How to bunny proof a room. How to stop your bunny from chewing electrical cables, baseboards, wallpaper, and carpet.
Keep your home chew free and looking neat!
Bunny proofing is essential for protecting your home from chewing damage and ensuring a safe environment for your bunny. If left unprotected, bunnies can chew on your carpet, baseboards, and even wallpaper. They also have a tendency to gnaw on electrical cables, which can be dangerous.
Bunny proofing helps you manage this issue and can prevent costly repairs, as significant damage can accumulate over time. Moreover, it can eliminate the constant distraction of having to jump up and stop this behavior, allowing you to enjoy your time with your bunny without interruptions.
In this guide, we share the best advice from experienced bunny parents who have learned how to bunny proof their homes and create a safe environment for their pets. The expert knowledge included here comes from the contributions of the 50,000 members of our bunny proofing Facebook group. Over the last 10 years, they have shared their solutions for living with house bunnies without stress and destruction.
We cover how to bunny proof each part of your home to ensure you don’t overlook any important areas. You’ll find links to more in-depth guides for all the details you need. We provide information on protecting your electrical cords and preventing your bunny from chewing on wooden baseboards, door frames, and carpets. We also offer tips on stopping your bunny from going under your bed and couch, as well as advice on how to discourage them from peeing on your furniture or carpeting.
Don’t wait for your bunny to damage your home. Learn how to bunny proof now so you can relax while your bunny roams freely, without worry.
How to bunny proof your home
Block access to power cords behind your TV with furniture or cover cables with plastic piping.
Protect door frames and baseboards with plastic corner guards or decorative molding.
Prevent chewing on wallpaper and baseboards by making a fence with sections of a pet pen or wire storage cubes.
Ensure your bunny does not eat your house plants, as many can be toxic.
Block access to the space under your couch to prevent your bunny from getting hurt if they chew through.
Always provide your bunny with plenty of chew toys and a stack of fresh hay everyday as an alternative to chewing on your household items.
I use cable channels and flex tubing, as well as baby-proofing outlet covers. As a warning, my rabbit had chewed through flex tubing a couple times, so check it periodically for chew marks.
The first step in bunny proofing your home is to secure the power cords. Bunnies find chewing on wires irresistible, no matter how often you tell them "no." Their razor-sharp teeth can cut through soft insulation in seconds, leading to serious, even fatal, accidents. This is why bunny proofing wires should be your top priority before allowing your bunny to roam freely.
While this task may seem daunting at first, it only needs to be done once, and with a little time and creativity, you can make your home safe for your pet.
Firstly think about how to arrange your electrical devices and furniture to hide cables effectively. Position your furniture in front of plug sockets and allow cables to trail behind them, keeping them out of reach. Remember that bunnies are naturally curious and determined creatures and they are excellent climbers that can jump from place to place to reach something they want.
For areas with many exposed cables that cannot be hidden, such as behind your TV or desk, consider fencing off these sections. You can use sections of a pet pen or wire grids commonly sold as storage solutions to create barriers.
Another creative solution that many bunny parents have found is to slip short bits of exposed cables inside a length of plastic piping. We recommend using a tough, solid pipe meant for plumbing, which can be purchased at home improvement stores. To avoid needing to disconnect the plug, simply split the pipe down its length and slide the cable inside.
For a more permanent solution, consider installing conduits along the walls near the baseboards. These simple strips of boxing or piping can be mounted on the wall to conceal your electrical cables inside, keeping them safe. This option is inexpensive and easy to install without specialized DIY tools.
You can find conduit materials in most home improvement stores, and the soft plastic can be easily trimmed to size with a craft knife and attached with the sticky back tape provided. These systems usually come with various corners and junctions that make assembly straightforward.
How to bunny proof carpet
I buy the black plastic sheets from Home Depot. Tape down to protect carpet/hardwood floor from accidents. Then buy inexpensive carpet remnants to put on top. The remnants are cheap and easy to switch out as needed. I also put padding in since it is a hard wood floor and I want the buns to have cushions. I did actually wrap the padding in plastic too, cause momma bunny tends to pee in the corners.....That way I don't have to replace the padding too, only the carpet itself.
Bunnies love chewing and digging and it's very common for some damage to occur to carpeted areas. If unchecked this can lead to a significant amount of damage and costly repairs. It can also be bad for your bunny if they eat too much of this material as it can cause a blockage to their digestion and make them sick.
Bunnies often chew on carpet in the corners of rooms or alongside baseboards, where they can tug at the carpet and eat its edges. They also have a tendency to chew carpet behind couches or under furniture, where the damage may go unnoticed.
While there isn't a single solution to stop carpet chewing, there are several tips and tricks that can be used to help.
The first thing you can try is to find ways of covering areas that are being damaged, this can be done as simply as putting some cardboard boxes in the areas or covering them over with an ornament or piece of furniture.
Ceramic tiles are also a quick and easy way to add some temporary protection. They help by holding down any loose carpet as well as keeping it out of reach. They can also be easily tidied away when not needed.
For a more permanent solution, consider adding a protective layer using throw blankets or fleece blankets. Children's play mats or puzzle tiles are also good options for carpet protection, as they are wipe-clean and waterproof, which can be especially useful during the litter training process.
Always provide plenty of acceptable alternatives for chewing and digging so that your bunny can exercise this natural behavior. Making a digging box for your bunny can be an excellent alternative, and grass mats available at pet stores are effective in keeping your bunny out of trouble.
Just wanted to share this baseboard hack with you all! Maybe this will help some of you! I bought these plastic baseboards at Home Depot for about $3-4 a 6ft piece, stuck some Velcro and voila. Easy to clean, easy on the eye and best of all BUN PROOF (even for my smartest bun) he will chew on them a bit but I don't think it's as satisfying of a crunch as baseboards so he leaves them be for the most part. Bun mom 1, Bun 32.
Protecting your baseboards is a crucial part of bunny-proofing your home, as bunnies tend to chew wood, and baseboards can become an irresistible target.
It only takes a few nibbles when your back is turned for unsightly chewing damage to appear and your baseboards to be wrecked.
To protect your baseboards, consider placing objects against them to keep them out of reach. Many bunny parents have discovered various effective options for this purpose.
Repurposed bunny toys are a great way to protect your baseboards. Wooden hideaways and castle toys work especially well and can provide permanent protection. However, if you're looking for a free alternative, using a cardboard box can also be effective.
Another option is to set up a perimeter fence around the room using sections of pet pens or storage cube grids.
If you prefer not having fencing and are open to a DIY project, consider applying direct protection to your baseboards.
You might install tough corner guards, which are L-shaped plastic strips easily available in most home improvement stores. They can be cut to size with a craft knife and attached using sticky pads. They come in wood color, white, and clear, so you can match them with your baseboards.
Peel-and-stick vinyl baseboard trim is another hassle-free and effective way to protect your baseboards from chewing. These flexible strips come in rolls and can be easily trimmed to size, fitting right over your existing baseboards for easy removal later.
If you can't beat em then join em. I stripped the walls and painted them
If left unprotected, your walls and wallpaper may suffer damage from your bunny's chewing and scratching over time. Bunnies, especially when bored, tend to seek out fibrous materials to chew on, helping to wear down their teeth and supplementing their diet with necessary fiber.
You might notice small nibbled areas as the first signs of damage, but as your bunny revisits these spots, the damage can spread significantly.
A simple way to block a wall area your bunny is focused on is to use a cardboard box. Place something heavy inside it to prevent it from being moved, as bunnies can be surprisingly strong. Wooden chew toys can also serve as effective barriers and satisfy your bunny's chewing instincts.
For larger areas of wall or wallpaper protection, consider using sections of a pet pen to fence them off. Sections of office storage cubes, which are available for purchase online are also ideal for this.
Hi does anyone have any advice on how to stop my bunny from chewing my door? As you can see clear tape & brown tape have not deterred him nor has the no chew spray I bought?
If you find your doors and door frames are on your bunnys menu it is important to put a stop to this before serious and costly repairs are needed.
A simple temporary solution is to block access by placing heavy objects against the door frames, such as ceramic tiles. You can try laying something up against them such as a heavy ceramic tile. Wooden chew toys can also be ideal fo rthis and can be easily stored when not in use.
For a more permanent solution, consider installing plastic corner protectors. These durable L-shaped strips are available at most home improvement stores and can be easily fitted by yourself. They can be cut to size with a craft knife and attached using sticky pads or adhesive. They come in various colors, including wood, white, and clear, allowing you to match them with your door.
For a more permanent solution, consider installing plastic corner protectors. These durable L-shaped strips are available at most home improvement stores and can be easily fitted by yourself. They can be cut to size with a craft knife and attached using sticky pads or adhesive. They come in various colors, including wood, white, and clear, allowing you to match them with your door.
If you suspect that your bunny is chewing on the door to get your attention, installing a pet gate can be helpful. This will allow your bunny to feel more included and can redirect their chewing behavior away from the door.
Soooooo... We had a brief scare today because Ashes chewed the leaf of an orchid that I laid on the floor while moving more stuff into my new place. The vet suggested filing a claim with the Pet Poison Hotline, which I did, and no issues really. Useful info for future emergencies however.
If you keep house plants, it’s crucial to ensure that your bunny cannot access them. Not only can bunnies destroy a plant in seconds, but many common house plants can also be toxic to them.
Make sure all your plants are placed out of reach, as bunnies can reach quite high. Check that the branches are also out of harm's way, and be mindful of falling leaves that might land on the floor where your bunny can reach them.
Finally, ensure that your bunny cannot drink from the watering trays, as these may contain harmful plant foods and pesticides.
How to bunny proof your couch
The safest option is to build a wooden frame under your couch
There are a number of bunny proofing measures you should consider to make sure your couch is safe and remains damage-free.
Start by getting into the habit of never placing hot food or sharp objects on the arms or seat of the couch. Bunnies often jump up without looking, which can lead to accidents. Furthermore, avoid piling too many loose cushions, as they may cause your bunny to lose its footing and fall.
Bunnies love to explore hideaway spaces, but there may be harmful materials beneath your couch, such as nails, staples, and synthetic strands that could make your bunny unwell if they eat it. Worst of all if your bunny crawls inside, it could become trapped, requiring you to dismantle the couch to free it.
To prevent access under the couch, consider filling the gap with storage boxes. They come in various heights and sizes, so if you measure the gap first, you can find a suitable fit.
Another option is to lay lengths of wood around the edges. The heavier, the better. If you're comfortable with DIY projects, you can create a simple wooden frame for added security. Additional boards can be placed around the sides to block access and prevent your bunny from getting around the back, where chewing damage might go unnoticed.
Office storage cubes can also be repurposed to create a fence around the edges. These square wire grids can be connected and secured to the couch legs to keep them firmly in place. They're affordable and can be found in most office supply stores.
We recommend steering clear of chairs with reclining mechanisms and rocking chairs, as bunnies can become trapped or injured in them.
When your shoes have been safe at this level for months and months and months and months and suddenly, they're not! Protection deployed !!!!!
Ideally, keep your bunny out of the kitchen and bathroom, as these spaces are not suitable for play. The floors can be slippery, and your bunny can get underfoot while you’re busy.
There are also lots of potential dangers. Bunnies will often leap without looking where they land and can hurt themselves if they end up in your toilet bowl or struggling to get out of a shower tray or bath, they also have a habit of jumping into plastic tubs and bins.
Crawl spaces behind appliances can contain sharp edges, be hot enough to burn your bunny or hide electrical wires that pose serious risks. If your bunny can access these areas, find a way to block them off.
Make sure any cleaning products and anything containing chemicals are stored in a place that cannot be reached by your bunny. These chemicals can cause irritation to your bunny's skin if they come into contact with them and they may end up digesting them as they try and clean themselves which could make them ill.
If your bunny has access to outdoor spaces, it’s crucial to bunny-proof the area. The first concern is to prevent escape. Block any gaps in hedges, fences, or gates.
Always do routine checks of the perimeter looking behind bushes or anywhere your bunny can tunnel without you noticing. You may need to bury your bunny proofing into the ground to stop escapes.
Also, look for anything that could be knocked over and fall on your bunny like a broom shovel or bicycle.
Store all chemicals, such as fertilizers, weed killers, insecticides, or cleaning agents, out of reach. These can be harmful if ingested and may also cause harm if they come into contact with your bunny’s mouth or skin.
If you water your plants from below, ensure that the watering trays are out of reach, as they may contain plant food that could be harmful if your bunny attempts to drink from them.
Be aware that not all plants are safe for rabbits and some can even be poisonous. It's worth checking your garden against lists from reliable sources, such as rabbit.org, to ensure the safety of your bunny.
How to stop your bunny chewing your home, train & discipline
The water mister didn't work with Ozric, He just sat there wondering why I was making him wet?
Bunnies are often prone to destructive behavior, such as chewing on carpets, baseboards, and wallpaper. Since you can't bunny-proof your entire home, training can help minimize the destruction. Simple training methods can convey clear boundaries while guiding your bunny to acceptable alternatives through gentle discipline and positive reinforcement.
It's important to understand that discipline for bunnies should not involve punishment. Unlike cats and dogs, bunnies respond negatively to physical punishment; you should never strike or hurt your bunny. Even pushing them away forcefully can trigger behavioral problems.
Avoid using scare tactics, such as shouting, clapping, or chasing, to deter your bunny from unwanted behaviors. Bunnies have strong prey instincts, and these methods are likely to traumatize them. They may even injure themselves in a panic to escape.
Instead, discipline your bunny by saying their name followed by a firm "NO!" This should occur when they are being naughty, as they won't understand if you scold them at other times. Immediately follow this with guidance to an acceptable alternative, like a chew toy. This approach will help maintain your bunny’s trust and encourage them to choose the acceptable options you provide.
If the misbehavior continues, consider giving your bunny a time-out in a calm, separate space—just ensure it’s not their sleeping area to avoid negative associations.
Enrichment ideas to stop your bunnies from chewing your home
Just made another of these for my two buns. 4 toilet rolls rolled up and shoved into one toilet roll. I then pushed small natural treats into it. They play with it for ages trying to get the treats out. It also gets them running around the house cos once one gets it the other one chases them to get it ha ha. They love it.
If you want to stop your bunny from chewing on your baseboards, doorframes, wallpaper, and carpet, it’s important to understand the natural behaviors that drive this chewing so you can provide acceptable alternatives.
Below we examine the various reasons behind this behavior and offer suitable enrichment ideas to redirect this destructive behavior to chew toys that will hopefully prove more appealing.
Take a look and see how you can keep your bunny entertained and avoid costly repairs.
Your bunny could be chewing things in your home for roughage to eat
Bunnies are always looking for fibrous materials to eat, which is essential for their digestion and also helps wear down their teeth which grow continually during their lives.
The soft wooden materials baseboards and door frames are made of as well as carpet can all be on the menu for a bunny, which might be one reason they are eating it.
To control this behavior, your first step should be to provide an alternative, with hay being the best option. Hay should make up most of their diet, and you should offer them a fresh supply every day. To encourage your bunny to eat more hay, consider placing it in a hay rack over their litter box.
Additionally, ensure your bunny has plenty of chew toys, such as willow balls, grassy mats, and twigs. Old toilet roll tubes stuffed with hay also make great DIY toys. Remember to replace these toys frequently so they don’t lose their novelty and appeal.
Your bunny could be chew your home to customize their environment.
In their natural habitat, rabbits shape their surroundings by chewing away undergrowth and creating pathways. Unfortunately, this instinct often continues when they live in our homes, leading to destructive behavior. Therefore, it's essential to redirect unwanted chewing toward acceptable alternatives to avoid damage.
Large hideaway toys are ideal for this purpose, allowing your bunny to chew and modify them. Wooden hideaways and cardboard castles provide an engaging outlet for their instinctive behavior, enabling them to alter entrances or round off corners.
Simple cardboard boxes can also be effective and are easily replaceable when they become worn out. Just be sure to remove any staples or tape and avoid boxes with heavy printing that could be harmful if ingested.
Boredom could be the reason your bunnies is chewing your baseboards
A bored bunny is destructive, so it's crucial to provide a variety of enticing toys and activities to keep them out of trouble.
Most importantly, spend time with your bunny. Allow them to be in the same room as you, and enjoy petting and playing games together. Puzzle toys and stacking cups are excellent ways to interact with your bunny and they will love knocking the cups over or pulling them apart, especially when you hide treats inside.
When your bunny is unsupervised, you can help keep them entertained with foraging toys and puzzle toys. Many types of puzzle mats and treat tumbler toys are available, each offering various benefits and levels of complexity.
One of the best free toys you can create is a digging box. All you need is a cardboard box filled with shredded paper and other items your bunny might enjoy, such as willow toys or toilet roll tubes. Place the box next to where chewing occurs and encourage them to dig and chew in the box instead.
Bunnies are often less destructive when they have a partner.
Paired rabbits tend to spend more time together, which can reduce their focus on chewing. Ideally, adopt two bunnies from the start, or you can introduce a new companion to your existing bunny with time and patience.
What is bunny proofing?
Bunny proofing is the process of protecting your home from chewing damage and ensuring a safe environment for your rabbit. It involves covering carpets, baseboards, wallpaper, and electrical cables, as well as providing acceptable alternatives for your bunny to chew.
Do I need to bunny proof my home?
Yes, bunny proofing is essential for protecting your home from chewing damage and ensuring a safe environment for your rabbit. If your home is left unprotected, bunnies may chew on carpets, baseboards, wallpaper, and electrical cables.
What does it mean to bunny proof?
To bunny proof means to protect your home from potential chewing damage and ensure a safe environment for your rabbit.
How do I bunny proof a room?
To bunny proof a room, block access to cords with furniture or cover them with plastic piping. Use rugs to protect the carpet and prevent access to wallpaper and baseboards by creating a fence with sections of a pet pen. Additionally, remove any toxic plants.
How do I bunny proof my home?
To bunny proof your home, block access to power cords by rearranging furniture or covering them with plastic piping. Use rugs to protect the carpets. Protect wallpaper and baseboards with a fence using sections of a pet pen. Also, remove any toxic plants and ensure your garden is escape-proof.
Do rabbits wreck your home?
Yes, rabbits have razot sharp teach anf enjoy chewing firerious materials and wood. They can cause considerable damage to carpets, baseboards, wallpaper and electrical cords.
Do rabbits cause damage to your home?
Yes, rabbits may chew on wood and fabrics in your home. They can cause significant damage to carpets, baseboards, wallpaper, and electrical cords.
Can you keep a rabbit indoors?
Yes, you can have a house rabbit, and they can be litter-trained. However, you need to bunny proof your home, as they can cause considerable damage to carpets, baseboards, wallpaper, and electrical cords.
How do I protect my house from rabbits?
You can protect your house from rabbits by blocking access to cords with furniture or covering them with plastic piping. Use rugs or children's play mats to cover carpets, and create barriers using sections of a pet pen to keep rabbits off wallpaper and baseboards.
Keep your home chew free and looking neat!
I buy the black plastic sheets from Home Depot. Tape down to protect carpet/hardwood floor from accidents. Then buy inexpensive carpet remnants to put on top. The remnants are cheap and easy to switch out as needed. I also put padding in since it is a hard wood floor and I want the buns to have cushions. I did actually wrap the padding in plastic too, cause momma bunny tends to pee in the corners.....That way I don't have to replace the padding too, only the carpet itself.
The safest option is to build a wooden frame under your couch
