Buns launching into hutch

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rlswar

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Does anyone else have issues when trying to put their buns back into their hutch/cage, the buns launch into the hutch/cage like missiles? If so, any ideas on how to correct this behavior so they don't get hurt? We've tried putting them in backwards so they can't see where they are going, but that hasn't been so easy either.
 
Not necessarily lifting, as my hutch has two levels, top and bottom, and has some height. If we are holding them and walking towards the hutch to put them away, as soon as they see the opening, they basically dive into the hutch opening.
 
Myself often feed my bunnies the same time they should go into the hutch. So while holding the bunny I have the food bowl. So I distract my bunny and keep them occupied.

Do they have the run around the hutch, you can teach your bunnies to go in by themselves on commando :)
 
I hold with one hand and cover the face and eyes with the other hand--what they don't see doesn't trigger a struggle , and uncover once they are in the hutch on the floor. Bambi would put herself up if I opened the door for her.


Very good idea. I will try covering their eyes. Sometimes they will go in on command, but sometimes not. A more typical situation is..the first one will go in and then I get the second one in and the first one will run out. Starting the chase process all over again..
 
I was able to train Betsy to go in her pen by telling her "It's bed time Betsy!" I have her pellets, which she loves, as her treat for going in. It took me a few weeks to train her, but I don't ever have any problems. She even knows my routine at night and sometimes she's already waiting at her pen before I even call her for bed time!
 
So you are basically putting them physically into their cage. I entice my rabbits to go in instead. Otherwise, they will certainly make a game of this. I use their pellets to get them in at night. They know the sound of the container and will hop in to get their once-daily pellet portion. Others may use greens to entice them.

Having to chase them to get them in their cage is eventually going to backfire. They will get smarter and learn to hide or get mad and lash out. It is much easier on everyone if they can be enticed in -- no chasing or escaping.
 
I agree with Blue eyes - I tempt my rabbit into his cage. When I need him to go back into his cage (night time, or when I have to go to work or otherwise out), I put fresh water, top up his nuggets and give him his veggies. It works within a couple of minutes 95% of the time. I have never liked picking him up and putting him into his cage. It is his home, I don't want him to feel like he is being punished and shut in there or something. I want him to feel safe in there and to choose to go in there. Perhaps I'm soft, but who knows. It keeps him and me happy
 

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