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    ladymuck's Avatar
    ladymuck Posts: 8, Reputation: 3
    New Member
     
    #1

    Nov 21, 2006, 09:02 AM
    Bunny won't get out his box
    Ive just got my bunny from the RSPCA and he's absolutely lovely and he's eating and washing and drinking and all the usual stuff but he won't step foot outside his litter box in my kitchen unless I take him out (which I've only done once because I had to clean his box out) It seems wherever you put him he won't move from that spot i.e. if you plonk him on your lap he won't get off.. if you plonk him on a blanket on the floor... he won't step off the blanket...
    Unless he spots his litter box then he'l head straight for that again.

    Anyone have any tips on how I can entice him out?
    Thomas1970's Avatar
    Thomas1970 Posts: 856, Reputation: 131
    Senior Member
     
    #2

    Nov 21, 2006, 10:34 AM
    Hi Ladymuck,
    It sounds like he might have been an outdoor rabbit, and has probably spent much of his life in a hutch, somewhat like a crate trained dog. Perhaps try some food, a carrot or something. He'll probably begin to explore a bit when he becomes a bit more comfortable and familiar with his surroundings.
    Good luck. Take care. :)
    doggie_poopie's Avatar
    doggie_poopie Posts: 252, Reputation: 19
    Full Member
     
    #3

    Nov 21, 2006, 07:00 PM
    Just give your bunny time but here is some good info from the House Rabbit Soc.
    The following suggestions may help to strengthen the bond between you and your independent friend, but the first and most important step is to accept her for herself.

    HUMANS WHO LOVE TOO MUCH

    Being coddled and cuddled by humans is not at the top of every rabbit's wish-list. Aloof rabbits remind me of childhood experiences with overly affectionate adults. Did you have an aunt or grandfather who just loved to pinch your cheeks and announce loudly to the world what a cute little boojums you were? How did that make you feel?

    Your rabbit may not be aloof at all, but simply overwhelmed by the magnitude or volume of your affection for her. Rabbits are so irresistibly soft, adorable, and gorgeous that it is difficult to avoid smothering them with physical affection. A good substitute for kisses, hugs, and heavy petting is verbal affection. Talk to her. Tell her what kind of a day you had, and how glad you are that she is there to help you recover from it. This form of animal-assisted therapy is simple, effective, and only minimally exploitive of your friend.

    If you tone down your demonstrativeness, you will be able to receive what your quiet friend has to offer. Your low-key bunny's messages may be getting lost. As with a shy rabbit, a useful exercise is to sit on the floor in the same room with your rabbit. That's the whole exercise. Just sit there. Read a book or stare out the window while Flopsy grooms herself or stares out the window with you.

    This exercise is one that rabbits do with each other all the time. Certainly they share physical contact, but not necessarily 24 hours a day. Rabbits are with each other even when they're not actively doing things together.

    A RABBIT FRIEND

    Although he may not ask for attention from you, your rabbit may crave the company of a rabbit friend. I don't recommend adopting a second rabbit if your only reason for doing so is to solve a problem with your present companion; but an outgoing rabbit can bring out the extrovert in an aloof rabbit.

    If your goal is to become closer to your first rabbit, you should be aware that adding to the family sometimes has the opposite effect. Some rabbits are aloof toward humans but very affectionate to other rabbits. You may find that your new bunny has stolen Flopsy's heart. With all her emotional needs met by the new rabbit, Flopsy is more aloof than ever toward you. I eventually came to accept that Oscar was Trixie's rabbit, not mine. Fortunately Trixie allows me to shower affection on her, so everyone is happy.

    ASK NOT WHAT YOUR RABBIT CAN DO FOR YOU

    Because our companion animals are totally dependent on us for their physical needs, it's easy to fall in to a "benevolent dictator" relationship with them. Why isn't Flopsy more grateful for the fact that you rescued her from the pound, that you spend your hard-earned paycheck on toys and treats and vet bills?

    This view overlooks the many demands we make of the animals. Love me forever, unquestioningly, no matter what kind of mood I'm in. Be affectionate toward me whenever I want you to be, no matter what mood you're in. Leave me alone when I don't feel like being bothered. Cheer me up when I've had a rotten day.

    The list is long, and most animals manage to meet many of these difficult demands much of the time. Take the time to appreciate the reciprocity of your relationship and to enjoy your rabbit for exactly who he is; in his own inimitable way, he will do the same for you.
    cuppycake's Avatar
    cuppycake Posts: 17, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #4

    Nov 24, 2006, 04:03 PM
    There could be lots of resons while your rabbit won't get out of its box! If you hsave just had it? Might need settling in why don't you get him out and let him get used to you so he has more coventance. But if you have only just had the rabbit I think he could have been a girl and mated at the rspca or if you have put it with another rabbit? MAYBE IT IS A GIRL AND SHE IS PREGNANT whenrabbits are pregnant they become kind of moody and try to snip your fingers if you try and touch near there stumach! But I would go to the vets search rabbit care on Google good luck!:)

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