Stop Excessive clothes chewing?

Vibribunbun · May 22, 2022

Hi,
I have a new mini lop and am quite used to the occasional clothes nibble (This is my 11th bun)

But this rabbit goes to the extreme, she has obliterated three t-shirts already.

She's got a gnawing multi block thing on a chain that she chews daily and she's not really bored either.
Her teeth are fine and she seems to want to be snuggled, so it's not pain or upset.

What can I do to stop her excessive chewing of my clothes?

John Wick · May 22, 2022

Stop exposing her to your clothes. If she is especially drawn to fabric/worn clothes, you'll need to modify your interactions with her to reduce her ability to self-reinforce doing the behavior. You can also try redirecting the chewing energy in the moment by grabbing something for her to chew on instead, or providing enrichment that leans on that inclination so she can exhaust her need to do it elsewhere (like this: ).

Nancy McClelland · May 23, 2022

Yep, keep her away from your wardrobe. I had one, my very first bunny that loved to chew on my Levis'. Had to start wearing shorts when she was around.

Vibribunbun · May 23, 2022

John Wick said:
Stop exposing her to your clothes. If she is especially drawn to fabric/worn clothes, you'll need to modify your interactions with her to reduce her ability to self-reinforce doing the behavior. You can also try redirecting the chewing energy in the moment by grabbing something for her to chew on instead, or providing enrichment that leans on that inclination so she can exhaust her need to do it elsewhere (like this: ).

Sounds like a plan. I can't not show her clothes though- I'm wearing the ones she chews lol.

Vibribunbun · May 23, 2022

Nancy McClelland said:
Yep, keep her away from your wardrobe. I had one, my very first bunny that loved to chew on my Levis'. Had to start wearing shorts when she was around.

I'm wearing the clothes when she's chewing them.
She doesn't have access to other clothes.

dogwoodblossoms · May 23, 2022

Maybe try spraying your clothes that you are wearing with a faint smell that will make her not like the taste. I know you can do it with dogs and it works pretty well. Although you would need to find a rabbit safe one.
Edit: I think I found one that is safe, but it's more to show you what I mean by "spray"
https://www.chewy.com/fooey-ultra-b...90fqQAPtSYxKhex9e_gGuZsUTlLI5lfxoCgXsQAvD_BwE