Bunny Proof Couch – Gap Blocker?

[Antar The Bunny]

Hi all — I posted this question on reddit but figured someone here would also have some insight.

I’m hoping to give my bunny Antar some more room to run around my apartment but have been holding until I bunny proofed everything. The last thing I’m stuck on is the couch — the one time I gave him access to the full living room he went straight for running around and hiding under the couch. The gap between my couch and the floor is about 5.25″ which has made it difficult to find something to block it off. I’ve read about using swimming noodles, but haven’t been able to find any big enough and ran into the same issue with other methods I’ve Googled.

I’m waiting on a product called “Gap Bumper” to arrive to test out. It appears to be a strong band that you can wrap around the legs of the couch. These things are only 2.5″ wide so they might not work.

What are methods people have used to bunny proof the bottom of your couch? And does anyone have experience bunny proofing a couch with a large bottom gap? Apparently, the average couch is about 3″ off the floor.

[DanaNM]

I’ve read of people getting a 2″x4″ cut to the right length and using that. Not sure what your couch looks like, but this tip was listed in the “bunny proofing” section:
https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINFO/tabid/53/CategoryID/8/PID/940/Default.aspx

The member says :
“Our bunnies were obsessed with going under our sofa. I tried the squirting water and the “No!” thing, but those only work for a little while before they come back to try again. I finally built a frame of 2×4 lumber, screwed it together, and laid it under the sofa. Now there is not enough room for them to get under it, and they also have some wood that they are allowed to chew on.

Note from BB: My understanding redwood is toxic when digested, as well as many soft woods, so best to stick with hard woods.”

. . . 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.  

[Antar The Bunny]

Thanks for the link, very helpful. I’ve thought about the wood, but it’s further down the list just because I’ll have to rely on someone helping me (I’m far from handy). I did see the noise machine method that I might try out. Seems affordable and easy, if that doesn’t work maybe I can try to wood. 

[DanaNM]

I was thinking it might not need to be as fancy as building a whole frame. You might be able to just get a piece cut to size and then wedge it under there.

. . . 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.  

[mamkzf]

Seconding the wood method! Lenny just learned he could fit underneath the couch about a week ago. I had my mom (I’m also far from handy!) build a very simple frame from 2x4s to fit underneath the gaps, and he definitely cannot fit under there anymore. Granted my couch only sits about 3 inches above the floor, but you may be able to block off enough space to prevent him from fitting under there! Just make sure you use a wood that is safe for bunnies. Lenny has chewed on the wood out of frustration, but better than chewing on the underside of the couch or the carpet underneath!

[Antar The Bunny]

Quick update on this — I went out and got 2x4s, had them cut to size at Home Depot and popped them right under the couch. So far he’s keeping away. Thanks for all the suggestions.

[Author]

Messages