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Forum BEHAVIOR Training to chew only certain things?

  • This topic has 7sd replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 8 years ago by LBJ10.
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    • Fiona
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        I’m wondering (in advance) if there is a way to train your bunny to only chew certain things? Like training a cat to only scratch the scratchboard, or training a puppy to only chew his toys…


        With a puppy, I would say “uh uh” and clap, then offer a chew toy, then praise and pet when he chews the toy. But I assume that the methods on training a rabbit to only chew certain things is going to be different from that, right?

        Thanks!


      • Q8bunny
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          I just make sure there’s always a variety of chewable stuff around (which I rotate, to keep Chewie’s attention a.k.a. fresh-toy syndrome lol). I also spray stuff I know tempts him (like the door jambs, the chair legs, etc.) with my favourite perfume about once a month. He hates the taste.


        • Love4Bunny
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            Yes. Distracting them with something appropriate is what most of us have to do. Chewing is a natural thing for rabbits, and they could give two tuppence about what’s valuable to us.

            But they do make associations. Thor loves decimating the cardboard in the corners of his room. He knows I hate it because when he hears me walk toward him, he will jump around to face me, and now his new thing is a bunny “hit & run”, where he’ll shred and then bolt upon my approach. Crysta see’s me pick up the spray bottle and will also run (no joke). She has her wooden chew toys but she likes chewing & digging at the towel: that is her new thing.


          • Bam
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              I agree, interrupty, distract and re-direct the interest towards a more appropriate thing to chew. Q8’s perfume-trick (it does sound rather a luxurious method!) probably has about the same effect as rubbing ivory soap on hard things you don’t want your bun to chew – they hate the taste.

              That plus providing your bun with one or several cardboard house/s to chew, wooden chew-toys, a fleece-blankie to rearrange and dig in, willow toys or twigs, perhaps a dig-box filled with shredded newspaper etc I think is your best bet. Rotation of toys is also very wise, new-toy syndrome is sth that many humans suffer from, so it’s not just bunnies =)

              But don’t ever trust him around naked electrical cords, even if he doesn’t show any interest in them. One day like out of the blue he might just get the idea into his head and – snip.


            • Fiona
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                I see, so it is pretty much the same as for other animals. Perfume and soap trick noted!

                And I’m putting cardboard boxes in the pen, but going to get more stuff, in case the bunny doesn’t love chewing on cardboard all day…

                Where would I buy chew toys that will last awhile for the cost/cheaper options? I’m looking at the woven grass ball on amazon, and also the willow mega munch sticks… How long would those last with a young bunny, do you think? Also, would getting fresh willow branches from a willow tree work, or do I need to wash/dry it out some way?


              • Bam
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                  It’s difficult to say how long a willow toy will last, it depends on the bunny more than on the willow. You can absolutely use fresh willow too. Willow is rarely if ever treated with pesticides, but you should still ask unless it’s your own trees, of course. Apple twigs and branches are great too. My buns love fresh apple twigs.
                  I don’t know where to get willow toys at the best price in the USA, but maybe others have some tips for you!


                • Love4Bunny
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                    I prefer fresh willow sticks, rather than willow toys, because the toys and balls don’t last long in my house. I get fresh willow from my hay supplier online, and order them with the hay (the only time they allow you to order the willow!).

                    The BB willow baskets and mats are also a favourite.

                    I like those “loungin logs” from Dr’s Foster and Smith. You can buy them online. I have a different brand from my local pet store (bigger, and rainbow-coloured). You can shape them into a semi-circle (tunnel), and my Crysta LOVES that. I also rotate toys.


                  • LBJ10
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                      Yeah, willow is gone in about 2 seconds around here. My boys love cardboard and phone books. There’s nothing more satisfying than ripping phone book pages. I agree with the others. Redirecting is best, but you have to be persistent with it. Bunnies can learn what “no” means, but that doesn’t mean they will always listen. They might just chew faster and then dash once you are upon them.

                      Bitter apple/bitter yuck do not work. At least not for my buns. Leopold actually seemed to like the taste. *sigh* Perfume can work, but you have to keep reapplying it. I’ve never tried ivory soap, but I guess it deters other animals so it makes sense.

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                  Forum BEHAVIOR Training to chew only certain things?