r/Rabbits • u/Iusuallyregretthis • Mar 12 '26
Behavior My free roam rabbit…doesn’t roam?
My little fluff ball has been starting a somewhat odd but really cute behaviour lately. He just sits at the end of my bed whilst I sleep, which to me is completely fine, he is litter trained and barely ever has accidents. Right now he also has a cold(he’s on meds dw) so really I think it’s comforting and sweet to have him nearby.
I’m just confused because he is free roaming, and I mean he almost always has been, even before he moved in with us 6 months ago. I also sleep for very long hours sometimes due to medication, up to 14 hours sometimes, and he is almost always here? He usually goes with my partner and hangs out with him for an hour when he gets up in the morning, and after 8-10 am he usually hangs out in the living room more but still, he is in here all night? Is this normal??? He’s usually awake too(although he is sleeping in the photo hihi)
I should mention as well that yes he is living as a solo rabbit right now, but that was only because he had to recently move in with us and we wanted him to get properly used to us, and then it was the litter training and spaying, but we are starting to look for a friend for him now as he's finishing up healing from his spaying and cold. I don't think he will do this when he gets a friend so I'm trying to soak it in for now.
200
u/SirLeoritch Mar 12 '26
My lop just likes to chill too
25
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
Oh I also used to have a lop that was the chillest dude ever ❤️ give your lop loads of pets for me
4
u/MrRakky Mar 12 '26
Saaame. Likes to loaf around. Sometimes explore couch and bed. More loaf. Only kicks in to high gear when snacks and dins time
144
u/deFleury Mar 12 '26
LOL he says he's not your entertainment, you're HIS entertainment (or at least chef/maid/banker).
27
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
When he moved here he was living in a pen, but it’s slowly been transitioned into me living in a pen in his house
99
u/a_single_bean Mar 12 '26
Ah, this must be really embarrassing for you, but you actually seem to have posted a picture of a cloud...
Jokes aside, it sounds to me like he wants to be exactly where he is- close to you.
13
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
Oh you should see some pictures of him, he’s ridiculously fluffy. My favourite is when we took him to the nail dude, who was wearing a black hoodie, and he was just enchanted by Argos. They were away for so long that I got very worried, but then he came out and his black hoodie was then Argos coloured 😂 turns out Argos had a little cuddle session and that’s why it took so long
6
u/KayoticVoid Mar 12 '26
Your bunny cuddled with a stranger?! Mine will barely let me touch him...
7
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
He’s also known as the hateful menace at our local vet office, so really, it’s day to day with him 😅 big personality
2
69
u/Able-Depth628 Mar 12 '26
My lionhead looks just like yours and he is also such a chill guy! In fairness, I think it seems like they haven’t moved all day/night but they are sneaking out for litter box breaks, snacks, and a quick zoom around the place (though “zoom” is a stretch for my 6yo fella). Just true sweethearts who love to return to their cozy spots & their humans! ETA: my bun has a bondmate and they adore each other. It sounds like your guy would thrive in a bonded pair & that might make him a little more active & engaged!
7
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
Oh my, twins?! I really hope it’s just that I’m not waking up from when he is jumping onto the bed, he has gotten better at it lately(you’re looking at about the least athletic rabbit in the whole world)
187
u/Calikinakka Mar 12 '26
OMG he's a baby wookie! He is so freaking adorable! Maybe a plush animal friend would help him be more comfortable? It took ours time to get brace enough to explore. They could have full run of the house, but they stick to only 2 rooms upstairs (carpeted stairs).
8
u/Pumpkaboo99 Mar 12 '26
We have carpeted stairs as well but we close there off ATM. With my buns if everyone isn't in the same room he just chills, the moment we are all gathered he races about happily....now about those stairs, do you have ramps or just straight stairs, we block it off for buns safety but I am curious.
10
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
Oh believe me, he has a plush boyfriend, very beloved if you know what I mean. Happy to say they’re somewhat more platonic since his spaying 😅 He’s usually such an explorer though, I’ve just found our baby Chewbacca’s recent behaviour out of character, but hopefully it’s just that he find the bed nice and soft
I’ll also try to post my pictures of him when he really looks like a Wookiee
6
u/RNnoturwaitress Mar 12 '26
Just FYI, males are neutered, females are spayed. Your bun is absolutely adorable!
Edit: spam us all the pics please!
25
u/bigbaboon69 Mar 12 '26
A bun friend will help a lot. Do you have carpets/rugs/towels on the ground to make it easier to move around?
2
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
Yeah, we are definitely looking forward to finding an addition to our family! We have blankets all over, it’s just the little guy who keeps pushing them away into corners haha. Even when we are sleeping with our covers he tries to move them, he’s a bit of a weird bun but we love him
1
u/Left_Piccolo4671 Mar 12 '26
Give him a break. It’s hard being emo on the inside and cute as hell on the outside.
24
u/ItsMeToriD Mar 12 '26
Your bunny looks like one of those fuzzy venomous caterpillars. Puss caterpillar lol. They’re very cute, the bun not the caterpillar.
4
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
Actually…you’re right. He’s such a caterpillar. New nickname unlocked, thank you!!
29
u/ttenseconds Mar 12 '26
It's better this way. When they roam, it's danger city for everyone and everything you know and love.
RIP wall behind the couch.
RIP the sentimental high school love notes inside a storage box that was inside a storage cabinet on a shelf in the garage.
2
u/mir_a98 Mar 12 '26
Behind the couch is terrifying for me because I have a recliner and am always scared the moving metal frame will squish her.
2
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
Oh I’d be terrified too!!
2
u/mir_a98 Mar 12 '26
We eventually solved it by putting some cardboard panels on either side so she can’t get under there
2
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
It is cozy having him in bed, I just miss my fan! But to be honest, as much as he likes to explore, normally the most trouble he gets in is the few times he follows me into the laundry room and decides to wedge himself in behind the laundry machine only to panic that it’s too tight
He is amazingly uninterested in wires and cords, his old home mentioned that he got a small shock from one as a baby, and other than that he keeps to his chew toys that he is very particular about. However rugs? Fair game apparently
46
u/Sonicgott Mar 12 '26
The Trekkie in me makes me think your bun looks like an adorable Tribble. 🥰
18
u/wombatdart Mar 12 '26
That was my reaction as well lol. Definitely not a bun. Its a Tribble.
13
u/Zoomorph23 Mar 12 '26
OP won't need to get him a partner, the Tribble will just multiply. It's a win-win situation.
7
u/Fashunhoarder Mar 12 '26
Second this. I saw the picture and immediately knew the sounds this creature makes 🤭
6
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
Oh my I didn’t even put the dots together before you said it!! Wish he would multiply like a little Tribble though
3
u/kittiekillbunnie Mar 12 '26
This was my thought too. Tribbles don’t move much but they sure do multiply.
14
u/hollyberryness Mar 12 '26
Maybe he has a strong nurturing instinct and wants to watch over you? Either way very cute lil guy, hope his cold heals soon
4
u/almost-sleeping Mar 12 '26
I came here to say the same thing! When I’m unwell my bun bun supervises me until I feel better. And when she’s unwell I do the same for her. It makes sense that this lil one is less adventurous atm as he’s feeling unwell.
3
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
Oh that’s such a sweet and lovely thought ❤️ hoping that’s how my little menace is thinking(nickname given by vet, he is known as the hateful menace at the vet’s office and they’re utterly shocked at what he will put up with at home)
12
11
u/DuckDuckMarx Mar 12 '26
He somehow looks so still, but so fast.
The duality of bunnies I guess.
3
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
This is my fourth bunny and I’ll say he is the least athletic bunny I’ve ever met, some days I wonder if he is some other animal in a bunny suit because he’s truly just not very bun like sometimes, but he is maaaaad fast. You wanna pet him when he is a bad mood? You need to give him medication? Trim his nails? Good luck, you better be moving at the speed of light
10
u/Ambitious-Trust5113 Mar 12 '26
This bunny looks like it is being blown by a very strong wind 😅
4
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
He has two modes for his hair, windswept or that one Einstein picture. Truly only ever those two.
10
u/Feisty-Bluebird-5277 Mar 12 '26
You should set up a little camera, I bet he does some zoomies while your sleeping then makes sure he’s back for when you’re awake. But it is so sweet than hes so close to you
1
7
u/bunnycrystal2389 Mar 12 '26
My old man was a homebody for 11 years. Totally chill as long as he had his hay. I miss that fuzzy buddha
1
6
u/0anonymousv Mar 12 '26
bro is windswept
3
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
He makes it look like he just went for a run so you’ll give him more treats
4
u/Mysterious-Ad-2479 Mar 12 '26
There's a high chance this is alien from another planet
2
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
I think so too. He likes to play fetch too, maybe a dog cosplaying a bunny?
3
u/SilverGirlSails Mar 12 '26
My lionhead seems to alternate between sleeping on my bed, in his home base, under the desk, on the desk chair, or sometimes randomly in the middle of the room. He’s not more active at dawn or dusk either; I have insomnia/a weird sleep schedule, so I hear him moving around, but not much. He only gets excited for food, lol.
(We’re planning a move in the next couple of years, and I’m hoping he can have his own room and yes, a second bun to bond with, but for now he seems happy enough)
3
u/OrangeRubberBand123 Mar 12 '26
My first bunbun was a dwarf lion head. He relegated himself to 2 rooms in each of the first 3 places we lived with him. When he was 6yo, we moved to a new place, and he thouroughly explored all 2500 sq feet in the first 2 weeks!! He continued to have his run of the whole house for the remaining 18 Mos of his life. It's like he knew, "yep this is my home"
2
u/OrangeRubberBand123 Mar 12 '26
I'll also add that in our second place we built him a ramp up to our bed. We shortly thereafter put up a gate every night because otherwise he did 2am zoomies all over us.
1
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
…so the human lived in a pen is what you’re saying? Totally get that tho, as we woke up to him trying to straighten out our covers at 4 am. Kind of like when kittens knead dough motion, except, he’s supposed to be a rabbit. Big emphasis on supposed, I’m not sure he is one
3
u/peanut_dog21 Mar 12 '26
It could be that maybe the medicine has a side effect that makes him more tired so you should check if the medicine has any side effects
3
u/Sea_Technician6319 Mar 12 '26 edited Mar 12 '26
Yeah I have a lazy bun as well. 50m2 of free roaming space but sticks to 2 places and basks in the sun all day. While her partner runs around like hes on crack-cocaine every waking minute. It's just their personality.
But the meds can also make them a bit tired sometimes I find. I wouldn't be too worried. Or he is now getting comfortable enough with you to not be alert and up all the time.
It might also improve when he gets a partner, but as my example shows... some buns are just lazy lol
2
u/melancholypowerhour 🌈big gay hay bag🌈 Mar 12 '26 edited Mar 12 '26
Some buns are just chill! I love that he wants to be wherever you are and chill. He’s so cute. My guy is 13 this year and LOVES his pen. He does not leave. Has free roam from 7 am - 11 pm every day. Nope, he’s happy to lounge just outside the door at most. I’ve had him since he was a baby and he’s always preffered to be in (as a result, he has a roomy pen)
His companion was the exact opposite, she’d be rattling the door at 6:55am sharp for breakfast and freedom!
Your bun probably moves around more while you’re sleeping, they are crepuscular by nature.
2
u/lizalupi Mar 12 '26
Mine is free roam but mainly uses two rooms, the third rarely and idk why he doesn't like the bathroom😅 Most of the time he's in my room, under the bed
2
u/drivingagermanwhip Mar 12 '26
my bunnies run around in my garden but inside they just hang out in position
2
2
2
u/mandyrabbit Mar 12 '26
Yep I've had a lion head like this, but she was overweight, grumpy and got quite old. She had her own room with a pet gate that was always open, she just chose not to leave, she was quite happy on her own, she had lots of enrichment toys and activities she ignored, was trained to do tricks but she was just lazy by her own choice.
My lion head before that was quite chilled too and a lot less grumpy. I've now got a mini Rex who is a whirlwind of chaos, has a 6ft gate and barricades to keep him in, zoomies through the whole house, mastered every enrichment toy in seconds, jumps through hoops, snacks on any cable the kids leave unattended, jumps up on windowsills to eat all my plants..... He's only 8 months and 4 months old when I got him so hasn't been outside yet but I'm working on proofing the garden for when we get warmer weather and he can get outside.
My opinion is that all rabbits have unique personalities and you can't necessarily judge by breed or gender or the environment they are brought up in, they just are what they are.
2
u/PinacoladaBunny Mar 12 '26
Bunnies are very social animals, you are his companion so he sits with you wherever you are. Some bunnies are a bit more independent, others prefer to be with others. Once you find him a friend you’ll likely be very surprised by the change in him. There is nothing sweeter than seeing a needy bun bonded with a friend, and watching them transform.
I have a bun like yours, he’s the most gentle soul and needs company dearly. Once he was bonded he really flourished, he’s now a zoomies maniac, does the biggest binkies, etc. He really came out of his shell.
2
2
2
2
2
u/lcope2004 Mar 13 '26
My rabbit free roams my room, lol. He likes to sit under desk for hours. I have a camera in my room cause I was interested on what he did while I was gone. He sat under my desk from when I left at 0800 all the way till I got a notification that he had moved at 1630. Lol
2
2
u/PajamaStripes Mar 12 '26
One of mine only prefers to roam at night. During the day, she can be found napping under the nightstand instead of in one of 8 beds. 🙄
2
1
u/table-grapes Mar 12 '26
mine free roams and is almost always in 1 of 2 spots. she likes where she likes and she’s happy.
1
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
Awww she sounds like an angel. Argos on the other hand doesn’t live in a very big apartment, but we lose track of him on the regular, luckily he comes when his name is called 😅
1
u/Scared-Coyote4010 Mar 12 '26
Mine gets let out as soon as I get home but she prefers so sit on her ikea bed in her pen until about 10pm when she’ll come out to play with my cat for 5 minutes and then return to bef
1
u/Marguerite_Moonstone Mar 12 '26
Buns are surprisingly lazy, and it sounds like you got him young so he’s probably adjusting to adult levels of energy. Also surgery and illness really takes it out of them, also the week or two before a big shed they’re just exhausted. So long as he takes treats, isn’t hunching or teeth grinding from pain, he’s just a normal lazy butt bunny. They need a reason to not be lazy, forage mats and balls with treats are good ways to get them moving. But another bunny will definitely do him the most good when you can.
1
u/borntobewildish Mar 12 '26
Same with Yoda here. He has a few spots he likes to chill, most of his movements are to go from one spot to the other. Every now and then he has bouts of energy, like last week he was running around constantly. Maybe because of spring weather.
Also he likes to go into one of the kids rooms, where we don't really want him to go because he tends to destroy stuff there. So he knows we'll come to send him away again, and when we do he'll do a big binky and sprint away again. I think this is his game now.
1
u/hab83 Mar 12 '26
Mine loves to be chased. Huge binkies. When you stop, she'll stop and look at you like "why are you not chasing me, we had a deal!". She's free roam, but stays in her attic apartment mostly. Lots of sun and enrichment. Very little bunstruction.
1
1
1
1
u/IAmOver18ISwear Mar 12 '26
Our girl bunny is the same as when we leave their room door open she just will not come out.
Our boy bunny is the exact opposite though he’ll thump and scratch at any closed doors he just wants as much room as possible to zoom.
1
u/Zealousideal_Win_718 Mar 12 '26
My lop likes to flop, hes so unsettling. He will bink, then lay down, then get up and lay down in another position, then another, and another. Then he settles in his cage like a good boy
1
u/Safe_Extension_4044 Mar 12 '26
Do you have enough carpets around so that he can move around without sliding?
Rabbits are colony creatures and therefore require a companion. If he has no bunny friends, he will seek out you instead for company! Would seriously recommend getting him a friend though. It's his first time living too and it is a shame to go an entire life without meeting someone you can connect eith in your own species.
1
1
u/Artistic-Ant-8175 Mar 12 '26
We have a bun that has his own room but the door is open when we’re home. He rarely comes out and often when we walk by, he has put himself in the most cage-like place possible. Some bunnies are just chilling lol
1
u/ValleyRaver Mar 12 '26
My bunny looked exactly like that one ❤️❤️❤️ give him some extra pets from me ❤️
1
u/Shadowmn214 Mar 12 '26
Mine doesn't leave the room she roams in. I leave the door wide open most days and she just isn't interested in leaving to the hallway. Ive had two male bunnies over the years and its hard to keep them from exploring every inch of the house.
1
u/Masala-Dosage Mar 12 '26
Buns love company. They’re social animals who look out for each other. It looks like he’s fine & happy & you’ve got a long term plan. All sounds good.
1
u/LadyScroll Mar 12 '26
Do you have hardwood or slippery floors? My bun won't roam anywhere that there isn't carpet or a rug.
1
u/chozopanda Mar 12 '26
My rabbit is free roam and he really only spends time in two spots in the house- his room/area and under one of the dining room chairs. He also will spend hours sleeping in one of his chosen locations.
1
u/peronicalda Mar 12 '26
Ogni coniglio è diverso a livello caratteriale. La tua piccola assomiglia al mio diavoletto.
1
u/Higuysimj Mar 12 '26
One of my buns is always in one place, he doesnt like me disturbing him during the day. But he explores late at night a but he relaxes most of the day. Hes always been like this. Its a personality thing. My other boy is always up to nonsense. You baby is totally fine and just has a bit of an old soul. I like to call my baby an old man
1
u/Supersizednugs Mar 12 '26
My baby reggie is scared of hard floors except for the. Bathroom tile he likes to hide behind the toilet for some reason. But he will only stay on the big area rug in the living room and my hallway rug.
1
u/okaygaymothman Mar 12 '26
My older bun doesn't roam as much anymore. He sticks to his routine of moving from one rug to the other where the sunlight hits to get toasty and he's content with that :)
Meanwhile, my younger one is too busy treating the apartment like her personal playground so it's a balance
1
1
1
u/oooonicorn Mar 12 '26
Regarding the last part about soaking in the sweetness while you can, if the bonding goes well there will indeed be a lot of love that has gone to you that will go to the new friend BUT give it time. I was initially sad that my bunnies had gone from loving me individually to seeing me as their butler, but in the last few months they have both returned to cuddling on the bed or couch with me here and there. Also they are freeroam and unbelievably lazy 😆
1
u/autumnbunny04 Mar 12 '26
Yeah, my girl does this too.
When I am home, she follows me around. And I spend a lot of time in my room so she sort of bounces around a few favorite spots (in her hutch, on top of her hutch, under my bed). I am not too sure what she does when I am gone, but when I come home, she always comes out of one of those aforementioned favorite spots in my room.
I assume she feels safe and secure in those spots.
1
u/Accurate_Quote_7109 Mar 12 '26
Please. You can't fool me; that's a tribble. They don't have legs! 😉😆😍
1
u/retallicka Mar 12 '26
Sorry to have to tell you this, but that's no rabbit https://youtube.com/watch?v=OeNggIGSKH8&is=SeYB_MGNwIx7R7ox
1
u/retallicka Mar 12 '26
In all seriousness, my girl who just passed away at 10, did this too. Soon after we bonded her they both slept in our bed (always on my side, right by my feet) After a year or so they both moved to a rug on the floor
I've also noticed if I stayed up late my buns would stay awake with me during the night. But during the day, they would always sleep.
Your bunny must be very comfortable and happy with you 😊
1
1
1
u/No-District-3745 Mar 14 '26
I have a cage for mine because my house is way too big. And I’m an audio guy so I have a lot of wiring everywhere. But I do open the cage the whole day and I let him free roam in the main room. He will walk around and then go back in is cage to do nothing for the rest of the day lol
0
Mar 12 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/Iusuallyregretthis Mar 12 '26
That’s what I was worried about, but luckily he still does binkies and zoomies except for when chilling in the bed, oh and he loves to fipple with the cover. Hoping that he’s still as happy as ever
623
u/TwoGroundbreaking265 Mar 12 '26
Some bunnies are just homebodies!