Spending more time chewing then running

[Stayathomemama28]

Bruce has discovered a few choice places he can hide and chew on things. Furniture, toys, paper…a crayon…anything he can get into he will. There are no wires or major dangers he can get into…but if something happens to be left out it becomes his chew toy. His favorite thing to chew is the bottoms of our chairs and a toy chest. He is supervised so I am trying to keep him out of trouble but I wish he would run and enjoy the space to play. He decides he wants to run when it is time to go back in his cage. I have a few differs toys for him to chew but he wants what he can’t have. Suggestions?

[Harlequin]

Hmm… I had the same problem for a while, but Hazel eventually got bored. I would say maybe try making one of those white vinegar and water spray so that it makes what they are chewing unappetizing? I am not too familiar with those, so you may want to do some more research on that, but that is the best I could tell you.

[Gina.Jenny]

Might not be the solution you were thinking off, but Gina was a so-and-so for causing damage, but recently we adopted a boyfriend for her, and now she is far more interested in playing follow my leader. Of course, there is always the risk that follow my leader becomes copy me wreak the place!

[Stayathomemama28]

Thank you for the suggestions! I wasn’t sure if bunnies go through teething or if it is more because he can. He reminds me of my 8 month old daughter. Between the two of them they are into everything! I have tried blocking off the areas that he likes to chew but he seems to get even more determined to get at it. He is young still so I know it can take time. I had a dream last night about finding him a friend lol. My husband would not be happy with me if I suggested getting another bunny.

[Azerane]

Bunnies are constantly teething. Since they’re teeth constantly grow throughout their life, they have a natural urge to chew. Hay does all the wearing down, so chewing your furniture is really just a bit of fun (plus it might be tasty) My suggestion is simply to offer other chewing alternatives right next to the things that he does chew. You can tell a bunny off all you mind, but often their mind is set on something, so you need to be able to successfully redirect as well.

In terms of running around, a lot of rabbits won’t spend much time running around. The may have a few binky sessions when they first get let out, or play catch me if you can when it’s time to go back in, but for the most part it’s lounging, chewing, grooming, slow-paced exploring.

Do you have any tunnels for him? Sometimes tunnels can encourage rabbits to move around a bit more, either cardboard boxes or a cat tunnel from a pet store.

[Stayathomemama28]

Ah ok, that makes sense! He does have a tunnel and a box to explore but he seems to like to crawl to the back corner of the couch and chew the most. Lol I blocked it off with pillows and he would dig, climb and jump in order to get his way. I am glad to hear it is normal for them to just do a bit of a run and the rest of the time just hang around. I was worried he wasn’t getting enough exercise.

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