How To Stop Your Bunny Chewing Walls & Wallpaper

How to bunny proof your wall and wallpaper, cover and protect areas using fencing and what training and enrichment works best to stop the damage

If you allow your bunny to roam freely in your home, your walls and wallpaper are likely to sustain damage from chewing and scratching over time. Bunnies are always on the lookout for something fibrous to chew which helps wear down their teeth and provides necessary fiber, which is essential for their health.

The first signs of damage may be small nibbled areas on the wallpaper. However, as your bunny revisits these spots and gains a better grip on the torn edges, larger areas of damage can occur, spreading across the wall. In some cases, bunnies have even been known to start chewing on the walls themselves, which can be costly to repair and unhealthy for your bunny.

Once this natural chewing instinct begins, it can be difficult to stop, no matter how often you tell your bunny to No. Therefore, the most effective solution is to bunny-proof your walls to prevent your bunny from chewing on them.

We have simple ideas, such as fencing off a wall with sections of a pet pen or using wire grids designed for office storage shelving.

We also provide guidance on installing more permanent solutions, like fitting corner guards and using clear acrylic sheets.

We also have a guide on how to fix more permanent protection such as fitting corner guards as well as examples of using clear acrylic.

Additionally, we discuss the best ways to utilize bitter sprays and share a guide on the most effective deterrents.

We delve deeper into the causes of this chewing behavior, offering advice on how to discipline appropriately without causing stress.

Furthermore, we provide creative enrichment ideas to keep your bunny entertained and away from your walls.

So, if you want to keep your walls and wallpaper damage-free, follow this simple guide to learn how to avoid costly repairs.

Simple ideas to stop your bunny chewing your wallpaper

Section of office cube storage or pet pen can be used to fence off an area

Wallpaper chewing is a common problem with house bunnies, as surfaces covered with wallpaper are at a convenient height for bunnies roaming along the edges of rooms.

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to protect all the walls in your home, which is why learning how to quickly add bunny-proofing measures in spots where you notice this behavior is essential.

Fortunately, there are many tried-and-true methods bunny owners have discovered to provide simple protection for their wallpaper without making permanent alterations to their homes. Best of all, these solutions can be easily set up when your bunny is free to roam and stored away when not in use.

How to re-purposed bunny toys as wallpaper protection

The simplest way to protect a section of wallpaper that your bunny is chewing is to put an object in front of it to restrict access. Repurposed bunny toys are ideal for this purpose, as they can offer an acceptable alternative for your bunny to chew on, serving as a distraction.

Wooden hideaways and castle toys work particularly well because they are large and stable. They can also be left out permanently for ongoing protection as they are tough.

A free alternative is to place a cardboard box against the wallpaper you want to protect. Weighing it down with something heavy can help, as bunnies can be surprisingly strong when trying to reach something.

Cardboard cat scratching pads can serve as effective covers as well. They are pet-safe, inexpensive, and provide solid protection.

Willow or wooden bridges are also useful for protecting corners of the wall since they can be bent into an L shape to fit snugly against it.

Another unique way to protect your wallpaper is to prop a heavy ceramic tile against the areas your bunny is damaging. Sample tiles can often be obtained cheaply from home improvement stores. They work well because they are heavy enough to stay in place and can be easily stored when not needed.

Wallpaper bunny protection using fencing

An effective way to protect long stretches of wallpaper or entire rooms from your bunnies' chewing is by building a small fence around the edge. You can create a low fence inexpensively using sections of office storage cubes. These foot-square grids come in multi-packs and can be easily connected in a long line using the included small cable ties.

Section taken from a pet pen is also ideal for fencing especially if your bunny has a habit of reaching up or climbing on things.

Set the fence a short distance from the edge of the room, leaving enough space to keep the wall out of reach

How to permanently protect your wallpaper from bunny chewing damage

If you have some DIY skills, clear plastic sheeting makes a great permanent solution to wallpaper chewing

To guarantee your wallpaper is protected from your bunny’s chewing, the best approach is to cover it with a permanent bunny-proofing solution.

Fortunately, there are many materials available at home improvement stores that can be used for this purpose, and in most cases, they can be fitted without the need for DIY tools.

Wallpaper chewing protection using plastic corner guards

The corners of walls can be especially susceptible to bunny chewing. An effective way to protect these corners is to install sturdy plastic corner guards. These L-shaped strips can be found at most home improvement stores. They can be easily cut to size with a craft knife and attached using sticky pads. Corner guards are available in white and even clear options.

Wallpaper chewing protection under and behind furniture

There is nothing more frustrating than moving a piece of furniture only to discover your bunny has been chewing on the wallpaper out of sight. This can be a common problem as bunnies like spending time in places of shelter and have a strong instinct test adapt them to their liking.

To prevent wallpaper chewing behind furniture, it's best to block access to these spaces, such as under beds, behind couches, and near other furniture. A simple method is to fill these gaps with plastic storage boxes, which come in various sizes and can be easily chosen to fit snugly.

Another solution is to create a fence using office storage cubes. These square grids can be connected to form a low fence around the perimeter of the furniture for added protection.

Using clear acrylic sheeting for bunny proof wallpaper

A clever way to protect your wallpaper is by using sheets of clear acrylic. This material can be mounted directly onto a wall to safeguard it discreetly.

This can be especially helpful if you have built a large pen that uses a wall as part of its perimeter. Fitting a sheet of clear acrylic will prevent any damage to the wallpaper or wall while not detracting from the appearance of the room too much. I can also be helpful behind litter trays as it is easy to wipe clean and will not absorb any of the mess.

How to use a bitter spray to stop your bunny from chewing your wall paper

Bitter sprays can help make your wallpaper a lot less appealing for a bored bunny to chew on however, but they are unlikely to stop the chewing damage completely so it is best to use this method alongside other bunny-proofing strategies.

Taste deterrents can be found online or at most pet stores, typically available in small spray bottles. They are often labeled as chew stoppers, anti-chew sprays, or bitter apple sprays.

To be effective, you may need to apply the spray at least once a week, as its effect will wear off over time being careful not to oversaturate the wallpaper, as this could cause damage.

The spray is colorless, so it won't leave a stain, but it does have a noticeable odor upon first application, particularly if you cover large sections of wallpaper.

Always choose a product specifically designed for small pets. Avoid homemade remedies like perfume, chili oil, or soap, as these can irritate your bunny’s mouth and lead to digestive issues.

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Bitter spray

How to stop your bunny chewing the corner of walls

If your bunny has started to nibble at the paper on the corner of your walls it is best to act quickly to stop this before it spreads across the wall or the plaster gets eaten. To do this it's best to protect your walls with something chew resistant.

Fortunately, a simple way to protect fragile edges is to use a cheap commercial product designed specifically to stop this type of damage.

You may have seen these L shaped lengths of tough plastic in public buildings and you can buy them in most DIY stores and fit them yourself.

They come in a variety of lengths however you only need to cover up to your bunnies reach so it's best to cut down to size. This can be done with a craft knife so no need for any DIY tools.

They can then be easily attached to the wall with some sticky pads or adhesive.

They also come in a variety of colors so you can match your wall or in clear so they can go over patterned wallpaper without standing out.

Another great option is repurposing a bunny toy such as a scratch pad or a willow bridge. Willow or wooden bridges as they are also called can be bent into an L shape to fit snugly against the corner of a wall.

These tough plastic corner guards from DIY stores are ideal for protect the corners from chewing

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Edge guards

Enrichment ideas to stop your bunny chewing your walls and wallpaper

If you want to stop your bunny from chewing your walls and wallpaper then the key to this is to understand where this natural behavior comes from so you can provide suitable alternatives.

However, there can be many reasons why your bunny chews your baseboards which is why it's such a common problem for house bunny owners.

To help you discover the root causes of this problem, his article examines the various reasons why your rabbit may be damaging your walls and wallpaper, along with practical advice to help you manage the problem.

In each case we recommend suitable enrichment ideas to redirect this chewing behavior, allowing you to keep your bunny entertained and avert costly repairs.

So, if chewing your walls is driving you up the wall, take a look below and see if what you can do to keep your bunny out of trouble.

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

Bunnies are always searching for sources of fibrous materials to eat which is essential for their digestion and also helps wear down their teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives. Wallpaper can be an acceptable source of fiber to chew if they have nothing else which could be one reason they are eating it.

To discourage this behavior, the best alternative is to provide plenty of hay. Hay should make up the largest portion of a rabbit’s diet. If your bunny isn’t eating a substantial amount daily, this could be driving its chewing behavior. If your bunny seems uninterested in hay, try encouraging them to eat more by placing it in a feeder above their litter box. Ensure the hay is fresh daily and of high quality.

You should also make sure you give your bunny lots of chew toys to eat. Popular toys include willow balls, grassy mats, and twigs. Since these toys can be expensive and may not last long, a great free alternative is to use toilet roll tubes, which you can stuff with hay to make them even more enjoyable. Remember to rotate these toys frequently so your bunny doesn’t lose interest.

Your bunny could be chew your wallpaper to customize their environment.

In the wild, bunnies shape their habitat by chewing on various materials. This instinct persists even in a home setting, so redirecting this behavior toward acceptable alternatives is essential.

Large hideaway toys can provide your bunny with something else to chew and shred instead of your wallpaper. Grassy huts, cardboard castles, and simple cardboard boxes can offer a fun outlet. Your bunny will enjoy modifying entrances and stripping the layers off the sides.

If you acquire a cardboard box from a store, be sure to remove any staples or tape and avoid boxes with heavy printing that may be harmful if ingested.

Boredom could be the reason your bunnies is chewing your wallpaper

Bunnies are intelligent and social creatures, and if they get bored of the activities you have provided them with they may turn to chewing at the wallpeper.

To keep your bunny entertained the most important thing is to spend time with them, at least a few hours each day is recommended. As well as petting them there are lots of games you can play with your bunny to make it more fun using foraging toys such as stacking cups or using logic toys. Stacking cups are a great aid and your bunny will soon get the hang of knocking them over every time you build them up, especially if you hide treats inside.

For times when your bunny is unsupervised, consider using puzzle or foraging toys to keep them occupied. These toys come in various complexity levels so can keep your bunny occupied over a long period of time. One popular foraging toy is a digging box, which can be made for free. Use a large cardboard box that is low enough for your bunny to easily jump in and out of and fill it with shredded paper and other enjoyable items.

Place these toys in the area where your bunny has been chewing your wallpaper and reward them with praise or treats to encourage them to play with them instead of your wallpaper.

Bunnies are often less destructive when they have a partner.

Bunnies are often less destructive when they have a companion. Paired rabbits tend to spend more time together, which can decrease their focus on chewing wallpaper. Ideally, adopt a pair of bunnies from the start, but you can also introduce a new companion for your existing bunny with time and effort.

How to Train Your Bunny to Stop Chewing Your Walls and Wallpaper

It can be very annoying if your bunny develops a habit of chewing on your walls and wallpaper, and can spoil the time you spend together. Just when you start to relax you may find yourself jumping up to stop the damage upon hearing the dreaded noise of your wallpaper being shredded.

It can be difficult to bunny proof all the walls in your home which is where training comes in to help deter your bunny from chewing on them. Through effective training, you can communicate that chewing on the walls is unacceptable and consistently guide your bunny toward appropriate alternatives, such as toys that you provide.

Finding the right balance of discipline is crucial during this training process. Bunnies are social animals and can accept some boundaries, but chasing them away from your walls or using physical punishment can frighten them. This may make your bunny wary or even unfriendly toward you, ultimately making it harder to control their behavior.

In this guide, we teach you how to use the correct amount of discipline so your bunny won't suffer stress. We understand that maintaining their trust is essential to enable you to redirect them toward acceptable alternatives.

If you're watching your walls and wallpaper being destroyed, read on to learn how to train your bunny to stop this behavior without causing them distress.

Never punish your bunny for chewing your walls and wallpaper by hitting, shouting, or clapping

The most important rule when training your bunny not to chew your walls and wallpaper is to never use physical punishment. Bunnies respond to discipline differently than cats and dogs and will not respond well to harsh treatment. Even pushing them away forcefully from your wall and wallpaper can cause trauma to them.

Scaring your bunny away from your walls and wallpaper should also be avoided. Methods like shouting, clapping, or approaching them suddenly are likely to be traumatizing and will not help stop their destructive behavior.

We also do not recommend spraying water over your bunny as a way of stopping them from chewing your walls and wallpaper. By the time you have got close enough to them to catch them, especially if they notice you are holding something in your hand, your bunny will most likely be distracted and will not understand why you are being mean to them.

How to discipline your bunny for chewing your walls and wallpaper

The most effective way to teach your bunny that chewing on walls and wallpaper is unacceptable is to say their name followed by a firm "NO!" It’s important to use the same tone and approach. Bunnies are intelligent animals and will learn to recognize this command over time.

Make sure to only scold your bunny when they are actualy chewing your walls or wallpaper. If you wait until after they've stopped, they may not understand the reprimand, which could upset them unnecessarily.

After scolding, redirect them to an acceptable alternative that they can chew on like a chew toy. Be careful not to reward their unwanted behavior with treats, as this could encourage them to chew on walls and wallpaper even more.

With time and gentle discouragement, your bunny should change its behavior and start favoring the chew toys you provide, leaving your walls and wallpaper alone.

How to give your bunny a time-out for chewing your walls and wallpaper

If you are struggling to stop your bunny from chewing walls and wallpaper, giving them a time-out might be a more effective approach. The idea is that your bunny learns that chewing will cause them to miss out on enjoyable activities.

Remember that bunnies can be easily frightened, so avoid rushing up to them or grabbing them abruptly, as this can confuse or traumatize them. Instead, gently move them to a quiet area of your home where they can be alone for a short period of time.

Make sure this area isn’t their pen or night-time enclosure, as you don’t want them to associate these spaces with punishment.

A brief time-out should be sufficient, as your bunny will likely become bored quickly and forget why they are there. Consistency is key, repeat this process whenever bad behavior occurs until they learn the lesson.