' Shuffling ' Rabbits ...

[Random Rabbit]

Every so often we find a need to re-arrainge the rabbits in our barn. A doe with a large litter might need a bigger cage as the buns grow... or a doe misses on a litter and does not need such a large cage as she waits for the next go around. Or one from the show string goes into production.

I've believed that the rabbits get Comfortable in their 'home' . It is difficult for me to shuffle them around. DH has no such qualms... if he needs a certain bun over there... that is where they go.

I'm just curious... am i simply putting my feelings into the rabbits ?? ( anthropomorphizing ??) or does it bother them to be moved ???

 

[ottersatin]

I don't believe it is much of a bother.
I move rabbits whenever the mood strikes me.
That said, I do try to have the rabbits remain
as long as possible in the cage I have placed them
from the get go. I guess that's because I have to
print cage cards every-time I move them and
tape them to their feeder. I makes a lot of business
for the tape manufacturers.
When you move them you might want to place their water-bottle
on their new cage.
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[akane]

We play musical cages all the time. Most rabbits don't mind so much unless they take offense to their new neighbor. I've had a few bucks charge the wire dividing them and a few does get sprayed by bucks who suddenly find themselves next to a doe they like and want to claim. Other than that mine always curiously explore their new cage and then just start eating or flop somewhere. A chunk of pumpkin at this time of year or a few horse treats can distract more nervous ones but the only ones who have had issues moving were also the ones I butchered for being aggressive toward humans and sometimes violently refusing to breed with any buck or the bucks from those lines being so pushy the does don't want to breed with them. The high strung rabbits get culled and I can move even does with new litters They just worriedly check their nest real quick, find their babies, and once again eat some food, dig a little to rearrange the floor if it's not wire, and flop down in the middle of the cage.

I think change is even a good thing. I can see a big difference in the rabbits I've gotten who sat in the same empty wire cage their whole lives. They really don't know what to do with themselves or how to explore and some become very territorial. My little netherland buck is so used to just sitting around that he doesn't know what else he could try when out of his cage or moved to another cage. He wants to see things but he doesn't know how to go about it so he just sort of bounces up and down while turning his head each direction rotated with flattening down in to a bunny log while he debates what to do next. It is amusing but I feel kind of sorry for him.

On the other hand the rabbits we got at a younger age or raised ourselves and have been shuffled from cage to cage to pen to sometimes the colony with boxes to destroy and treats to beg for have absolutely no problems claiming the whole house or horse stable as their own when let out. They are thrilled to see new surroundings even if it's just a new cage with different digging potential due to changes in style of feeder or going from wire floor to solid and a different hay silo design to figure out.

 

[MaggieJ]

I think rabbits get comfortable with being in one spot, with certain neighbours... but I don't think it upsets them dangerously to be moved. I do kind of keep an eye on them for any signs of distress, but the only negative thing I have seen is a bit of sulking from the bucks when they are removed from the colony to give the does a break... and that is only to be expected.

 

[Bramble Hedge]

I dont move mine around much but I would think it may take a day or two for them to settle into new digs but that would be about it, just the same as when you buy in a new bun really.

 

[Secuono]

I don't move mine, made the cages equally large enough to never have to move any.
But I guess with a large production, that's not possible. With a large production comes the need to just separate yourself from them like they are pets that need constant individual attention. They will be fine where ever they are as long as it's safe, clean, comfortable and they get fed.

 

[arachyd]

I have had rabbits sulk when moved from their accustomed cage to another cage, especially if another rabbit had been in it recently. The notable exception is when I move a doe with a litter to the bigger hutch when the kits grow big enough that they get crowded. They stay there till weaning (from about 4 weeks to 6 or 7 weeks old). I do this regularly on a rotating basis with my does and they love the move. The kits love having a bigger space to romp in too. At weaning time I remove the doe back into a regular cage and she settles right in, probably glad to escape from the kits.

 

[Legacy]

My rabbits get bored by being in the same cage all the time and seem curious and excited about a move. Or maybe I'm projecting. Who knows?

 

[BlueCamasRabbitry]

I'm sure the bucks get a little sexually frustrated if you happen to switch them to a cage that previously housed a doe. I know my bucks do! lol.

The does & litters are happy when they get bigger cages. Does seem to throw more of a fit than the bucks if you downsize their cage. :lol:

Emily

 

[Random Rabbit]

The does & litters are happy when they get bigger cages. Does seem to throw more of a fit than the bucks if you downsize their cage. :lol:

Emily

Altho i do think i have heard a sigh of relief when a doe is removed from the litter... even IF her new cage is a bit smaller..... :lol:

:bunnyhop: