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Bunny-Proofing
Bunny-proofing means to make your
house safe and secure for your rabbit. It is extremely important and can
be the difference between life and death. Rabbits can get into trouble
very easily. They are quick and quiet, and an unsuspecting owner may not
realize that the rabbit is in a dangerous situation until it is too late.
Taking precautions to bunny-proof your rabbit's exercise area is a must
for any responsible rabbit owner.
 Dark
Areas
First you need to get down on your rabbit's level and see what potential
dangers lay in his path. Rabbits like dark areas. Be sure to block all
openings that your rabbit can crawl into, including areas behind furniture
and appliances and entrances to ductwork. Cardboard, plexiglass or wood
panels can be used to limit access to such areas.
It's best to keep your rabbit away from the underside
of sofas and beds, because he may chew holes in the liner and crawl inside.
If your rabbit eats the stuffing inside of your sofa or box springs, he
may become very ill. These areas can also be blocked off by cardboard
boxes or wooden 2x4 frames. If you can't make these areas completely inaccessible
to your rabbit, a daily inspection underneath the furniture is a good
idea to ensure that no chewing has taken place.
Electrical Cords
Electrical cords are very dangerous for bunnies. If your rabbit chews
them, he could be severely burned or electrocuted. Rabbits are very inquisitive,
so hiding the cords rarely works. It's best to err on the side of safety,
and make your cords inaccessible to your rabbit.
 Cords
should be concealed in flexible plastic tubing, which can be purchased
in various sizes at most hardware and aquarium stores. Canadian Tire sells
flexible plastic tubing for housing car engine wires in their automotive
department. This type of tubing can be cut lengthwise with a utility knife
or scissors so the cords can be slipped inside, and hidden away from a
curious bunny. Spiral cable wrap, which is sold at Radio Shack, can be
wrapped around cords and wires to protect them as well.
House Plants
Household plants should be kept out of reach of your rabbit because many
are toxic. Be forewarned that rabbits can jump onto end tables or climb
onto furniture and reach plants you thought were out of their grasp. Hanging
the plants from the ceiling or putting them high onto window ledges are
better choices, but watch for falling leaves. Also, make sure all plastic
or dried flowers arrangements are inaccessible to your rabbit as well.
Unstable Surfaces
It is also important to make sure your rabbit cannot jump onto any unstable
surface, which he could fall off and injure himself. Fasten an old towel
to the top of his cage with clothes pins so that if he does jump onto
the top of his cage, he will not get his foot caught in the wire when
jumping back onto the floor.
 Off
Limits!
Some areas of your home, such as home offices, may not be able to be adequately
bunny-proofed and may always remain off limits to your rabbit. This can
be done by closing the door or installing a baby gate.
A Final Note
Until an area of your home is properly bunny-proofed, make sure that your
bunny is in a cage or play pen for his own protection, and only let out
under your supervision. Bunny-proofing can be relatively easy, and providing
an area for exercise is so important to your rabbit's well-being. Rabbits
can be litter trained, and as they mature and are spayed or neutered,
they become more calm and relaxed. Depending on the extent of your bunny-proofing
expertise and your rabbit's personality, your rabbit may be allowed to
roam free in an area of your house. It is not recommended that very young
rabbits or first time owners allow their rabbits to roam free immediately
because of the dangers we have listed. It is best for rabbits to gain
freedom gradually so that they are not overwhelmed and become destructive.
Click here for more tips on
dealing with chewing and digging.
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