chewing and digging and defiant behaviors

[luna21]

We got Trix two months ago, I was told that he was still a baby, I'm just not so sure, when we let him out, he's got plenty of outlets, pieces of wood he can dig at and chew on, we also put a bunch of hay in his carrier so he can go inside and dig, plenty of toys and he knows his boundaries. The first couple of times we let him out he would pull at and bite the rug, so we tried to curb the behavior by clapping our hands or making loud noises and stomping our feet, that would stop him for a bit, but he then he started doing it again so now when he does we put him back in his cage as punishment. Just as the rug chewing seemed to be out of sight he has now targeted our couch, lately he has been going underneath it so we've had to block it, well he did not like that one bit and stomped quite a bit, and now he has started biting the rug all over again, I guess because he cant go under the couch. What else could i do to curb these behaviors?? would this be hormone related?? we plan to get him/her altered ! Help:?

 

[Maureen Las]

The behaviors you are describing are really just normal rabbit behaviors. Is it possible for you to set up an xpen in a room without a carpet. ?

I take the large cardboard boxes thatI get my hay in and give each rabbit a box. ; a few ofmine will actually get in the boxes and dig up and rip the cardboard box floor. they will destroy the box over time and it will need to be replaced.
if the room is not rabbit proofed your rabbits will destroy it.
Years ago i let my mini-lop baby girl go under my couch becauseI thought she was resting back there. ; she really was taking the sofa apart from the back.

The library articles will probably be helpful also


http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=12079&forum_id=17

 

[luna21]

Unfortunately I only have carpeting because we live in an apartment I already know what they like doing under couches...LOL my rex used to like going underneath at our old place and tear up the carpet because we could not catch her doing it under there the boxes sound like a great idea, thanks for the info too:biggrin2: i'll let you know how it works with mister trix:bunnydance:

luna

 

[elrohwen]

It could be hormones, but it could also be typical bunny aging. So neutering may fix it, or it might be an age related phase that will only end with time. Think about how destructive puppies are - bunnies can be very similar. Most calm down by 1 or 2 years and with neutering. For now, just keep blocking things off and being consistent with discipline.

 

[luna21]

That's what i was thinking too, maybe he will calm down a little bit after getting neutered, he is giving me the cold shoulder right now because he has been in his cage all morning ..lol I hate when he's mad at me =(

 

[elrohwen]

Haha, bunnies are very good at showing their displeasure with us!

 

[luna21]

but they are so cute when they do it!! hehe, got me wrapped around his paw