Adding ramps

[keys_clocks]

My bunny has been living in a cage+pen area. I want to change his housing area to something more vertical, rather than horizontal across the floor (for space saving purposes). He was not trained well and chews on everything. Im hoping to bunny proof my new place, but I want to build a bigger home for him in case free-roaming just doesn’t work out. I really like the idea of using NIC cubes. But my bunny is older, large, and probably set in his ways.

My question is, is it likely for a large older bunny to use a ramp to a second level, or would that be wasting time making that an option for him? I know all bunnies are different, but I’m just looking for advice before I jump into a project that won’t be useful. Thanks

[Beka27]

Well, my first question is what size space does he have now and how big is he? You say he’s large. I would consider a large rabbit to be about 7-8 pounds+. If he’s that size, the minimum recommended space for him would be 4×4 feet of horizontal space. Vertical levels do not count when calculating that living space. If he’s always been in a large pen, reducing that horizontal space in favor of going up is likely to be upsetting for him. Not all rabbits take advantage of additional levels, especially if they have never had that option. Can you build a NIC condo with levels but keep his pen attached so it’s not too much of a change all at once?

[keys_clocks]

He’s about 6.5 pounds, I guess he just seems big to me. I think I can build something like that. I definitely don’t want to freak him out or upset him. If I kept the same amount of space, but changed the walls (Use NIC instead of his pen, regardless of adding another level), would that be ok? I don’t know how bunnies react to housing changes in general.

[Beka27]

Lol… Well he’s definitely bigger than a little dwarf bunny!

You know him and it really depends on his personality if you think he would adapt well… Some rabbits hate any and all changes, some couldn’t care less.

I’ve seen pen set-ups with a NIC grid “tower” inside. That gives you the best of both worlds… Horizontal space for exercise, room for litter box, toys, food, etc, and spreading out, and levels for jumping and “surveying the land “…

If he adapts to the NIC condo, another option is to make the pen removable. You can attach the pen when you’re not home or you’re sleeping to increase his space, and remove it when you are around and he’s having his exercise time.

[Beka27]

https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/aft/109758/Default.aspx

This is an old thread, but one of our long term members shared a picture of her pen/condo set-up. It’s the first picture posted by Monkeybun… This is an excellent use of space!

[keys_clocks]

Thank you for your suggestions! I like the pen/condo combo idea, so I might try something like that.

[Beka27]

You’re very welcome! If there’s anything else you need help with, let us know! 🙂

[Author]

Messages