bunny proofing

Rabbits can be quite destructive if left unsupervised in the home. It is not uncommon to hear stories of chewed carpets,
pillows, tv remote controls, phone chargers, etc, but this doesn't have to happen if your home is bunny-proofed effectively.

Start with your bunny

The best way to bunny-proof your home is to start with your bunny. A desexed bunny is less likely to be destructive than
an intact bunny as hormones are not giving your bunny any added energy to go forth and multiply - or in the interim,
search & destroy!

Electrical cords & cables

To bunny-proof your home, start with the most dangerous items - the electrical cords.
Cables and cords to a rabbit resemble roots of a tree and if they are in the way, it will only
be a matter of time before they are chewed through. A chewed cord and 240 volts can
mean instant death to your bunny so it is imperative to cover and conceal them carefully.

The most effective way to cover electrical cords is to use plastic irrigation pipe available
from hardware stores. It comes in a roll and can be found in the gardening section
devoted to sprinkler systems. It is usually black, flexible and can be easily cut to length
and slit down the centre, then placed over any cords in harm's way. You can use thicker
agricultural pipe to cover powerpoints as well by cutting out a slit along the side and
placing a length of pipe over the point.

Furniture

The only other things to bunny proof will be your furniture and small items. It is always wise to be with your bunny
while around anything that you are concerned about - such as the brand new couch or grandma's handmade rug!
Small items such as remote controls, phone chargers, wine glasses or anything else that can be damaged, broken
or knocked over should be placed out of your bunny's reach at all times (we know this from first hand experience!).

Supervise

The best way is to watch your bunny's behaviour if s/he is new to your home. Some rabbits are very laid back while
others can be like a bull in a china shop and need to be watched constantly. You are very lucky if you have a bunny
that does not chew but with that said, non-chewers are not rare, it's just a matter of being on the safe side and
assessing the situation before it arises.

It's just a matter of being careful, but it's also the best way to get to know your bunny's personality.

Wishing you happy and safe days for you and your bunny!

Better safe than sorry

Since our bunnies are free to roam in each bedroom at our house, we have set up
little doors to stop each pair running out and accidentally meeting each other.

These doors are made from old chipboard posters cut to size, hinged on one side
with a latch on the other. As they are low, we can just step over them to get
access to each room or open them if the bunnies are coming out for a run.

Other things to remember will be to not leave items out that could be harmful to
your bunny such as poisons, buckets of water, plastic bags, rubber bands and if
your bunny has free range of your house, always put the toilet seat down just in
case you have an inquisitive jumping bunny! Also, remember to always shut your
doors to the outside world unless you have an enclosed and bunny proofed
backyard or else it's goodbye bunny.