Hi everyone — I’m looking for some advice about my bunny’s behaviour after we moved house.
She used to live in a flat with fully carpeted floors and could free-roam everywhere without any problems. She was very active and confident. About a month ago we moved to a new place with hard flooring, and since then she seems afraid to walk on it — I think it feels too slippery for her.
We bought a large rug (about 2m × 1m), but she mostly stays inside her cage and rarely comes out. We even tried customized bunny shoes for grip, but that didn’t help — she still doesn’t want to leave the cage. Now she spends most of her time sleeping and is much less active than before.
It’s been about a month like this and I’m getting worried.
Has anyone experienced something similar after changing flooring?
How can I help her feel confident and active again?
Should I add more rugs or different surfaces, or could this be stress-related?
Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Thank you!
by lucasss86
11 Comments
With my bun who’s scared of hard floors I just put down towels. It’s easy to take them up when needed and seems to work for him. In fact now that I’ve been doing it for a while he’s developed more confidence and will come out even when the towels aren’t on the floor.
Did you consider something else as the problem?
It looks like the cage is the only safe spot she has to hide below something.
Beside that, I love to recommend hemp Matt’s as an underground. They chew it, dig it, destroys and cuddle it with such passion and it cause no health risk.
My lion head doesn’t walk on hardwood to the point it wont drink even if it’s on step on hardwood.
We have a big open area for the bunnies and the lion head doesn’t care about the hard wood and just stays in the area but where is plenty hid spots, place to run etc. That’s why I’m asking
Costco has their Wyatt and Ash 5×7 washable rugs on clearance right now for $30. The BEST!
More rugs. Get a bunch of washable rugs
Most bunnies prefer soft flooring because their feet don’t have traction. My girl literally won’t take one step on hardwood floor, she thinks it’s lava. Anywhere you’re comfortable with her roaming should be covered. Towels, washable rugs, and bath mats all work great! I use bath mats with grippy bottoms to make “lily pads” around awkward spaces and corners 😂
What kind of hay options do you have available where you live? I know it’s not always easy to find in certain areas, but hay should be green and fresh. Best to hang over the litter box or placed inside.
Just get mats? They are like 10$ get like 4-5 of them. They are like 6×6 feet. Easy fix.
They also make transparent non slip surfaces that just stick to the floor
Side note, your bunny has the classic genetic markers for mega colon. Are you bunnies poops irregular in both size and dry/wetness?
Just something to look into
Sorry, a third comment.
Why do you have a water bottle? Bunnies usually prefer a bowl of water. Better for their necks and they tend to stay more hydrated that way
When we got hard floors, one of our bunnies had this issue. We did the same, put down mats.
You mentioned you moved apartments. Your bunny is not simply adjusting to a new floor. Bunnies are very sensitive to changes in their surroundings. Be patient. Give her regular attention so she realizes she still has her person, and perhaps leave treats just outside the cage on occasion as temptation 🙂
3 3 3 rule with bunnies
3 days there are scared
3 weeks there trust builds
3 months to feel totally comfy and safe.
I got some cheapo rugs/floor tiles when we first moved in. Now that she’s comfortable here I’ve been able to take them all up and she is happy to move around on the hardwood