What a Difference a Carpet Makes

Our latest foster bunny Billy has seemed a little down. It's understandable as he has had a stressful few days, with moving from one home to another. Plus we think he has been missing his old owner.

In his pen we had a 'bedroom' box, plus some toys etc. and his litter box. For the last few days he didn't even explore the other half of his cage; he just went from litter box to 'bedroom', and just sat the whole time.

So this evening we thought we would make him explore (and put him back away if he seemed scared). So first we sat with him on our laps and had a grooming session (he is very affectionate, and will give you a proper licking!) to calm him. Then we took him to our hallway, which is carpeted.

The difference in him was astonishing! Already, he seemed much more inquisitive, and he did some proper bunny hops for the first time, up and down the hallway. The funny thing was he was clearly perturbed by the laminate flooring, and wouldn't even try to leave the hallway (there isn't an adjoining door).

So now we have moved his pen area. The wax cloth is now on the carpet, and he seems much happier to walk around on it now, probably just because it's softer underfoot.

Our last bunny Jerome also seemed much happier to binky on the carpet than on the laminate flooring; though he had mastered skidding on the laminate just the right amount to get to his destination.

Maybe if you have a bunny who seems wary about hard flooring, try taking them to a carpet or get them a rug; it could make a big difference!

Here is a video of lovely Jerome having a whale of a time in the hallway. The good stuff starts about 40 seconds in.