especially as Roger might then begin to look like prey!
New rabbit owner!
- Thread starter Didi
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It depends on the rabbit. I've had many rabbits (and many cage set-ups) but have not had an issue with rabbits chewing furniture. Cords? absolutely! I did have one rabbit attempt to chew at the corner of a couch, but when I moved the couch away from the wall a bit, he stopped. He just wanted to get behind the couch. It became his favorite lounging spot.
He was also one that tried to chew baseboards. But you can see in the photo below how I just tacked a 1 x 3 which was safe for him to chew.
Pens are quite handy in more ways than one for any rabbit owner. I use them frequently.
I have no experience with cats together with rabbits, but I do have info on my site about dogs with rabbits. I think it is important to teach a dog what behavior will be acceptable towards the rabbit. But you may read about it on the site if you are interested.
I have experience with cats and rabbits so I think I'll butt in here. It really depends on the cat. My cat is mostly an outdoor cat (comes inside at night) and I have no doubt that he kills animals outdoors. This includes wild bunnies unfortunately. My cat seems to know the difference between the outdoor rabbits and the family indoor one. Every morning, I will let my bun burn some energy by playing in the living room. The cat is usually asleep out there. My bun likes to walk right up to him and sniff and give him kisses sometimes. Some bunnies will be scared of cats and others won't be. I just want to note that if the cat tries to scratch your rabbit, seperate. If the cat only bats at a rabbit, it's their way of figuring out what the rabbit is. Wouldn't you be curious if a fluffy blob with a twitching little nose wandered up to you? On the other hand, if the rabbit appears to be scared of the cat, I would recommend putting the cat in a seperate room/part of the house during your rabbit's playtime. Signs of them being scared will be but not limited to thumping, running away, eyes wide and breathing hard while staring at cat, not exploring when cat is in sight. At first, be within arms reach when they meet. If your cat bats at the bunny, feel it's paws to see if it's claws are out. If so, seperate them. This probably means the cat is getting annoyed or wants to hurt the bunny. Good luck and let us know how they get on!
Quite likely there's no way around bunny proofing your place, especially cords. My buck (4yo, intact, 10lbs) never touched any, but the cuddlebun I got him (1yo girl, spayed) went right for them. Neither of them chews furniture (I don't have anything tasty though, just cheap non real wood stuff). Youcan wrap wires in that "Coiled Cable Conduit Tube" or put it behind wooden boards. You might want to get wireless mouse and keyboard for your computer though, USB cables are their favorite 
.
About raised cages: My outdoor rabbits live in hutches, about 2-3ft from the ground, I use ramps to let them go in and out, no problem. Indoors I would try to design it so that the ramp either folds up and acts as door too or is easily stowed away, like going under the cage when not in use. Definitly use solid ramps, not ladders like shown in some of the pictures.
. About raised cages: My outdoor rabbits live in hutches, about 2-3ft from the ground, I use ramps to let them go in and out, no problem. Indoors I would try to design it so that the ramp either folds up and acts as door too or is easily stowed away, like going under the cage when not in use. Definitly use solid ramps, not ladders like shown in some of the pictures.
Great info about cats and bunnies. I made a really bad mistake, I now realise, when Roger and my cat met each other for first time. Roger reached out to touch noses with the cat and the cat responded but me, in my stupid ignorance, shoved the cat away quickly, thinking he was going to harm Roger. I quickly recovered and lifted the cat up to touch noses again and Roger responded so, in the end, I don't think it was too bad. I will know better next time. Thank you Alyssa and Bugs!
Yes, I have a pen on my to-buy list. I think it's a great idea. thanks, Blue Eyes.
Quite likely there's no way around bunny proofing your place, especially cords. My buck (4yo, intact, 10lbs) never touched any, but the cuddlebun I got him (1yo girl, spayed) went right for them. Neither of them chews furniture (I don't have anything tasty though, just cheap non real wood stuff). Youcan wrap wires in that "Coiled Cable Conduit Tube" or put it behind wooden boards. You might want to get wireless mouse and keyboard for your computer though, USB cables are their favorite
About raised cages: My outdoor rabbits live in hutches, about 2-3ft from the ground, I use ramps to let them go in and out, no problem. Indoors I would try to design it so that the ramp either folds up and acts as door too or is easily stowed away, like going under the cage when not in use. Definitly use solid ramps, not ladders like shown in some of the pictures.
"USB cables are their favourite." Haha Duly noted! Yes, noticed the ladders in some ads for bunny cages and thought the same. How on earth would they hop up there??
Hermelin, cleaned out the cage yesterday after reading all the fantastic advice and your idea of keeping the cage floor clear has really worked out well. I've now got the litter tray heaped up and my two hays there in a little pile for eating and the rest of the floor clear and I noticed that Roger was stretched out last night with his back legs flat on the ground. Seemed much happier to sleep on the smooth floor. Thank you for that tip.
That’s great, Roger really have a great bunny parent
I hope you will get a great bond with him [emoji5]
I hope so, too!
