I found the paper mat instructions! This was originally in the “Carrot Tribune”, the newsletter for Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter, written by Jean Silva. You’ll notice she mentions the LA Times but any newspaper works! I can see if I can get the pictures if this is still confusing.
Make a Mat
Make a mat for your bunny or guinea pig to enjoy. Mats are inexpensive and easy to
make. When the mat is soiled or destroyed, you can throw it away. Mat making is so
much fun that you may want to make a few mats for BUNS.
To make one mat you will need:
19 or 20 double sheets of newsprint from the LA times
A flat surface as long and as wide as the paper folded in half lengthwise
One rabbit or guinea pig.
1. Take a sheet of newsprint folded double. Fold it in half, lengthwise, three times to
create a long narrow strip. Repeat with 18 separate sheets. You should have 19
strips. (Photo: mat 1)
2. Lay 9 horizontal strips close together on a flat surface. Starting in the middle, weave
a vertical strip in an over under pattern, add a second strip in an under over pattern.
Use your fingers to push the two vertical strips close together. Then, push the nine
horizontal strips closer to each other. (photo mat 2)
3. Continue adding vertical strips on each side of the two you started with. After each
addition, take a moment to push the horizontal strips closer to each other. Do the
same with the vertical strips. When you have added 10 vertical strips your mat will
look like this. The unwoven sections of both the horizontal and vertical strips should
extend about 1.5 to 2 times the width of a strip. Take time to push the horizontal rows
closer together. Do the same with the vertical rows. You may need to pull one or more
strips up or down, left or right to even out the unwoven ends. If your rows and
columns are tight, you may be able add an additional vertical strip for a 10 by 10 strip
mat. (Photo mat 3)
4. Starting in the center of the horizontal row closest to you, select a vertical strip that
lies under a horizontal row. Fold it up and toward the top of the mat. (photo Mat 4)
Then tuck it under the horizontal row. (Photo Mat 4a) Push the horizontal row closer
to the row above it. Working the strips below your horizontal row, fold and tuck on
either side of your starting point.
5. Rotate the mat and repeat the process 3 times. Your mat should look like this.
6. Turn the entire mat over. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until your mat looks like this.
7. Add a bunny or guinea pig.
If you have a Santa Barbara News Press, you will need 16 sheets, for a mat that is eight
strips wide and eight strips long.
You can use any of our local newspapers to make a mat although the mat size will vary.
If you prefer, you can buy large pads of unprinted newsprint at art/craft supply stores.
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The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.