Have I created a monster?

[Lemonsoup]

Teddy, my English Angora, has a puppy pen set up in the third bedroom (which is also my office) so he’s got company all day. In good weather, he’s allowed out in the backyard (and I work out the back so I can see him). So he gets a lot of time in different areas. Yesterday, I decided to try ‘bunny proofing’ the third bedroom as best I could and opening the pen so he could roam about.

It wasn’t overly successful since he pee’d everywhere (and he’s usually great inside of the pen – using only his litter box with occasional accidents because he positions his butt over the edge at times).

But he had loads of time outside and then was back in late afternoon and all was well…until around 10pm last night. Then he seemed to go crazy – rattling his pen, dragging his bowls (which are large and heavy) – and banging everything. It went on for hours. Hubby wanted him put outside in his hutch (which I refused since it’s too cold at present) – but the noise kept everyone awake. I gave him all his toys, newspapers, and he had food. I went in a few times to pat him and try and calm him down but then wondered if he was starting to think ‘aha – I rattle like crazy and she comes in’.

Do you think it was the fact that I gave him an experience in the room outside of his pen in the room yesterday that he decided that that is what he wanted more of? The pen he’s in is large – takes up about a third of the room. It has a box, a bed, a litter box, tunnel, sea grass mat, toys. And with the combination of the backyard – he gets a good run around during the day. Am at a bit of a loss to explain this behaviour last night??

FYI – he was neutered three weeks ago – but hadn’t showed any untoward behaviour prior to this. Occasionally rattled his cage – but mainly during the day and only briefly.

[Finnigan!]

With Finn’s cage which is outside, I have a part where if I open it and attach a run he can go in and out of his home. I opened it once on a nice day and the same thing happened. He got a taste of more freedom and he could pull on the part that opens. He kept pulling for about two days before he gave up and forgot. So just give it some​ time and he may finally stop.

[senatcha93]

Yep definitely, he wants more freedom. The same thing is happening to me as I type this. My bunny is usually free roam but because I got him neutered last week he has to stay in a pen which is almost as big as my room. When he gets out the first thing he does is pee everywhere so that is why I do not let him out any more until the peeing thing is resolved. But he rattles his cage nonstop. It is annoying but at least know you are not the only one

[sarahthegemini]

He’s not a monster – he wants more freedom.

[Xtina22]

My bun got out of his cage yesterday morning and got to explore my house for about 20 minutes before I realized and put him back – he’s currently restricted to an area downstairs while being litter trained. He was *terrible* when I let him out last night. Speeding around, trying to get over the baby gates, chewing at the doors. So yes, I think a taste of freedom does make them want more

[sarahthegemini]

Who can blame them for wanting to be free???

[DanaNM]

Peeing everywhere is pretty normal so soon post-neuter, and the first time in a new space. 

My buns are free-range while I’m home and awake, and in their condo when I’m not. They will tend to throw things around and be rambunctious when they want to come out, but having a routine helps. I also take away noisy toys when I’m sleeping! Sounds mean, but I just can’t have them throwing a cow-bell off the top level while I’m sleeping! I leave them with lots of things to chew and a full rack of fresh hay to keep them busy over night. 

I think you should keep letting him out, and try to make a routine of it (or just let him be free-range all the time?). Plan to let him run around morning and evening, when he is most active. Feed his pellets when you need him to go back in his pen. Be patient with the litter box habits, they should improve with more time. If the space is very large, you’ll want to add a second box. 

And yes, try not to reward his rattling by going and petting him when he’s being loud. Most buns have bursts of energy and then go back to sleeping, so if you wait 10 min he’ll prob settle down again. 

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Deleted User]

Yep, a taste of the cage free life!! Perhaps when the litter box habits are better you can bunny proof the room and let him be all about, he would love it! After about 5 days of having my new mini lop, he showed me that he was really good at using his litter box so I opened up the cage door and let him on out. Talk about a full on binky marathon, I loved it! My other bun is normally free range and got very upset when she had to be in her cage for several days after the spay. I thought she was going to chew through the wires by the way she was desperately trying to get out of there! You mentioned it was your office, so if you do decide to let him roam be sure that you block any access to wires completely- they will chew them, and if you use wire protectors they will probably just chew those as well!!

[Lemonsoup]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Yes, it certainly seemed to be a case of experiencing a new situation and simply wanting more of it. I didn’t let him free roam my office the next day, and he was better that night.

I give him free time in the kitchen/living with us in the mornings (and he’s usually pretty good with using his litter box out there) – but it’s not bunny proofed, so we keep an eye on him the whole time and shut necessary doors. And in nice weather he gets a number of hours outside. But interestingly enough, he spends most of that time just lounging (as they do during the day). He’s currently snuggled up inside next to my daughter while she’s reading.

His other funny habits include rattling the pen when I’m on the phone – sometimes so loudly that I have to get in the pen with him (it’s his way of demanding pats). And I can’t sit him on my lap and try and get work done as the moment I start typing – he give me a nip on the hand (gently – but still enough to remind me that I should be petting him and not working). And if he’s hanging out with my daughter and she uses two hands to play minecraft (instead of keeping one on him and stroking him), then he’ll start digging on her legs or give her a nip to remind her who’s boss. Funny little guy!  #bossofthehumans 

[LittlePuffyTail]

Haha!!! That’s some rabbitude! They can be real brats. If my big boy, Sterling, is out and he thinks he should petting him while I’m on my phone doing BB or texting, he bumps the phone out of my hand.

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