Preventing A Rabbit's House-Chewing Woes

Written by The Rabbit Hole Hay Team

Understanding Rabbit Chewing Behavior 

Before we get into solutions, it's essential to understand why rabbits chew in the first place. Chewing is a natural behavior for rabbits, serving several purposes, including:   

1. Dental Health: Rabbits' teeth grow continuously throughout their lives, and chewing helps wear down their teeth to prevent overgrowth and dental problems.   

   
   

2. Exploration and Foraging: Rabbits explore their environment and forage for food by chewing on various objects. Chewing provides mental stimulation and helps satisfy their natural instincts.   

   
   

3. Territorial Marking: Rabbits may chew on objects to mark their territory with scent glands located in their jaws. 

Tips for Preventing Rabbit Chewing  

1. Provide Ample Chew Toys: Ensure your rabbit has access to a variety of safe and appropriate chew toys. Chew toys made from rabbit-safe materials such as untreated wood, willow, or seagrass can satisfy their chewing instincts while protecting your belongings.   

   
   

2. Supervise Free-Roaming Time: When allowing your rabbit free-roaming time outside of their enclosure, supervise them closely to prevent destructive chewing. Redirect their attention to chew toys whenever they attempt to chew on household items.   

   
   

3. Block Access to Problem Areas: Limit your rabbit's access to areas of the house where they tend to chew excessively. Use baby gates or barriers to restrict access to rooms with carpet, cords, or other tempting items.   

   
   

4. Apply Bitter Apple Spray: Bitter apple spray, available at pet stores, can deter rabbits from chewing on furniture, carpets, and other household items. Apply the spray to areas your rabbit is prone to chew, following the manufacturer's instructions.

   
   

5. Provide Mental Stimulation: Keep your rabbit mentally stimulated with interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular playtime. Mental enrichment activities can help reduce boredom and decrease the likelihood of destructive chewing behavior. 

Addressing Specific Household Chewing Challenges

Now, let's address common household items that rabbits tend to chew and explore strategies for preventing damage:   

1. Carpet: Cover exposed carpet edges with protective barriers such as plastic carpet runners or PVC chair rail molding. Alternatively, provide your rabbit with designated areas of carpet or rugs for supervised chewing.   

   
   

2. Cardboard: Cardboard boxes and tubes are often designated as chew toys for your rabbit. However, it is important to be mindful of how much they are munching on cardboard as opposed to their natural hay diet.   

   
   

3. Walls: Protect walls from chewing by covering baseboards with plastic corner guards or applying bitter apple spray to deter chewing behavior. Ensure your rabbit has ample alternative chewing options to redirect their attention away from walls. 

   
   

4. Cords and Cables: Conceal cords and cables behind furniture or use cable organizers to keep them out of reach. Additionally, cover cords with protective tubing or PVC piping to prevent chewing.   

   
   

5. Paper: Keep paper items such as books, magazines, and newspapers stored in closed containers or cabinets to prevent access. Offer paper-based chew toys, such as paper towel rolls, as alternatives for your rabbit to chew. 

 

 

Consistency is Key

Remember that consistency is crucial when addressing rabbit chewing behavior. Be patient and persistent in implementing preventive measures and providing alternative chewing outlets for your rabbit. With time and effort, you can successfully stop your pet rabbit from chewing up the entire house and create a harmonious living environment for both you and your furry friend.