How to entertain? Battling mental disorders

[Samicles]

It’s been a month and a half since Nimmy got neutered. His hormones seem totally leveled out and I’ve been observing some new behaviors of his, some I enjoy others not so much. Before his neuter he would always jump up on my bed and we would cuddle and I would pet him until he fell asleep. Afterwards he completely STOPPED jumping up on my bed, it was utterly heartbreaking. Yesterday he jumped up twice, which is the first time. I’m hoping he continues jumping up. I never realized how much I loved spending that time with him (sitting on the ground for too long hurts my back & bum, so our cuddles were limited). I think our lack of affection has contributed to my downward spiral, Nimmy was able to cheer me up on a dull day. I’ve been diagnosed with a general anxiety disorder for a little over a year now, I also get random cycles of depression. When I’m having a bad day or even a bad week I find it very hard to find the motivation to do anything; eat, sleep, go to the bathroom. I just lay in bed for hours, thinking about stuff. 

This makes taking care of Nimmy difficult for me. Luckily I have a boyfriend that helps me out, but I know Nimmy isn’t getting the attention he needs. He’s bored, chewing and digging on the carpet, digging up the litter box, and chewing on the cage (even when the door is open) are some of his new habits. Two weeks ago was one of the worst weeks, I had anxiety attacks every day, lasting for hours at a time. I was miserable and depressed. At one point I had realized I hadn’t cleaned Nimmy’s cage in a week. I did manage to clean it then, but then I started thinking about Nimmy. He deserves better and for a couple of days I wondered if I should find him a different home. It made my depression worse. I love Nimmy to death, I don’t want to give him up.

This finally encouraged me to go to the doctor and get some medication prescribed. I’m doing better when it comes to the anxiety attacks, the depression is still a day to day battle. I want to give Nimmy the care he needs, which is why I’m posting on here. I’m sorry for the long and unneeded post, writing out my problems helps me feel better. 

TL;DR: How can I entertain and play with my bun some more? Toy recommendations, specific games, etc. I’ve been thinking about clicker training Nimmy, I think that would be perfect for us. I’ve always loved training dogs, but I’ve never really trained a rabbit. So has anyone done anything like that? Or can push me in a certain direction (What would I train him to even do??). Thanks for any help!

[OliverBun]

Oliver is not in to toys. However, I bought him one of the fake rabbits they sell on this website and he loves to sleep next to it and groom it. Maybe that would help Nimmy to feel less lonely on days when you can’t entertain him?

[LBJ10]

Are you sure this isn’t just a classic post-neuter crazy case? When a bunny is neutered, their hormones start going crazy and it can take up to 2 months sometimes for things to level out. So hang in there, some of these new behaviors may not be permanent.

For games, both of mine enjoy hard plastic toys. We have a tossing game with some baby keys. I hold them up, they grab them and throw them, and then I pick them up again. Some bunnies also like playing with baby stacking cups. You stack them up, they knock them down.

[Lee]

Clicker training do it! Lots of fun to be had there, you could teach him all sorts of fun, cute and useful behaviours.
Check out this website and you can even purchase a DVD on Bunny Training http://www.bunnytraining.com/
And here is a bunch of videos from Barbara of her trained rabbit Loreta – https://www.youtube.com/user/BunnyTraining/videos

Sorry you are having a hard time. Hope you are feeling better soon, going to the Doc and getting medications was definitely a good step, sometimes we need a helping hand.

{{HUGS}}

[Samicles]

Thanks for the feedback! I just bought Nimmy a clicker. Did a little bit of training as soon as I got it. But he was NOT in the mood i got a couple clicks in, only 6 or so before he started to refuse the treats. So I’ll try again in the morning. Wish me luck! I’ll update with any progress

[Samara87]

I’m SO sorry for what you’re going through. I’m actually going through the exact same thing right now. I’ve been on a daily anxiety med for a month exactly, and I feel SO much better. Before the meds, I was in the same place you were. Once the anxiety lessens, there’s a chance that the depression will get better for you, once you’re able to eat and sleep better. I also know how it feels to wonder if you’re neglecting your bun, I felt the same way about mine. I barely wanted to do anything at all, let alone expend the extra energy giving attention to someone/something else. So, you’re not alone here. And it will hopefully get better. I feel like a completely different person now that the meds have had long enough to work. I still have bad days, but they’re not nearly as severe. Good luck.

[jerseygirl]

I’m glad you’re going with the clicker training. It can be a great way to bond with your rabbit AND help ones that have excess energy.
ETA: a couple video links from 101rabbits. The Binky Bunny store also has a book I believe.
http://youtu.be/5f9kg8WCwig

http://youtu.be/Vtl6cBeB9mc

As LBJ said, it could be he’s still not settled from the neuter but it could also just be due to his age.
It’s not unusual for bunnies to be a bit more “cuddly” as babies but then become more standoffish as they mature. Hold faith though as some revert to being snuggle buns. Time will tell. Meanwhile, it’s good to look at other ways to interact.

If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed (not just with Nimmy, but in life too) don’t hesitate to reach out to members here. We’re a pretty supportive group and there’s usually someone online if you need to talk. Take care x

[Author]

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