Rabbit Proof Your Home with These Tips

When living with indoor bunnies, it is vitally important to rabbit-proof your home.

Rabbit-proofing your home means taking the time to identify and address any potential hazards, to create a safe environment for your bunny to explore.

But how exactly do you do that? I’ll share with you how.

Electrical Wires and Cords

Because rabbit’s teeth are continuously growing, they tend to chew on almost anything they come across. However, not everything is safe for them to chew.

Electrical cords are a major danger for rabbits- if chewed on while plugged in they can cause severe injuries, burns, and even death. Therefore, it is best to keep electrical wires out of their reach.

It is a wise idea to hide wires with cord concealers, cable wraps, or PVC pipes.

Wooden Furniture

By nature, rabbits are chewers, which means they chew almost anything they see, especially wood.

You can prevent your rabbit from chewing on indoor wooden furniture by providing them with appropriate alternatives to chew on. Offer your rabbit plenty of safe chewing toys and provide play areas away from any wooden furniture.

Supervise your rabbits closely when they are out of their enclosure and redirect their attention to suitable chew toys.

Carpets

If your rabbit ingests carpet, it can result in internal blockages, which can cause various issues or even death.

When your rabbit is out of its enclosure you must supervise them. Limit their access to carpeted areas by using playpens or baby gates or provide them with a play area free from carpet.

Upholstery

Rabbits don’t just chew wooden furniture; they also chew on upholstery like lounges.

The most efficient way to prevent your rabbit from destroying your upholstery is to supervise them closely or prevent their access. If they begin to show interest, offer a chew toy to guide them away.

Books, Magazines and Newspapers

It can be incredibly annoying when your rabbit chews your magazines, books, and newspapers, causing torn covers and missing pages.

Although very attractive to rabbits, these items can be harmful if ingested as they can contain toxic dyes and chemicals.

To prevent rabbits from chewing these items, do not place them within reach of your rabbit. Place them up on tables or the highest shelf of a bookcase.

Kitchen Area

Rabbits are often attracted to kitchen areas due to the smell of food and the abundance of cosy hiding spots in cupboards and drawers.

If a rabbit makes its way unknowingly into a cupboard or drawer they could potentially get trapped inside.

Kitchens also pose the risk of burns if your bunny comes in contact with hot appliances.

Garbage bins with food are very inviting to a hungry rabbit. Make sure all rubbish bins are covered or stored in areas your rabbit can not access.

Plants

Some houseplants could be toxic to rabbits. And even if they are not poisonous, a rabbit can make a huge mess out of a potted plant.

Choosing a safer location is the easiest way to prevent any issues. Hang plants from the ceiling or put them on tables that are out of your rabbit’s reach.

Tight Spaces

Rabbits can easily squeeze themselves into tight spaces. Make sure you block off or secure any areas where they could potentially get themselves trapped or injured.

Small Objects

Rabbits can easily mistake small objects like coins and small toys for food. If they ingest these objects, it puts them at risk of choking and intestinal blockages which can be fatal. To keep them safe, it’s essential you keep small objects in your home out of reach and away from floor areas. Store small items in secure containers or cupboards and drawers where your rabbit can not access them. Regularly check floor areas for any small objects that may have fallen and remove them promptly.

Ian’s Wrap

Rabbit-proofing your home is crucial for the safety and well-being of your indoor rabbit. Secure cords, provide safe chew toys and keep small objects off the floor that your rabbit could damage or harm themselves with. By using playpens and gates to limit their access throughout your house, you’ll ensure you have a safe space for your rabbit to roam freely without worry.