HELP? Bunny proofing a futon.

[HennysMommy]

I am just about losing my mind. I think I outsmart my rabbit and he still finds a way to destroy everything he comes in contact with. I am super frustrated that he is just beginning to nibble at my brand new futon. I have a very small room so I decided a futon would work well. I got it with a metal frame because I thought, oh this would keep him from biting. Wrong, he’s not biting the metal but he’s biting the mattress that came with it. From the bottom and on the sides that stick out. Forum says I can’t advertise products so I don’t want to post a link but if you look up black futon it’s one of the first results. I am currently at a loss as to how I would bunny proof a futon, something I will be opening and closing every day and night. I am considering putting him in a small fenced in area in my already tiny room, for the nighttime when I sleep… he’s a free range bunny and I would like him to have that space and freedom but I also need this futon to work in my bedroom, and the last thing I want is him ripping the mattress to shreds.

Any and all ideas are appreciated. I’m literally racking my brain for ideas 🙁

[Evan R. Bunny]

Where is he trying to rip it up? My rabbit Evan tries to get under our futon, so I just blocked all access to under it with some foam blocks.

[DanaNM]

What about using some NIC cube grids along the sides of the mattress? It might not look the nicest, but you could link up some strips of grids, then fasten them along the sides?

Alternatively, an x-pen could block off that whole part of the room, and could be easily reconfigured for when the futon is open or closed.

. . . 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.  

[LittlePuffyTail]

When I’m unable to closely watch my Elara (nicknamed “The Naughty Nibbler”) I take an X-pen and pen off our couch and love seat. Not pretty to look at and kind of a pain to go around it when you want to sit down but it’s all I can do from her destroying my living room set.

[HennysMommy]

Thank you all for the input! I went out and bought metal grids/cable ties so I can build him a cage 🙁 I don’t know if he’s unhappy about having to be back in a cage from free roaming but it’s spacious and I’m letting him out when I can watch him. Once I move (hopefully by end of the year) I’ll give him an even bigger space!

[Gordo and Janice]

We actually bought a fleece throw (or actually I guess because of it’s size it is a blanket), color coordinated to fit with the couch and the color scheme of the room, and put it over the couch and tucked it in appropriately so it looks nice. Because we knew it was inevitable that her little mouth and teeth were going to want to investigate and exercise using the couch as the medium for both endeavors. She chewed little holes in the blanket here and there but it saved the couch which was the ultimate goal. And truly it makes the couch feel way more soft and comfortable and cozy than with the original fabric alone.

[HennysMommy]

This is a really good idea! I’m gonna search online for a blanket that would fit my sofa as well. Thank you!

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