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Bunny Proofing
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Since rabbits need daily exercise time outside their cage, the subject of bunny-proofing needs to be considered. Rabbits love to chew. Some rabbits are more voracious than others. In any case, some measure of bunny-proofing is needed to protect bunny and to protect your belongings.
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What specific proofing you'll need will depend on your individual bunny. Start with the basics and then observe, observe, observe. A newly bunny-proofed area will need to be rabbit-tested. Keep an eye on your bunny and see what nooks or areas you may have missed. Almost always, some adjustments will need to be made based on your individual bunny. A measure of creativity may be required on your part as well in order to come up with imaginative solutions to barricade, block, or protect items or areas.
Diversions should also be considered part of your plan in bunny proofing. Such boredom busters help to keep bunny's interests away from mischief.
Almost all rabbits consider wires, electric cords, and chargers to be prime targets. It's easiest to simply keep wires out of bunny's reach. But this isn't always possible. In some cases, the cords need to be covered. I prefer to use clear plastic tubing available at hardware stores. Just slit lengthwise and wrap the cord. There are other options as well which you can see at the Binky Bunny link. Please bear in mind that the plastic tubing will not forever protect your cords. They are considered a layer of protection only. Check them often for signs of chewing. By keeping an eye, you'll be able to catch the damage before bunny gets all the way through to the live cord.
Some people prefer to keep bunny from behind the couch. Here, rather than block off the area, the couch was simply pulled further from the wall to make a fun alleyway for the bunny. The floor-length curtains had to be tucked up out of the way.
Couches can sometimes be a difficulty. Those that are higher off the ground may allow bunny to get underneath the couch. Some rabbits have been known to dig up into the cushioning from below. It may be necessary to block off the underside of the couch. The couches above are nice and low to the ground preventing this potential problem.
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Clear tubing used for cord protection.
The large entertainment center has multiple cords behind it -- a prime spot for bunny to go. With the simple use of 2 x 4s, this area is effectively blocked off. The photo to the right shows the barricade in place.
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Closer view of cord cover. Moving the piece of furniture in front of the outlet could also be an option.
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BEFORE: Drapes on the floor are too much of a chewing temptation for the rabbits here.
TRIAL & ERROR: The 1st attempt to block off the stairway (wooden part) proved too short. The white board was added on as a temporary solution to add height.
BEFORE: Rubbing ivory soap on baseboards can deter chewing... but not always...
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AFTER: Pulling the drapes up (or changing them) prevents bunnies from playing with them.
The back side of this barricade shows the handle used for sliding it aside so the residents can get by. In this instance, attaching a permanent gate was not an allowable option.
AFTER: One easy solution is to simply tac a 1 x 3 to the existing baseboard. Plain, untreated pine can be chewed on without harm to bunny or your baseboards.
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Baby gates and pet gates can be a great help in keeping rabbits out of areas that are not bunny-proofed while allowing ease of access for others. Look for gates with small openings. Your rabbit's head should not be able to fit through the opening.
FINAL SOLUTION: Since the original barricade proved too short, this taller panel was used as a replacement.
The baseboard-protecting 1 x 3 can be seen here as well as the 'couch solution' of allowing access behind the couch rather than blocking it off.
This is Mocha's favorite resting spot.
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