Bringing a bunny home is pure joy… until they start chewing your charger cable.
If you’ve ever come back to a half-eaten baseboard or frayed wire, welcome to the bunny parent club!
Learning how to rabbit proof your home is one of the first (and best!) steps you can take to keep both your rabbit and your things safe. Trust me, I’ve raised over 20 rabbits, and I’ve lost more furniture legs and phone cords than I care to admit.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple, safe, and budget-friendly ways to rabbit-proof every part of your home, so you can relax while your bunny hops around happily (and safely).
What Is Rabbit Proofing?
Rabbit proofing means making your space safe for your rabbit while also protecting your belongings from curious little teeth.
Rabbits chew to wear down their teeth (which never stop growing). It’s instinctual, not naughty.
Common Dangers That Need Rabbit Proofing
Here’s what to protect first:
- Electrical wires and chargers
- Wooden furniture and baseboards
- Carpet corners and rugs
- Houseplants (many are toxic to bunnies)
- Plastic or rubber items
- Paper, books, and low shelf items
How to Rabbit Proof Your Home (Safely and Smartly)
1. Block Access to Dangerous Areas
- Use baby gates or foldable playpens
- Keep bunnies out of kitchens and wire-heavy spaces
2. Cover and Hide Cables
- Use cord protectors
- Run wires behind furniture or tape them high
- PVC pipe covers are a budget-friendly fix
3. Keep Plants Out of Reach
- Many common houseplants are toxic
- Keep real plants on high shelves
- Try artificial or bunny-safe plants
4. Protect Furniture and Baseboards
- Apply bitter apple spray (safe deterrent)
- Cardboard barriers or plastic guards
- DIY solutions work well for corners and edges
5. Give Them Things They Can Chew
One of my biggest mistakes? Not giving them enough chew toys. Rabbits will always chew—just give them better options.
Favorites include:
- Apple sticks
- Untreated wood blocks
- Hay-stuffed cardboard rolls
- Seagrass mats and chew balls
Personal Tip: Make a Bunny-Friendly Zone
Create a small bunny-safe play area in your home. Add tunnels, mats, toys, and soft bedding. It’ll help your rabbit feel at home and reduce their urge to explore off-limits areas.
Snowy, one of my rabbits, rarely chews furniture now that she has her own cozy corner.
FAQs (About Rabbit Proof)
Q1: My rabbit keeps chewing electrical cords, even after I’ve hidden them! What else can I do?
A: This is a huge concern because it’s so dangerous! Even hidden cords can sometimes be sniffed out. Make sure you’re using robust cord protectors (like thick plastic tubing or spiral wrap) on all exposed wires. You can also try bitter sprays (though some bunnies don’t mind the taste!). The best long-term solution is often to physically block access to areas with wires using sturdy furniture, baby gates, or C&C grids. Always prioritize safety over aesthetics when it comes to electrical cords.
Q2: What are the safest chew toys if my rabbit loves wood?
A: Offering plenty of appropriate chew toys is key to redirecting destructive chewing. For wood lovers, look for untreated apple, willow, or aspen branches. Many pet stores also sell wooden blocks or sticks specifically designed for rabbits – just make sure they’re natural and untreated. Hay-based toys are also fantastic for chewing and digestion.
Q3: My rabbit is eating the carpet! How do I stop this?
A: Carpet chewing is frustrating! Rabbits love to dig and chew and carpet edges or loose threads are prime targets. Try laying down hard plastic mats or plexiglass panels over the areas they chew most. You can also offer a designated digging box filled with shredded paper, hay, or safe dirt to satisfy their natural urge to dig. Sometimes, increasing their playtime and offering new, exciting chew toys can also help redirect this behavior.
Q4: My rabbit sprays pee on the walls/furniture. Is this part of chewing, or something else?
A: While chewing is about dental health and instinct, spraying urine is usually a territorial marking behavior, often seen in unspayed females and unneutered males. It’s not directly related to chewing, but it is another common “problem behavior” for rabbit owners. Spaying or neutering your rabbit is almost always the most effective solution for spraying, as it addresses the hormonal drive behind the behavior. It also offers significant health benefits for your bunny!
Q5: How can I tell if my rabbit is chewing due to boredom or if it’s a health issue like dental problems?
A: This is a crucial distinction! If the chewing is new, excessive, or obsessive, or if it’s accompanied by other signs like reduced hay intake, changes in poop, drooling, or lethargy, it’s worth a vet visit. Dental problems often cause pain that can lead to unusual chewing patterns or a reluctance to eat hay. If your vet rules out health issues, then you can focus on increasing enrichment, playtime, and offering a wider variety of appropriate chew toys to combat boredom.
What I’ve Learned (So You Don’t Have To)
- Never leave a rabbit alone in an un-proofed room
- Always provide chew toys
- Be patient—chewing is how rabbits explore
- A safe bunny is a happy bunny
Quick Actions for Bunny Beginners:
- 📥 Download my FREE Bunny Care Checklist [Coming soon!]
- 📖 Read 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting My First Bunny – Rabitz
