Cage adjustment

[Grady's Fam]

We are first time bunny parents, picked Grady up yesterday. At the rescue he was outgoing and litter trained in a tall bird style cage. We purchased a double decker hutch with ramp between. Floor level has hay basket and litter box, top has shelter, shelves, food and water. I let him walk into first floor where he hid under basket and not checking out 2nd level. I placed him in the second level in the afternoon concerned that he needed to know where food and water is. He’s explored the level but mostly hanging out in shelter which I expected. He went to the bathroom in the corner, never going down ramp to litter box. So my question is, should I close off the floor and bring litter box up until he’s had time to adjust then let him explore the bottom in a couple of days? Then move litter and/or food bowl and water downstairs? (He has hay on both levels)

[Yilina]

Hi @Grady’s Fam!

I am also a first time bunny owner, we got Tambor a month ago. You need to give Grady some time to adjust, rabbits are easily scared and all is new for him now. Imagine if you were placed in a new family all of a sudden without explanations, that’s how Grady feels.

During the first days put everything at easy reach (in the first level or second level, choose only one) and don’t worry if he doesn’t go exploring in his hutch and hides all the time. Think he is very scared. Also, don’t hold him or touch him until you feel he is more comfortable in his new space. You will see that, in a week, he will start acting more himself.

Good luck and let us know how it is going!

[Author]

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