OK lets talk flooring

[bunnluff]

My girls have been in the same x-pen setup for years with vinyl flooring being the base floor for their cage. I’ve been looking for traction solutions for around the cage as well as soft spots for them to lay and rest. Most recently I’d been using woven jute placemats I’d found for cheap. The bunnies love to chew and dig them but they also provide a slip proof surface and a nice spot to lie down too. Well they were working out nicely but now my issue is pee. One of my rabbits is a pee-er and pees on anything and everything soft and absorbable. So towels are out, blankets are out. I live in an apartment and can’t always do laundry so nothing I’d have to launder frequently. The jute mats I was rinsing in my bathtub and putting on the balcony to dry but I realized that even though I’d soak them in vinegar first, the mats still sorta smelled after they dried and then Bella would just immediately pee on them once in the cage. So my question is……what do you use that is easily cleanable and non absorbing that is still comfy to lay on and provided traction? Any and all ideas are welcome!

[mollys1]

I don’t know what is under the vinyl flooring but I have carpet under my cage flooring. I use plastic carpet runners for the cage flooring. It’s basically just a sheet of plastic with little nubs on the bottom so it stays in place on the carpet. If that makes sense? It’s plastic so not absorbent and is easy to clean but with the carpet underneath it’s comfy and has traction.

[mollys1]

Obviously the carpet runners wouldn’t work if you have hardwood/tile/etc…

[Kbana]

I got my flooring from this place. More expensive, but also more permanent…just a good spray down with vinegar and water and I’m good to go!! Also sweeps up well. I would encourage you to explore the options here if you can. I am beyond happy that I settled on this solution finally!!

http://www.rubberflooringinc.com

[mollys1]

I like those Kbana! Which ones do you use, specifically? Is it just one sheet? I’d be afraid of accidents/spills going between the tile ones?

[Kbana]

I use the 4×10 roll. 1/4 inch thick. Here is the link to the exact product.
http://www.rubberflooringinc.com/gym-mat/tough-mats.html

I was able to use a leather punching tool to poke holes in the bottom along the edges and I zip tied my grid pen to the mat since my pen would have moved too wide beyond the 4 feet…this way it keeps the sides of his pen rigid and even when he tries to bite and tug on the grids he can’t move them.

[mollys1]

Genius! Always good to have new ideas! Thank you

[bunnluff]

Thank you for that site link! I am definitely considering something like what they offer. Now the one you use looks absorbent. Is it? They say these are used in gyms and I’m thinking you wouldn’t want sweat and stuff sinking into these, nor would you want bunny urine.

[Kbana]

No, I don’t think it is really absorbent. Though since I’ve had it AL hasn’t peed on it. When I drip water on it or dump his wet veggies on it, the droplets of water stick around for a bit so you would have plenty of time to wipe things up I would think. I seriously love it! It does have a pretty strong rubber smell at first but after about a week I don’t notice it any more and it has faded quite a bit AL isn’t bothered by it at all. He loves doing zoomies and binkies on it.

[JackRabbit]

Kbana — looked up the link – would pieces come out if a bunny tried to dig on the flooring?

[LongEaredLions]

I do like this flooring idea. However, i want to remind anybody who is considering trying it out, that you should not use it if your bun is a chewer, as rubber can cause horrible blockages.

[JackRabbit]

So what do you use for decent traction flooring if you have a bun that chews or one that digs?

[Kbana]

There really isn’t anything to chew…there aren’t any seams if you use all one piece and it took me over an hour to punch about 12 holes in this things using a heavy duty leather puncher! I ended up with scrapes and bruises on my hands from trying to poke through it. It really is virtually indestructible. AL does chew, which is why I needed a heavy duty flooring option. This really fits the bill. There aren’t any separate pieces…though in the photos it looks like a bunch of chunks glued together. It is not so. Though I have the solid black so that may be the way to go?

[LongEaredLions]

Oh wow! I thought it would be a bit easier to chew! I might try it myself, as Lionel is a huge chewed and digger, lol!

[bunnluff]

Well I found something for the time being. I’m not thinking anything super heavy or permanent just yet since I might be moving but great options for later! I popped by Bed Bath and Beyond to look at bathtub mats because this is something I had used years ago. I need traction but also something soft and easily wipeable. The mat I bought is wonderful. It was a bit pricey at 15 bucks but I am banking on it to do a good job so the price is worth it. Plus it’s eco friendly natural rubber, not some pvc mess, which puts my mind at ease somewhat. No chewing yet thank goodness and I hope there won’t be any to report! So far a happy camper!

[Author]

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