HELP still chewing on carpet

[benjis_mommy]

 Hi fellow bunny lovers! I need help, i have a 7 month old male Holland lop! I got him neutered in May, my issue is that he is still chewing on my carpet. I have used white vinegar for the carpet & baseboards, I used a higher extract (grape seed) that helped for a little bit, I let him out for 12 hours a day, he is out when I’m at work. He has plenty of toys and I let him free roam while im gone. I would like any help or advice! Im hoping he will just grow out of it!!! Please help Im desperate

[elliekim91]

Hi benjis_mommy…my friend was actually just having this same problem. She tried everything from using a water mist spray, the vinegar method, etc. If you’re providing enough good chew toys AND giving him lots of attention and he’s still being stubborn, the first thing I’d do is stop letting him roam free around the house. Confine him to a room or an area until the bad habit improves. A lot of rabbits won’t grow out of chewing habits (some might though!) because they simply like to chew and dig, it’s in their nature. Keep a close eye on him in the confined area and make sure you firmly tell him “NO!” when he tries to chew. Then immediately provide him with a toy he can chew on. Also give him lots of attention when you’re with him and he’s roaming around – I find that when my bunny is running around and I’m occupied doing something else, sometimes he’ll resort to destructive behavior to get my attention). This worked for my friend after she did it persistently for about two weeks and although he hasn’t completely stopped, he rarely ever chews the carpet anymore cause he prefers his chew sticks and he knows now that chewing carpet will get him into trouble

I hope this works for you too! Unfortunately I can’t provide any personal experience because I have hardwood floors, so I can only go from what my friend has told me. Good luck!

[Deleted User]

I agree with Elliekim91. Having lots of stuff to do for your bun will help. I found putting something over the spots my buns like to chew at with a heavy wooden board really helps. They forget about the spot and move on to something else.

[CheriB603]

I just saw something on the Petco website that was a sisel dig/chew board for rabbits who dig and chew carpet. Will try & find & post here…

 

EDIT: Okay, it was actually on Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Carpet-Chewin…it+digging

[benjis_mommy]

Thank you everyone! The annoying part is that he has a ton of toys! And ill sit on the ground with him and he will just go lay down! I’m always trying to play with him, and give him tons of attention! Ill try that carpet board, and see if that works! I just feel bad because I work from 8:30am to 5:30pm he stays in my room all the time because he doesn’t like my living room lol. That’s why I let him roam around in my room while I’m gone. He’s used to be really bad, and this has been the first incident in awhile thank goodness! Has anyone had successful with that carpet board? I have a box from a shipment over that spot right now, and he’s been digging in it and moving it over. To get to the carpet. What kind of treats do you put on it?

[benjis_mommy]

I mean what kind of treats do you put on that carpet board?

[CheriB603]

Raisins, wrap the fibers around twigs or baby carrots or bits of celery or even lettuce leaves and have him work at getting them out. Leave him things to find when you’re gone. Also try the Teach and Treat toy to give him something else to keep busy with! I just ordered both … Will let you know how they work for me.

[benjis_mommy]

Okay perfect! What’s the teach and treat you? I just ordered tons of toys on this website! Also I’m trying before I get the carpet board, I’m doing a cardboard box that I made completely flat with a shipment box that he can go inside and a ton of toys are right there for him! I’m hoping this works!

[benjis_mommy]

*teach and treat toy

[CheriB603]

http://www.amazon.com/Living-World-…+and+treat

 

Also on Amazon. 

 

[LBJ10]

My buns love their Teach N Treat. Sadly, they are a bit too smart for it and they have the food within seconds.

I agree about putting something heavy over the dig spot. Sometimes that is the only way to make them forget about it.

[Author]

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