This is Mocha, a Mini Rex Sr. Buck (about 9 months old), and we got him 1 week ago today. Curious how long it typically takes for rabbits to adjust to new homes and what are the insider tips for bonding! Yesterday he nipped at my hand when reaching in his cage to feed him and just seems to have some general anxiety, so looking for ways to calm him and help acclimate to new home. I’ve read that they can be territorial in their spaces – wondering if that’s just it?
by CuriosityKillsMe1324
6 Comments
That cage is likely too small for him. A 4×4 x-pen is the minimum space. It can be halved while litterbox training, but you’ll want him off the shavings for that (they can go in the litterbox). You’ll be able to spend time with him sitting on the floor with him which will start to get him acclimated to you. Expect some occasional naughty behavior until he’s neutered.
And before you get piled on about it, your feed mix is not an appropriate one. They should have free access to horse quality grass hay, Timothy and orchard being best. And limited amounts of a homogenous pellet.
Is the blue cage in the picture where he is most of the time? If so, he may be feeling extremely cramped. Those cages are not appropriate for rabbits. If you cannot do free roam (I cannot), set up a wide area using some tall x-pens. He needs space to run around and release energy, as well as places to hide, such as huts and tunnels. They are prey animals which is why they need somewhere to hide. I also recommend using a bowl for water, it is more natural for rabbits and is less of a strain on their muscles.
I strongly agree with the other comments. [house rabbit society](https://houserabbit.org/) is also a great resource for how to care and bond with your bunny. I also recommend [Lennon’s YouTube videos](https://youtube.com/@lennonthebunny?si=b4OGRdNFVURjvVH9)
– try giving him some hidey homes so he can feel secure- you can make them out of big cardboard boxes
– cereals are bad for their diet (the colourful bits), the appropriiate ones are the plain, boring-looking pellets. for now i would suggest picking the colourful bits out of his pellets
– i think it’s normal for him to still be skittish since you got him a week ago
-i dont know what type of shavings those are, but do google it to see if it’s bad for rabbits. certain types like pine shavings are bad for them
– consider giving him a playpen to expand his space. i think rabbits can get aggressive if they’re pent-up in their spaces
– is he neutered? neutered rabbits are easier to bond and less hormonal/aggressive.
You have an adorable bunny! When we adopted our one boy, he was very upset to be in a new home. It took about a month for him to calm down and like us. He still gets grumpy sometimes. We have had him for about a year and a half.
Good luck with your little mini rex. 💜
https://preview.redd.it/0vtl4nhsddjf1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=f8863381b449363a9023ab82e861e23129695207
Provide a space like this. Just put it on top of a soft rug and get rid of the shavings. Put a covered hide in there to have a safe place to go when stressed. Take a small dish tub, line the bottom with pine pellets, and cover till about halfway with hay. That is your litterbox for the little one. Make sure you add hay during the day and change the litter every couple of days. Trust me you’ll want to litter train the bun! Put interesting things in the pen to chew on, simple things like corrugated cardboard without glue or tape on it or egg crate. You can Google food ideas for a bun that young. Just give it a comfy space like that and your little one will adjust. It may take time just be patient!