Bunny Eats Carpet, I Scold, He Chews His Blanket

[Toni-Montana]

My neutered two year old bun Ford enjoys eating and digging into my carpet under the couch and behind his cage. When I catch him doing it, I scold him by saying “No” and then he starts chewing his blankets which is fine, but that just goes to show how mischievous and sneaky he is. I guess that’s his way of saying sorry. He doesn’t do it all the time but it happens at least 1-2 times a day or every other day.

I provide him bedding to burrow in his cage, but he just shoves it to the side so he can lounge. I also take him outside to dig. I also have lots of toys for him to chew, we even to tug of war with his blankets.

I was thinking about doing the water spray bottle method ( I know not to spray the water at his head), has anyone tried this or are there other methods?

Or is there some sort of bunny proofing or maybe a substitute to put on top of my carpet since he only does it in those designated areas? 

[jerseygirl]

You could get a heavy board, drill some holes then zip tie a hay or sea grass mat onto the board. Really secure it in multiple places. Then place that over the carpet where he’s chewing. Of course, you’d have to keep checking this is what he’s actually pulling at and not the carpet!

[Toni-Montana]

I will definitely try that. Thank you! 

[jerseygirl]

I should have mentioned, be certain the wood is rabbit safe. As that will likely get chewed also.

[Brambino]

I have tried a small water pistol but Bramble is pretty determined. She loves to pull the carpet out. I squirt her and it stops her momentarily but she just goes back to chewing. She now cannot be left alone unsupervised. I’m worried about her getting a blockage! She also started chewing when she was thirsty :s she really enjoys licking the water off and getting extra clean!

Other suggestions are lots of toys. One person put small amounts of watered down honey on her wood blocks as a distraction. Toy rotation. And a large blanket or rug over problem areas.

Im hoping Brambles chewing improves after her spay next month! Interested to hear how you get on Toni and whether you find something that works!

[Toni-Montana]

Yeah I totally forgot about the blanket too. I want to do the grass mat, but I have so many allergies to all kinds of grass and he only plays with his toys when I play with him. I am going to purchase a spray bottle this week and we’ll see how it goes. He’s not too bad, but it’d be nice to let him run around all day without worrying about blockage and ruined carpets. 

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