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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum THE LOUNGE I’m done.

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    • JPetrucci84
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        Just wanted to say that I met some really nice people on here, and won’t be returning after Cinder finds Rainbow Bridge. No offense to anyone here, but I can’t bear this $*&! ball anymore.

         

         I’m done with Cinder. I give her a box to dig, she digs my carpet. I tell her no with a clap, she continues anyway. I give her a clean box, and cardboard to chew and she finds my PS4 headset and chews it. It’s not even in the way but she did it anyway. When she dies (not that she’s sick) I’m not getting another rabbit. I’m done. 


      • Bam
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          Hi JPetrucci, good to see you here – but I’m of course sorry you’re feeling this way! Life as a bunny owner really can be quite frustrating at times. Bunnies seem to have an extremely good nose for the things we least of all want them to chew or dig at.

          I hope you and Cinder will soon be friends again.


        • Deleted User
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            I have a Cinder too, rescue bunny (she came with the name).

            She hates humans, runs away when you go to scratch your head when watching telly, now she is on her own again she just hides in her box all day long. I’ve never stroked her whilst she’s been on the floor able to run away. Only time I can stroke her is when I’m holding her (at vets or whatever)

            She could be such a lovely sweet bunny, it’s such a shame.

            Don’t give up though, I won’t x


          • Dface
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              If it makes you feel less alone, my wonderful girl has just discovered her new favourite game, of finding something to chew that provokes a reaction from me, and then when I go over to stop her she binkies away. I sit back down and she does it again. She has a world of chew toys. She has destroyed more controllers, cables and wires than Im comfortable recounting, even though they are all wrapped in bunny ‘proof’ wire insulator. Little witch can get through it in about 10 minutes.

              As irritating as it is for me (and you aswell) it’s not actually you’re rabbits intention. Wires are designed in a way that they feel great to chew, electricity even gives off a hum which is very attractive to rodents and rabbits feel compelled to get their teeth into anything that resembles a root…it’s their version of making sure the house is good and safe-an out of place root in a wild bunny burrow can ensnare a panicked rabbit so they keep them out of the way whenever they can.
              Doesnt bring back you’re headseat, and Im not trying to convince you that it’s not annoying, it’s just her nature and she cant help it. She does what she’s designed to do, unfortunately a humans house is not the right setting for rabbit instincts. Sometimes we lose sight of that.
              They arent like dogs who truly understand they arent supposed to chew or dig at things (or cats who understand and just dont care) and being angry at her for it isnt really fair (even though getting angry is a natural reaction when they always do it.)

              I’m not saying you arent right in calling it a day when your bun passes away, rabbits really know how to get on peoples nerves, but please keep in mind that while she’s with you she’s not trying to annoy you, she’s just trying to modify your home to suit her needs as well…I mean if was flipped and you lived in a burrow you’d probably want to make some changes !


            • Mikey
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                This is why you bunny proof or find a large enough xpen for your bun to run around safely. Ive gone through a few different chargers in the past year because of my bunnies, but its still worth having them. One charger didnt even make it 2 hours at home before one of the bunnies found it and dug it out of its box to chew up, lol. My Blue likes to grab my laptop cord and tug on it as hard as he can if he feels im not playing with him enough. It still works, but it has teeth indents all over it. My boyfriends laptop cord got partially chewed through, so its now wrapped in electrical tape and still cuts out now and then (boyfriend doesnt want to spend 20$+ on another charger since it still does technically work). It is what bunnies do They teach you how to bunny proof, and then they find ways around the bunny proof so you have to adjust your methods. For some, it wont be worth it, but for others, its totally worth the companionship of the furry trouble makers

                It is sad you are done with bunnies, if you feel it is right for you, then its totally fine and understandable. I love dogs, but i have learned that i dont like having dogs as much as i like petting and playing with other peoples dogs


              • Odette
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                  I second Mikey’s x-pen suggestion. They are larger than they look online.

                  I understand your frustration. But if you don’t get joy from being a bunny person, then I agree that you probably shouldn’t adopt another bunny. I do hope that you and Cinder find a peaceful coexistence and friendship.


                • JPetrucci84
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                    I apologize for this little rant..after some time to cool down, and her uncanny ability to groom me in apology has given me a chance to think and restructure. I think I’m just boggled that I give her so much to chew, but she chews everything else. I swear sometimes I think her mentality is “This looks important to my hooman.” (munch munch munch). I’ve literally seen her grab a cord for a PS4 controller charger and walk backwards while chewing. Seriously?! If you want attention, come by me and lay down or something! xD

                    Anyway, knowing me I’ll probably get another rabbit down the road. With all that I know now, I’ll be more prepared for times like these when frustration happens. Thanks for listening, and for all the help.


                  • Dface
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                      I’ve literally seen her grab a cord for a PS4 controller charger and walk backwards while chewing

                      My girl has grabbed my phone cord WHILE I pick her up to move her away from it. And it’s done for.
                      I started storing all of my console wires in a box to protect them, one day I didnt snap the lid into place perfectly(it was still closed mind you). I came back in and they were ruined(this was for my retro systems-NES SNES gameboys and N64 along with some of my computer things…all of which have expensive replacement cables.) For the NES I may aswell just buy a new one..

                      In fairness her expression of “Oops” was pretty funny…in hindsight.


                    • JPetrucci84
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                        Posted By Dface on 10/03/2016 7:10 PM

                        I’ve literally seen her grab a cord for a PS4 controller charger and walk backwards while chewing

                        My girl has grabbed my phone cord WHILE I pick her up to move her away from it. And it’s done for.
                        I started storing all of my console wires in a box to protect them, one day I didnt snap the lid into place perfectly(it was still closed mind you). I came back in and they were ruined(this was for my retro systems-NES SNES gameboys and N64 along with some of my computer things…all of which have expensive replacement cables.) For the NES I may aswell just buy a new one..

                        In fairness her expression of “Oops” was pretty funny…in hindsight.

                        Oh noooo, Dface! I grew up on those systems, so I know the attachment is great with those classic systems. I think Cinder has chewed through two MacBook Pro chargers (one not mine), at least two headsets, a few iPhone charging cables..usually they’re not even in the way. My headset was on my coffee table with the cord draped over one side. She could have easily gone through it, or to the side. But nooo she has to munch. I am going to try to see if I can repair it, which shouldn’t be difficult.

                         

                         


                      • Dface
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                          I think Cinder has chewed through two MacBook Pro chargers (one not mine)

                          The pain of having to get other people to forgive your rabbit is only too real. There was nearly world war three in my house when Sampras (my male rabbit) decided that the internet cables needed to be gotten rid of. We got it replaced, the day it got replaced I left someone else to watch them, Yumi gets in to the brand new wires and minces them. My twin nearlyblew a gasket.

                          Lucky she found them really, they were wrapped in protective tubing and they were hidden well out of the way behind the couch.(Which is an area that SHOULD be off limit to bunnies, but my mam was watching them and her excuse was ‘but it makes them happy’)

                          But yeah the coating on wires really appeals to them, and pretty much all rodents.


                        • Theodorusrex
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                            While my bun isn’t a huge chewer, I feel it’s because we do all we can to avoid him having the opportunity to chew. The entire downstairs of our house is bunny-proofed. All wires are blocked off by furniture/cushions/gates etc to protect both them, and my bunny from getting frazzled. We learned that when Theo gets down the side of the sofas he chews so we blocked all those off too. He has roam of the kitchen unsupervised as its 100% bunny-proof but I’d day the front room is only 90% bunny proofed as he has been known to jump up on the TV table etc so he’s only allowed in there when we’re supervising him. And when noone’s home he has a large cage attached to an x-pen to play and chill out in. I remember being so frustrated with what I deemed to be ‘bad behaviour’ with theo when we first brought him home but I came to realise that you need to adapt your living situation to suit them, not adapt them to suit your living situation. They are bunnies – they want to chew and dig and be mischievous little devils but to improve your relationship with bunny (and stress levels) I suggest doing all you can to ensure they can’t get their paws or teeth on anything precious to you – it has made my life much much easier, and my relationship with Theo 1000% times stronger


                          • Theodorusrex
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                              Also, on the chewing things that aren’t yours – Theo chewed my friend’s handbag to bits last week while noone noticed. Thankfully it wasn’t an expensive one but I’ve now learned a valuable lesson to always ask visitors to put coats/shoes/bags/anything precious in the hall


                            • LittlePuffyTail
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                                I think Cinder has chewed through two MacBook Pro chargers (one not mine)

                                Replace Cinder with “Bindi”. Chewed through my Apple cord and then my Mom’s Apple cord…..not cheap to replace.


                              • Azerane
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                                  I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with Cinders, rabbits can certainly be a challenge at times. My current pair seem ok so far (but there are no cables in the area they have access to) but Bandit was trouble with cables. If there was one to be found, he would find it, but he would only go looking if he knew I wasn’t around to see. He ruined multiple cables, some were bad luck (well protected or not in his area and he escaped) and others were my own fault.

                                  It’s always frustrating, and it can be tough not to be angry, but I take it as a lesson to myself that I simply shouldn’t have left a cable exposed, or the book on the floor if I didn’t want it chewed etc. Basically, if it was something I didn’t want chewed and it got chewed, it’s my fault for leaving it somewhere where it was able to be chewed. I’m afraid I don’t have any advice for the digging, since carpet digging was something I was never able to solve, but protecting cables can be done with a little extra work

                                  Cords that Bandit chewed before I wisened up and stopped taking chances:
                                  – Washing machine
                                  – 2 x laptop cables
                                  – floor lamp
                                  – desk lamp

                                  He also ruined 2 pairs of thongs (flip flops), shoelaces, some carpet, half a window frame, put holes in the couch, refinished the legs of the dining chairs, and nibbled a few books. He was innately curious and always up to something He was very challenging at times, but I loved him to bits.


                                • JPetrucci84
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                                    I’m definitely considering an XPen, just heard that they were XPENsive! Badum psh. Anyway, at least it will be better than the crappy store bought one I should have gotten rid of years ago.

                                    While she’s out, though I have to keep all eyes on her. I guess I was thinking rabbits were “independent” like cats where I don’t HAVE to monitor them from time to time. Well, live and learn.


                                  • Deleted User
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                                      I’ll swap ya!


                                    • Azerane
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                                        lol, bad pun, but I still laughed

                                        Yes, xpens are a wise investment. I’ve been meaning to expand the area my two have so that they have the run of the whole living room, instead of just the area in front of their condo. But I’m worried of doing that, and it not working out, and then them being mad when I have to change it back, haha.


                                      • jerseygirl
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                                          Posted By Dface on 10/03/2016 11:44 AM

                                          If it makes you feel less alone, my wonderful girl has just discovered her new favourite game, of finding something to chew that provokes a reaction from me, and then when I go over to stop her she binkies away. I sit back down and she does it again. She has a world of chew toys. She has destroyed more controllers, cables and wires than Im comfortable recounting, even though they are all wrapped in bunny ‘proof’ wire insulator. Little witch can get through it in about 10 minutes.

                                          As irritating as it is for me (and you aswell) it’s not actually you’re rabbits intention. Wires are designed in a way that they feel great to chew, electricity even gives off a hum which is very attractive to rodents and rabbits feel compelled to get their teeth into anything that resembles a root…it’s their version of making sure the house is good and safe-an out of place root in a wild bunny burrow can ensnare a panicked rabbit so they keep them out of the way whenever they can.
                                          Doesnt bring back you’re headseat, and Im not trying to convince you that it’s not annoying, it’s just her nature and she cant help it. She does what she’s designed to do, unfortunately a humans house is not the right setting for rabbit instincts. Sometimes we lose sight of that.
                                          They arent like dogs who truly understand they arent supposed to chew or dig at things (or cats who understand and just dont care) and being angry at her for it isnt really fair (even though getting angry is a natural reaction when they always do it.)

                                          I’m not saying you arent right in calling it a day when your bun passes away, rabbits really know how to get on peoples nerves, but please keep in mind that while she’s with you she’s not trying to annoy you, she’s just trying to modify your home to suit her needs as well…I mean if was flipped and you lived in a burrow you’d probably want to make some changes !

                                          An awesome post Dface. So, so true. That’s interesting about the hum cords give off that may attract them. I had never thought about that before. 

                                          It’s funny how some rabbits are cord obsessed any other could care less.  But this thread is a great reminder to rabbit peeps to routinely check your cords, even if your bun isn’t a big chewer. Rabbits have surprised me a few times when out of the blue they’ll do something they never made a habit of doing before.


                                        • jerseygirl
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                                            Posted By JPetrucci84 on 10/05/2016 1:53 AM

                                            I’m definitely considering an XPen, just heard that they were XPENsive! Badum psh. Anyway, at least it will be better than the crappy store bought one I should have gotten rid of years ago.

                                            While she’s out, though I have to keep all eyes on her. I guess I was thinking rabbits were “independent” like cats where I don’t HAVE to monitor them from time to time. Well, live and learn.

                                            You’d be surprised with some of the online deals for x pens. The midwest range is really good and you can sometimes pick them up for an excellent price. I think I read here once that its better to get the one that are 42inches(46?) high.

                                            Also, second hand pens might be worth looking into. As long as not rusty, they’re the sort of item that there’s not much difference between second-hand and new.

                                            With chew toys, have you tried fixing them down to something that won’t easily move. ie. Like a heavy board or to side of a cage. They can really get their teeth into them that way. 


                                          • MrBun&Daisy
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                                              My bunkids found a new game this morning. We keep a baby gate to block off the closet and they have been working on chewing through it for a week or two. Well they finally have made enough bunny size holes in it that its useless. so this morning while trying to get ready for work I played “pop up bunny” when I would finally get one to come out of the closet the other would run in! they thought it was far funnier than I did. So now i’ll have to find another gate that they can’t chew through or find the spare cash to buy a closet door. And yes we have gone through the multiple phone chargers and while its annoying I always say its my fault for leaving them where the buns can get them. My boyfriend has an original Nintendo NES and whenever he plays it he has to hold the cord of the controller up and pay attention to daisy who is our destructo bun

                                              its frustrating at times but then their little faces and snuggles are irresistible even if I know they aren’t truly sorry!


                                            • Deleted User
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                                                I still don’t know what an XPEN is? My Henry lives freely within our home with a baby (XPEN?) gate to stop him from getting to our front door. Otherwise he sleeps under our bed and he has a home made house for his food/water with NO door! Is that also classed as an XPEN? Is a XPEN a bunny house? If so…. where can I buy one from in Australia?


                                              • jerseygirl
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                                                  AndHenry, it’s a short terminology for exercise pen aka puppy or dog pen.


                                                • VivaLaBunz
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                                                    I understand your frustration xD My first rabbit bit through hundreds of dollars worth of wires. An X Pen is short for Exercise Pen, and they are usually marketed for puppies/small dogs. They are not very expensive and you can basically make them whatever shape you want.


                                                  • Benthebunny
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                                                      I understand completely. Ben chewes everything. There has been so many times that i have had to fight with my parents to keep ben because he was chewing on wires. I fought so hard for him because chewing is their instinct. Before you make any huge decisions i jaust want to say, not every bunny digs and chews everything. You have to find the perfect bunny for you. obviously, you dont like chewers. before you adopt/buy ask the person there what the bunny is like. Or if its from a litter, hope for the best


                                                    • Dface
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                                                        ….and in the time since I last was on, Yumi has chewed another phone cable and laptop charger (she got the laptop one when I put it down to pick up the phone charger)
                                                        The only reason she got the phone charger was cause Sampras got his head stuck in my popcorn bag while we were watching a film…
                                                        If I didnt laugh, I’d probably cry


                                                      • jerseygirl
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                                                          I’m laughing with you, Dface. Laughing with you! 

                                                          Does anyone remember this Bunnies are A**holes article?


                                                        • JPetrucci84
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                                                            Posted By jerseygirl on 10/06/2016 2:53 AM

                                                            I’m laughing with you, Dface. Laughing with you! 

                                                            Does anyone remember this Bunnies are A**holes article?

                                                            That’s a great article! I laughed in agreement with so much of this. I’m working on getting Cinder an XPen right now, just trying to do my OCD thing and figure out WHERE it’s going to be, and HOW it’s going to be arranged.


                                                          • jerseygirl
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                                                              Isn’t it?!  I absolutely adore the pic of the toy rabbit dressed as a knight. Hands down a fave of mine.

                                                              You may have to wait until the pen arrives to find the best set up. Sometimes arranging it as a long narrow rectangle is good as it gives them a long distance to hop but doesn’t come out into the room so much either. Another way is in a L shape in a corner. 
                                                              I reckon she is going to drive you nuts chewing on the bars or pulling it out of shape. She sounds like that kinda bunny!  So give some thought to how to prevent that happening.

                                                              I just came across this PSA also. I hadn’t really thought about this before.   Im not posting this to discourage you getting an x pen. I use them.  It’s just something extra to think about when setting them up. 


                                                            • Love4Bunny
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                                                                I hear what you are going through, JPetrucci84. I favour XPens because they are so versatile, and I always tell people they can put two together with some tarp underneath (worked so far for me). I cannot have my rabbits free-roaming. There is simply too much for them to destroy, and destroy they will, and have. I know I’ve wished that I could do what other people do by letting the Lagomorphs run with daily abandon over a carpet palace, but the truth is – it’s either my husband or my rabbits, and I’d like to keep both! I just want to encourage you that there’s always a practical solution.  The main adjustment is really our expectation vs. reality. Don’t give up, because everything is workable. Not everybody can do this, but if you have a backyard & time to supervise your _ _ _ _ ball, outdoor run time is a great option for bunnies that like to dig and chew. Just block off all small spaces and chop off toxic plants. If you do that sorta thing, it can make for a very happy rabbit. I’m sorry it has been so stressful for you.  And that’s a good suggestion about the wire, JG.

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                                                            Forum THE LOUNGE I’m done.