The soft wooden edges of your baseboards can be irresistible to a bored bunny and it only takes a few nibbles for noticeable damage to be done. Over time a bunny on a mission can do a lot of damage.
Bunnies spend a lot of time foraging around the edge of a room so it can be impossible to guard them all the time which is why bunny proofing is the only way to keep them safe and your home looking neat.
In this guide we show you some quick and easy ways to protect troubled spots like using a ceramic tile to cover an area until you can refocus attention on a more suitable alternative.
We also show you how to add permanent types of protection such as plastic corner guards and how to stop wooden steps getting chewed and how bitter spray can be used to help tackle this problem.
How to stop wooden steps getting chewed
If you bunny is a bit of a chewer then here is everything you need to know to stop the chewing damage.
How do I stop my rabbit from chewing my baseboards?
Rest a ceramic tile over a trouble spot to quickly protect it
Fence off your baseboards with section of wire storage grids
Protect soft wooden edges from being chewed by installing some tough plastic corner guards
Wooden steps can be protected with anti-slip mats or edging strips
Applying bitter sprays can make the taste a lot less appealing
Easy ways to protect your baseboards from bunny chewing damage
Problems spots where your bunny has chewed your baseboards can pop up anywhere especially around door frames or areas where you bunny sits.
As soon as you notice a spot developing its best to try and stop it quickly before it develops.
Repurposed bunny toys used to stop chewing
An easy way to add some temporary protection is to prop up a few ceramic tiles against the areas your bunny has taken an interest in.
They are heavy enough to stay in place and can be easily packed away when not needed.
Willow bridges, a cheap toy found in pet stores can be another useful way of protecting baseboards.
They can even be bent into an L shape to follow the edge of a baseboard around a corner.
A cardboard box can be another great way to protect a trouble spot. Simply place it over the area being damaged.
Make sure you weigh down the box by placing something heavy inside.
Bunnies can be surprisingly strong when they want to get to something they want to chew.
How do I get them to stop this? My bonded pair free roam (and have for months) but lately have been interior decorating and chewing up the walls.
Willow bridge
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What are the best bunny proofing hackz to protect my baseboards?
Prop up a few ceramic tiles against the areas prone to damage to protect them from your bunny
A cardboard box can be another great way to hide away a trouble spot and keep your bunny busy
Try making a low fence, set slightly back from the wall with section of wire storage grid
Always provide lots of safe and acceptable alternative to keep your bunny out of trouble
How to permanently protect your baseboards from bunny chewing damage
If you want to make sure your baseboards will not be chewed it's best to try and protect them permanently with something chew proof.
An ideal way to do this is to install some corner guards. These strips of L shaped plastic can be found in most home stores and can be easily cut to length using a craft knife and attached with some sticky pads. They come in a wood color, white and clear so you will be able to match it with your baseboards.
Another way people go about stopping their baseboard being chewed is to build a small fence around the outside of the room with some sections of office storage cubes.
Add a bit of protection with some corner guards
These foot square grids come in packs of 12 and can be easily tied together in a long series with the small cable ties that get supplied with them.
This fence can then be set out a short distance from the edge of the room leaving just enough gap to make the baseboards unreachable.
How can I permanently protect my baseboards from bunny chewing damage?
Install some tough corner guards. These strips of L shaped plastic can be found in most home stores
Sometimes it can be easier to fence off an area of a room with sections of pet pen fencing
Look out for decorative baseboard covers in home stores that can be fitted over your baseboards
How to apply bitter spray to stop your bunny chews your baseboards?
Bitter sprays can be helpful if you are battling to stop your bunny chewing your baseboards but don't expect this to stop the problem in itself as you may find your bunny more than prepared to put up with a bad taste.
Avoid homemade remedies that may be suggested to you such as perfume or chilly oil or soap as these can be harmful to your bunny and instead use a product designed for bunnies.
How do I tell my bunny off for chewing my baseboards?
Only tell your bunny No! when you catch them in the act or they may not know why you are telling them off.
Never scare or shock your bunny to try and stop them chewing your baseboards, stress can make them unfriendly towards you.
Never hit your bunny or push them away, they don't respond well to physical punishment and you could hurt them very easily.
Aluminum angle strip from Bunnings. My new best friend
Damage from your bunny chewing your wooden steps or the edges of your wooden banisters can also be a common problem for free roaming house bunnies.
Fortunately, there are lots of home improvement solutions that can be repurposed as bunny proofing that are designed to stop wear and tear.
Most home stores stock a range of corner protectors for steps that are cheap and can be fitted without needing extensive DIY skills or tools.
These range from anti slip mats that lip over the edge to aluminum edging that can be fitted as a permanent solution.
Banister rails can be fenced off with sections of wire grids or sections of pet pen fencing.
How can I stop my bunny chewing my wooden steps and banisters?
Most home improvement stores stock a range of step edge protectors that are designed for the job
Anti slip stair treads can also be used to add a layer of protection
If your banister rails are being chewed fence them off with a few sections of wire storage grids or pet pen
Why does my bunny eat my baseboards
Rabbits love to chew on soft wood as it helps wear down and sharpen their teeth, which constantly grow throughout their lives. They also chew soft wooden materials as a source of dietary fiber which makes up most of their diet.
Baseboards are not only made of soft wood with easy to nibble corners they also lie at just the right height for your rabbit to stubble into so unfortunately, they often end up on the menu.
