Getting buns used to a new area

[Archie & Olive]

Hi! Some background-  I am very new to bunnies, (VERY used to dogs. So this is new for me), but I have done a lot of research. I have two buns, Archie (male) and Olive (female). Both are fixed and love their new spacious cage and hopping around my bathroom in my apartment. I rescued the buns at about 10 weeks old and thought they were Holland Lops and both males (I had quite a surprise when I took them to be neutered!). They are now about 7 months old and have been fixed for two months. They love each other, though I am not their favorite person. They tolerate me and sometimes give me love when we are at my apartment. 

I take my bunnies to my parent’s house with me, and they do not really like it there. They are completely different bunnies. Olive will get territorial when she is under my bed and will lunge, growl, and thump at me if I try to give her treats to get her out. Archie does not care as much, but I can still tell he is not happy while at my parent’s house. My parents do have a dog, but they are kept in my room where she can’t get to them. In general, the buns run away or “deer in headlights” stare at me when I walk in the room; whether I’m at my parent’s or my apartment. Are there any good ways to get the buns used to my parent’s house? I want them to be happy and for me to not be stressed/angry with them when they are destructive or loud at my parent’s. They have plenty of alone time to get used to the area, so that is not the issue. I just want them to be happy as we will be traveling to my parent’s shortly for winter break.

Thank you!

[Wick & Fable]

Bringing items from your place to the new area will help a lot. Over Thanksgiving, I took Wick’s litter boxes, the mini rugs they sit on, the grey napkins he likes to lounge on, and some spare shirts that I gave him to lay on when he sleeps on my dresser. I took all these items with me and placed them in the new location and he warmed up right away.

Scent is a big indicator for rabbits, so going to a place with novel smells, none being of the rabbit’s territory, can be quite daunting. Bringing those smells with you will help!

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.

[Archie & Olive]

I already bring some things, but I’ll bring some more. Thanks for the help!! 

[Author]

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