How To Stop Your Bunny Chewing Your Baseboards

How to bunny proof your baseboard, cover and protect your baseboards stop your bunny eating them, and what training and enrichment works best to stop the damage

If you have a house bunny, bunny-proofing your baseboards is essential. Bunnies enjoy chewing on wood and often find baseboards irresistible as they forage for food. Just a few nibbles can result in unsightly damage, and if left unprotected, your baseboards could become severely damaged, leading to costly repairs.

In this guide, we share the best advice from experienced bunny parents on how they have learned to add baseboard protectors to prevent chewing. This knowledge has been gathered from the 50,000 members of our bunny-proofing Facebook group, who have shared their experiences and solutions over the past ten years.

We have tips and tricks to temporarily prevent your bunny from chewing your baseboards that can be packed away when not needed. For instance, you can use ceramic tiles to protect areas where damage occurs. We also provide examples of fencing that can be used to bunny-proof longer sections of baseboards.

Additionally, we recommend some of the best permanent baseboard protectors such as plastic corner guards that you can install yourself, without requiring any DIY skills. Also, more attractive options like decorative molding baseboard covers.

A bored bunny is a destructive bunny. To keep your bunny entertained and prevent them from chewing your baseboards, we share with you the best enrichment ideas. Find out what chew toys will satisfy your bunny's foraging instincts and keep them out of trouble. We even include ideas for free toys you can make yourself, saving you money.

We also provide guidance on how to discipline your bunny for chewing on baseboards. This includes setting clear boundaries and addressing destructive chewing behavior without causing stress. And if all else fails, we have a guide to giving your bunny a time-out.

Finally, we discuss how to use anti-chew sprays effectively to stop your bunny from chewing your baseboards. We discuss the effectiveness of different taste deterrents such as bitter apple and vinegar sprays to protect your baseboards, and we show you the most effective way to apply chew deterrents to your baseboards.

So, if your bunny is wrecking your baseboards or you're planning on letting your bunny roam freely for the first time, follow these simple step-by-step instructions to keep your baseboard damage-free.

Easy ways to prevent your bunny from chewing your baseboards

Repurposed bunny toys used to stop chewing

Chewing baseboards can be a common problem with house bunnies.

Bunnies tend to roam along the edges of rooms, and since baseboards are at a convenient height for them, they often become targets for chewing.

It can be challenging to protect all the baseboards in your home, which is why learning how to add bunny-proofing protection as soon as you notice this behavior is crucial.

Fortunately, there are some tried and tested ways bunny owners have found to add some simple protection to their baseboards without permanent alteration to your home. Best of all, these solutions can be easily stored when not in use.

How to use re-purposed bunny toys as baseboard protection

The simplest way to protect areas of baseboards your bunny chews is to place an object up against it to put it out of reach.

Repurposed bunny toys can be a great way to protect your baseboards as they not only restrict access to a trouble spot, they also offer a great alternative for your bunny to chew on.

Wooden hideaways and castle toys work especially well and can be left out to provide some permanent protection.

A free alternative is to use a cardboard box. Place the box against the baseboard you want to protect and weigh it down with something heavy so your bunny can't move it. Bunnies can be surprisingly strong when they want to reach something.

Another useful toy is a willow or wooden bridge, which can be bent into an L shape to fit along the edge of the baseboard.

Cardboard cat scratching pads can also be good for this as they are pet-safe, cheap, and will provide a solid block of protection.

One novel way to add protection to your baseboards can also be to prop up a heavy ceramic tile against the areas your bunny has started chewing.

Tiles are cost-effective, heavy enough to stay in place, and easily stored when not needed.

Baseboard bunny protection using fencing

One effective way to protect long stretches of baseboards or entire rooms from being chewed by bunnies is by building a small fence. You can create this fence inexpensively by using sections of office storage cubes.

These foot-square grids come in multipacks and can be easily connected in a long series using the small cable ties that are included.

Set the fence a short distance from the edge of the room leaving enough of a gap to keep the baseboards out of reach.

Baseboard bunny protection using sticky tape

We do not recommend using sticky tape or attaching other materials such as Velcro to prevent your bunny from chewing on the baseboards.

The problem with tape is that it can come loose and get stuck in your bunny's fur, which can be painful when removed. Additionally, bunnies tend to be persistent chewers, and they may even eat the tape which can lead to potential digestive issues.

How to permanently protect your baseboards from bunny chewing damage

To ensure your baseboards are protected from your bunny’s chewing, the best approach is to cover them with permanent bunny proofing solutions.

In this guide, we show you how bunny parents go about this, for instance by attaching tough plastic corner guards and installing pre-made moldings that can be laid over the top.

We also cover how to block off areas under and behind furniture where damage might go unnoticed, and we discuss adding protection around door frames or in spots where your bunny tends to sit.

Don't wait for the damage to occur, follow these guidelines to prevent this issue entirely.

Baseboard chewing protection using plastic corner guards.

Add a bit of protection with some corner guards

An ideal way to protect your baseboards is to install tough corner guards. These L-shaped plastic strips can be found at most home improvement stores.

You don’t need any DIY skills to fit them as they can be easily cut to size with a craft knife and attached using sticky pads.

Corner guards are available in wood tones, white, and clear options to match your baseboards. Additionally, they can be used on door frames and corners of walls to protect wallpaper.

Baseboard chewing protection under furniture

Nothing is worse than moving your furniture to discover your bunny has been busy out of sight causing destruction. Bunnies like spending time in shelter places and have a strong instinct to customize them to their liking.

To prevent chewing, it's best to block access to spaces under beds, couches, and other furniture. A simple method is to fill these gaps with items you need to store, such as plastic storage containers, which come in various sizes and can be easily adjusted to fit.

Another useful technique is to use fencing made from office storage cubes. These foot-square grids can be laced together to create a low fence that can be installed around the perimeter of the furniture for added protection.

Chewing protection using self-adhesive baseboard moldings

Peel-and-stick vinyl baseboard trim offers a hassle-free and efficient way to stop your bunny from chewing your baseboards.

They are made from a flexible material and come in a roll. Simply peel off the backing and apply it over the top of your existing baseboards to keep them damage-free.

How to use a bitter spray to stop your bunny from chewing your baseboards

Bitter sprays can help prevent your bunny from chewing on your baseboards. The strong bitter taste discourages them from chewing on the surfaces where it's applied. However, this method may not always be effective, as some bunnies might tolerate the unpleasant taste. Therefore, it’s best to use bitter sprays alongside other bunny-proofing measures.

You can buy taste deterrents at pet stores and online. These products typically come in small bottles with a spray nozzle and are often called chew stoppers, anti-chew sprays, or bitter apple sprays.

For the best results, spray the product on a cloth and wipe it onto the baseboards to avoid getting it onto your walls or carpet. Apply the spray at least once a week, as its effectiveness does wear off over time.

Be aware that these sprays may have a noticeable odor when first applied, especially if large sections of baseboard are covered.

We recommend using a product specifically designed for small pets, as homemade remedies like perfume, chili oil, or soap can harm your bunny. They can irritate your bunny's mouth and lead to digestive issues.

From $

Bitter spray

How to Train Your Bunny to Stop Chewing Your Basebaords

It can be quite frustrating if your bunny develops a habit of chewing on your baseboards. Just when you settle down to relax, you find yourself jumping up again to prevent further destruction.

While you can't bunny-proof all your baseboards to protect them, training can be used to stop the destruction. It allows you to communicate a clear and consistent message to your bunny that chewing on the baseboards is unacceptable. Additionally, training can guide them towards acceptable alternatives. By consistently using gentle discipline and positive reinforcement, you can teach your bunny to chew on the toys you provide instead.

Judging the right amount of discipline to use when training your bunny is important, however, using fear tactics or physical punishment can make them anxious. This may lead to them becoming wary or unfriendly towards you, ultimately making it harder to manage their behavior.

This guide aims to help you understand how to use discipline effectively without causing your bunny stress. We provide strategies to maintain their trust while encouraging them to chew on the appropriate toys you provide.

So, if your bunny has been chewing on your baseboards, read on to learn how to train them to stop in a stress-free manner.

Never punish your bunny for chewing your baseboards by hitting, shouting, or clapping

It's important to understand that you should never physically punish your bunny for chewing on your baseboards. Unlike cats and dogs, bunnies do not respond well to physical punishment. Even pushing them away forcefully from the baseboards can cause them trauma.

Avoid using scare tactics like shouting, clapping, or chasing your bunny, as this can traumatize and the stress can even make them unwell.

We also do not recommend spraying water over your bunny to stop baseboard chewing. By the time you have got close enough to spray water over them, especially if you're waving a water bottle about your bunny will most likely be distracted and will have forgotten about the baseboards.

In fact, using harsh punishment methods like a water mister may make your bunny distrust you, which can make it harder to stop them from chewing on the baseboards. You will probably find more success with redirection and positive reinforcement instead.

How to discipline your bunny for chewing your baseboards

The best way to train your bunny not to chew on your baseboards is to say their name followed by a firm "NO!". It’s essential to be consistent with this technique so use the same voice each time. Bunnies are intelligent creatures, and with practice, they can learn to recognize simple words and commands.

Only scold your bunny when they are actually chewing your baseboards. If it's after they have stopped, they probably won’t understand why you’re telling them off.

Most importantly you then need to guide them to an acceptable alternative, such as a chew toy or cardboard box that will be more enjoyable for them to chew.

While it might be tempting to use treats to lure them away from the baseboards, be cautious, this could inadvertently teach them that chewing on the baseboards leads to a reward so we would avoid this.

With time and gentle encouragement, your bunny will progressively change its behavior and prefer the alternative you provide instead of chewing on the baseboards.

How to give your bunny a time-out for chewing your baseboards

If your bunny continues to chew on your baseboards despite your efforts, giving them a time-out can be an effective way to encourage better behavior. Over time, your bunny will learn that their actions can lead to missing out on enjoyable activities.

Remember that bunnies are easily scared, so avoid chasing them or suddenly scooping them up, as this can confuse and frighten them. Instead, gently guide them to a quiet area of your home where they can be alone for a short time.

This area mustn't be their enclosure or night-time pen, as you don’t want them to associate these places with punishment. A brief time-out is sufficient, as they will likely become bored quickly and forget why they are there. Repeat this process consistently whenever they chew on the baseboards until they learn the lesson.

Enrichment ideas to stop your rabbit from chewing your baseboards?

Bunny chewed baseboards

To stop your bunny from chewing your baseboards, it is crucial to understand why this behavior occurs.

Once you grasp the motivations behind this instinctive behavior, you can provide alternatives to satisfy their urges.

In this article, we delve into the reasons why your rabbit chews on baseboards and offer practical solutions to change this behavior.

We suggest enrichment ideas designed to redirect their chewing habits, keeping your bunny out of trouble and preventing costly repairs.

If baseboard chewing is an issue for you, take a moment to review the behaviors below and learn what you can do to keep it under control.

Your bunny could be chewing your baseboards as a source of roughage to eat

Your bunny could be chewing on your baseboards as a source of roughage. Chewing helps provide fiber, which is essential for their digestion and aids in wearing down their continuously growing teeth.

To prevent your bunny from gnawing on the baseboards, ensure that they have plenty of fresh hay, which should comprise the largest part of their diet. Offer fresh hay daily, as bunnies are likely to refuse stale hay. To encourage your bunny to eat more hay, consider placing it in a feeder above their litter box.

Additionally, provide your bunny with a variety of chew toys, such as willow balls, grassy mats, and twigs. You don’t need to spend much money, for a DIY option, you can stuff old toilet roll tubes with hay to create great toys. Remember to rotate these toys often to keep your bunny engaged.

Your bunny could be chewing your baseboards to customize their environment

In the wild, rabbits shape their surroundings by clearing undergrowth and creating pathways, and this instinct does not go away when they live with us as pets. This is why redirecting this behavior toward acceptable alternatives is essential to avoid the damage it can cause.

To help shift this behavior away from your baseboards, provide several large toys for them to chew. Wooden hideaways and cardboard castles can offer a fun outlet, and your bunny will enjoy modifying their entrances.

Cardboard boxes are ideal and when they start looking worn, you can easily replace them with new ones from stores that give them away. Be sure to remove any staples or tape and avoid boxes with heavy printing, as your bunny may try to eat those.

Boredom could be the reason your bunnies is chewing your baseboards

Bunnies are intelligent and sociable creatures, and if they run out of interesting activities, they may turn to chewing on baseboards as an alternative. To keep your bunny engaged, provide a variety of toys and activities.

Most importantly, spend time with your bunny. Allow them to occupy the room where you are and enjoy petting and playing games together. Puzzle toys and stacking cups can be great for engagement. Your bunny will enjoy knocking them over, especially if you hide treats inside.

When your bunny is unsupervised, consider using foraging toys and puzzle toys to keep them occupied. Numerous types of puzzle mats and treat tumbler toys are available, each offering different benefits and levels of complexity.

One of the best free toys to 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 in the area where your bunny has been digging and reward them with praise or treats for using it. Teach them to chew and dig in the box, not on the carpet.

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 baseboards. Ideally, adopt a pair of bunnies from the start, but you can also introduce a new companion to your existing bunny with time and effort.