New Rabbit

[CrazyJack]

Greetings!

So three weeks ago, I took the plunge and rescued my first ever rabbit, a beautiful dutch bunny dubbed Zinny. She’s sweet, but with a very cautious nature, and while she’s warming up to me, she’s not quite accepting of me. Every day, I’ve spent time by her cage reading or puzzling or something, leaving the door wide open, and while she’s poked her head out to sort of sniff around, she has yet to really leave. The past few days she’s started sticking out her front paws onto the carpet, but then she gets shy and goes back in.

Here’s the question: should I force her to leave her cage? I’ve heard some differing advice, and I feel horrible that she spends all day cooped up on her own, when she probably wants to run around. But I know the cage is her safe place, and while she doesn’t lose her mind when I pick her up (I’ve had to a few times for vet stuff and cleaning), she doesn’t particularly enjoy it either. I’m simply curious to know whether I should allow her more time to get used to her surroundings and explore on her own, or whether I should give her a friendly nudge. 

[Tessie]

What kind of flooring is she on? Sometimes they’re weary of slippery surfaces.

In terms of leaving the cage, it’s probably better to let her explore on her own, but I think if I were you I’d be tempted to just take her out (don’t fuss her much, just pick her up and put her down outside) just so she gets the idea. I think I did this with my newest bunny, and after that he got the idea. I don’t think it would be too big of a deal if you wanted to do that.
But equally, don’t worry about her, she’ll come out in her own time eventually.

[CrazyJack]

The flooring’s wood, but there’s a blanket outside her cage for her to step on.

I’ve done that once or twice, and she ran back to her cage both times. She knows how to get in and out, I guess now it’s just a waiting game. Thanks for the advice!

[Author]

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