It is a commonly known fact that rabbits have the tendency to chew on things that they are not supposed to chew on when roaming free in a home. Rabbits enjoy chewing on items, especially wooden furniture, because it helps to keep them entertained and keeps their teeth trim and neat. If your rabbit struggles with this problem, try the following steps to help eliminate it:
1. Offer your rabbit fun wooden or mineral toys to chew on. By having toys within easy reach, your rabbit will be less likely to search out items that are not intended for chewing on. If your rabbit spends most of the time in the cage or hutch, set-up a small play area with chewable toys in your home for times when your rabbit is free to roam. This play area will be fun for your rabbit to explore and he or she will be distracted from chewing on furniture or something of importance to you.
2. If your rabbit is interested in a particular piece of furniture, move that piece of furniture to an area where your rabbit does not have access or cut off your rabbit�s access to that item. This works well and helps to save your furniture.
3. If it is not possible to move the piece of furniture or item, try one of the following techniques to deter your rabbit from chewing on it. One technique is to spray the furniture or item with a solution that tastes bad to rabbits. Grannick�s Small Animal Bitter Apple Spray is perfect for spraying on furniture and items that need protection (even your rabbit). Your rabbit should dislike the taste and will be deterred from chewing on the item. Another technique is to place double-stick tape on the specific area that your rabbit likes to chew. This works great because rabbits do not chewing sticky surfaces.
4. Supervise your rabbit�s time outside of the cage or hutch. Pick a regular time each day to let your rabbit out and spend the time playing with your rabbit. With you watching, it will be hard for your rabbit to get away with chewing on furniture or other items.
You may need to try one or all of these techniques, but do not get discouraged if you don�t have success at first. Rabbits are trainable and it may just take some time and patience with your rabbit.
