Carpet Digging …or Eating??

[the.beanie.bunnies]

Hi there! First post here. Jellybean and I are temporarily living in a carpeted space. It’s his first time and though he loves it for zoomies and binks, it seems to have unlocked a digging habit.

I’ve been finding patches of carpet that has been ripped out. The fibers lay there, seemingly uneaten. I’ve also observed him doing it, and he seems to dig then pull fibers out with his teeth, dropping them to the side. I am SO nervous he will start ingesting the carpet fibers, resulting in a blockage. We have been living here for 3 months now, with no major GI stasis scares, good daily poop output (I count and spreadsheet his poops as he is prone to stasis!), and great appetite.

The only big scare we had since moving in was when he wouldn’t eat his breakfast one morning. I took him immediately to the vet, who found an overgrown molar.

Any tips on knowing whether he is actually ingesting the carpet are so helpful! I’m working hard on getting us moved into a space with hardwood. Desperately want to make sure he does okay while in this transition. Ugh carpet!

[DanaNM]

It’s hard to tell unless you actually catch him in the act. I’ve had the best luck with blocking the carpet “hot spots” with heavy ceramic tiles and providing safe alternatives nearby. Cardboard cat scratchers and grass mats worked well for my carpet-digger buns.

If he has carpet in his pen or primary living space, it might be a good idea to get a sheet of vinyl flooring and lay that down, and then put fleece blankets on top to completely block access to the carpet in those areas.

. . . 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.  

[Wick & Fable]

If a decent amount is left behind, he’s probably not eating any or enough that would merit immediate concern. As mentioned, unless you catch him, it’s hard to say. I’ve have a couple carpet pullers and usually if they leave dredges behind, they are only eating a small amount of it.

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.

[LBJ10]

I agree with using a large ceramic tile to cover up the dig spots. Sometimes all they need is something heavy placed there to help them “forget” about the spot. Most bunnies simply pull up the carpet fibers and spit them out. But you do want to keep an eye out for evidence that something was actually consumed.

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