Rabbit Web Discussion Board

Petey has become quite destructive these days! He targets the wallpaper in my bedroom and actually chews right through to the drywall and beyond before I can even catch him!

This is very irritating to my dad and we all want to know what we can do besides cover the 4 walls in my bedroom! It seems I can\'t leave him unattended for even a second! I have heard that the chewing will stop a little once he is neutered. Is that true? Also, is there a spray or something that I can buy that will deter him from chewing on the walls?

I give him plenty of hay, tubes, paper, etc. to chew when he is outside the cage. If I don\'t think of something soon, I\'m afraid I won\'t be allowed to let him out at all.

Please help. Tx

Petey may slow down on his chewing after he is neutered, but consider this...

Chewers are often intelligent, outgoing, affectionate individuals who like to be in charge and get lots of attention. It sounds like Petey may be chewing to get attention. A companion might alleviate boredom, but I have a feeling your dad would not go for that idea...

Anything that would entertain him or make him happier might lessen his chewing. It sounds as though you are providing alternative articles to chew on. (How about wood?) I think your solution should be to only let Petey out when you can devote time to playing with him and to rabbit-proof your room. Until Petey gets older and less rambunctious, I would not let him out unsupervised.

Good luck.

Charlcie Gill
Zodiac Rabbitry
Astoria, OR
http://www.zodiacsatins.com

I think Charlcie is right about Petey. The only thing I would add is to stress how important wood is. Wild rabbits live all winter on bark from trees. I have learned to provide my rabbits with sticks and it helps to keep them busy and it keeps them from being bored, like giving a dog a bone. They eat the bark and they like to toss the sticks and sometimes rearrange them in their hutch. Unsprayed apple wood and willow are the woods most recomended. Mine will also accept Lilac branches. Not all wood is good for rabbits, stay away from pine and cedar.