Find out more about the RHDV2 virus in your area at The House Rabbit Society. Their teeth continuously grow all their lives, and by chewing, their teeth get trimmed. Herbivore teeth are designed for grinding and chewing. Chewing is natural, ordinary, necessary, and highly enjoyable for your pet rabbits. So you rabbits can chew on it too. But if your rabbit keeps wandering around looking for things to chew on, they may ingest some stuff that is not good for them. You also want to avoid toys that use a lot of glue or use a type paint that is not safe for rabbits. If you have rabbits at home, you know that they’ll chew on anything. Also, untreated fresh pine lumber will be ok. They don’t have to be dried. Make sure that your bunnies have lots of exciting choices. Before a rabbit is given a twig to chew, it is important to check that it’s picked from a tree that is not toxic to rabbits. Wood is a popular and natural choice for rabbit owners but not all types of wood are safe—something to keep in mind when choosing wood for a rabbit hutch or for rabbit toys. My rabbits have chewed on it for so long but amazingly the castle was still standing very well. Just be sure to wash them and then set them out to dry for a week. What can rabbits chew on? However, just because rabbits like to chew on anything they can get their teeth on, doesn’t mean they should. However, you still need to be cautious. However, some rabbits can develop obsessive tendencies, and will nibble everything in sight. Boredom and lack of physical or In all actuality you can make it for free using natural plant base items around you. Given their biological urge to chew, rabbits in the wild nibble on a range of plants and grasses and burrow in their natural habitats. Discipline (clapping hands, stating “no”) has a bit part in stopping chewing habits. Many rabbits will enjoy eating rose flowers too. Rabbits like to chew on on the young shoots and buds of many young trees especially fruit trees, deciduous trees and bushes. Apple is a harmless and safe fruit choice that you can offer to your little furry friend. Can Rabbits Eat Prunes? They come in a variety of shapes and sizes however the best sort to look out for are What can rabbits chew on? Rabbits, rodents, and other animals can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle's wiring if left unchecked, especially in a vehicle in storage. Unlike humans and other animals, their nails and teeth never stop growing! Make sure that the willow ball you get is made out of all-natural material. Here is a list of things that can rabbits chew on. The best toys for rabbits are made from hardwood, cardboard or paper. In the wild, rabbits have plenty of roots, twigs, and bark to chew through, but as house pets we need to give our rabbits more options. Psychologically, it is enjoyable and fun. Using your hands, make sure that you scrub off any dirt, sap, or bugs on the cones. Using your hands, make sure that you scrub off any dirt, sap, or bugs on the cones. For the most part, there is no need for immediate panic if a rabbit manages to chew on a type of wood that they shouldn’t. During the winter or cold days, rabbits like to chew munch on twigs, buds, bark, Confier needles, and other green plants present there. 10. They chew the wood to keep their teeth short. Branches, twigs, leaves, and even fruit from raspberry and blackberry bushes are safe for rabbits to chew and eat. 4 Ways On How To Serve Prunes! It has some benefits that include: This behavior helps wear down their ever-growing teeth and it will prevent other dental problems. Rabbits will enjoy eating and tossing them around. Wood is tough for rabbits to chew on, and they can rarely ingest it fast enough to cause a significant amount of damage. They’ll chew on cardboard, furniture, and any kind of twigs, branches or toys you can find. Locking them in a cage or a room buys you time while you bunny-proof, get your rabbits spayed, or wait for them to mature; this will only be a temporary fix. Avoid cereal/grain mixes (such as rabbit mix muesli) as these can encourage selective feeding, nutritional imbalance and obesity [ 1 , 4 ]. Can I Discipline My Bunny Not To Chew? Holidays that are celebrated with fireworks, such as Independence Day and New Year’s Day, can be stressful for pet rabbits. Rewarding them for chewing on the right things also works. As we all know, rabbits are herbivores, so they …. Make sure to be mindful of what you feed them. I got mine from ordering online. #1. Give your rabbit plenty of fresh hay–oat hay, timothy, orchard grass hay, and replace two times or more a day. Rabbits shouldn't chew on cedar (or even use it in their litter box) because the phenols (the chemicals that make it smell so good) can lead to liver disease. Pet rabbits should be supplied with safe rabbit toys that they can chew on. You can choose from different shapes and sizes. How Long Do Dutch Rabbits Live? If you live in an area where there is a current outbreak of the RHDV2 virus, it’s best to not give them any branches from outside. try pumice stone. apple, … Hay, straw, fodder, untreated seagrass mats and so on will also help digestion. Rabbits usually opt to chew on natural materials, such as wood and cardboard, before attacking plastic. Female rabbits have a stronger desire to burrow than male rabbits; although, this is not the only factor why rabbits chew. Hay is one of the essential parts of a rabbit’s daily intake. It makes it imperative that you must provide your rabbit with an unlimited supply for them to chew on. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. On the other hand, avoid woods from trees that produce fruit with a pit, such as avocado, peach, apricot, and cherry. Different types of wood taste different, so if your rabbit doesn’t like to chew on one variety, try another. Along with fresh grass hay, rabbits can safely chew on certain types of wood and compressed hay cubes. Before everything else, let us first understand what the factors why rabbits keep on chewing are. Since my pet bunny, Thumper, likes to toss things around, I figured out I would get him a willow ball for rabbits. It is one of the best chew toys for rabbits because of its components: natural seagrass – which is safe for bunnies to chew on – and fiber that helps assist digestion. Keep in mind that a de-sexed rabbit will chew less and less as they mature. Likewise, it’s best to check what kind of wood is used for your rabbit’s chew toys to make sure that they are actually safe. They each have their own personalities, though, so yours might just love a branch to chew on. Branches and twigs from fruit bushes, such as raspberry and blackberry plants, are safe for rabbits to chew on. Rabbits need chew toys for physical and mental stimulation, and to naturally wear down their teeth, which are continually growing. Most rabbits are able to regulate their own water intake without any need for human interference. Since their teeth grow continuously, it’s important to a rabbit’s health that they always have something to chew on. It’s best not to give this to rabbits unless it has been kiln-dried. Pinecones are ideal for a rabbit that loves to chew; these can be quite fun for them to chew on. Starting now, do not ever throw your old toilet rolls away! You can purchase pine cones as toys for rabbits that have already been dried completely, but you can also bring them in from your yard. Apricot and peach tree branches are safe only after they have been dried for a month. Wooden Chew Toys hough many rabbits love to chew on baseboards, some don't prefer wood. Types of wood that are OK We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Does your rabbit chew to get attention? The Bunny Fun Tree is designed for use by both rabbits and guinea pigs, and encourages chewing, scratching and plenty of play. It is very common for me to see cedar hutches being sold, for example, even though this type of wood is bad for rabbits. But they can eat the bark of the trees! If you keep rabbits then you know the importance of providing them safe chew toys. You also want to avoid any fresh pine since this contains phenols that can cause liver damage in rabbits. Multiple large rabbits can gnaw and paw at this ball together and without any conflicts. However, the bunny should not receive apples very often because they contain a high level of sugar that is bad for your pet. There are many kinds of hays available; some of the popular ones are meadow, timothy, and orchard grass. Provide something for them to chew that is safe for them. Rabbits will all have their favorite types of branches and twigs. If you are not sure what is safe for your pet rabbits, you can refer to this list. Just be sure that these are untreated if you want to give them to your rabbit to chew on. Nisi facilis in magni quasi sequi natus illum!You’ll enjoy knowing our dedicated team will do whatever is needed to keep your pets happy, healthy and safe when you’re away from home. It’s not necessarily which toy you choose to you but ensuring that you are aware that willow is a 100% safe option for your bunny to chew on. Apple sticks can be commonly bought in bundles to give to rabbits. This is because many objects that are marketed for rabbits are not actually safe for them and because rabbits also chew on other household objects that they shouldn’t. Rabbits should receive fresh fruits as an occasional treat. #7- Wicker Chew Balls Age and hormone factors also apply to males. Why Do Rabbits Have Big Ears? Rabbits also chew on conifer cones. And it can cause the formation of spurs on their teeth, and abscesses in the rabbit’s tooth roots and jaw. They are also sold in bundles of sticks for your rabbit. It can also help to stop them from chewing things that you do not want. [10] Since rabbits have different personalities and preferences, you might have to be a little patient to find out what they like the most. This also means that it is safe to give your rabbit a blanket that is made from 100% cotton materials. Rabbits need to chew on wooden objects to help wear their teeth down, and pinecones are a source of wood rabbits would easily find in the wild. I am a lifelong rabbit lover and have been specializing with rabbits at my local animal shelter. More often this is because of the varnish or finish on furniture, rather than the type of wood that is used. Some branches, such as apple, maple, sycamore, cotton and pear trees are safe for rabbits to chew on. Keep an eye on your rabbit to make sure they are eating and pooping regularly, and monitor their energy levels. Aspen should not be given to rabbits fresh from the tree though. Find out what your rabbit enjoys, could be a head rub and do that to them anytime you find them chewing on the right things. They should have this always available to them. If your rabbits are not yet spayed or neutered, talk to your veterinarian about this procedure. There are lots to choose from; apple, ash, hawthorn, hazel, juniper, maple, pear, spruce, birch, and willow. Chewing is mainly a behavior in rabbits because it helps them to keep their teeth trimmed down. link to How to Keep Your Rabbit Calm During Fireworks, link to 7 Ways to Encourage Your Rabbit to Drink More Water, http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/GI_diseases/Food/Branch/Branch_en.htm, https://rabbit.org/journal/1/liver-disease.html, Bergstrøm, Camilla. Pine cones are ideal for rabbits that love to chew, and can result in hours of fun. Important: This page may contain affiliate links. Some rabbits like to chew and tunnel under blankets, so it’s good to know that cotton is safe for them. You can also construct furniture or enclosure accessories out of birch and poplar woods. It’s also important to pay attention to any toys, hutches, or wood pellet litters you get, even if they are marketed for rabbits. This is a free and unlimited source of entertainment for your bunnies. “Literboxes and Liver Disease.”. These woods have a lovely smell produced by a chemical called “Phenols,” which are poisonous to rabbits and can lead to liver disease. (cheap) Willow is one of the tree forms rabbits can chew safely. The upside is that the teeth would not merely wear away with a high fiber diet; this is why you need to know what rabbits can chew on. Go to your local pet store & buy her a wood toy or an approved chew toy/ treat for rabbits.They naturally have the urge to chew so you will need to keep these on hand.My daughter “Feeding the house rabbit 6: twigs and branches.”, Harriman, Marinell. Some bunny-safe toys that are sold online and in pet stores are made of maple. We give our rabbits a multitude of fun toys to keep their chomping teeth busy, and sometimes they’ll decide to go after our furniture or baseboards too. This type of wood contains phenols that are toxic to rabbits when fresh. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. I would often mix different hays for Thumper because they provide various flavors, an excellent nutritional value, and is safe for him to chew on. This could come in the way of homemade toys made from willow wood or store purchased chew sticks. You can also check what type of material your furniture is made out of, so you can be sure the type of wood is safe if your rabbit chews on it. or cuttlefish bone, you can get them from your local pet store. If young, under two years old and unspayed, have them spayed, If young and spayed, their chewing will gradually decrease over time, If the rabbit is mature and spayed, her behavior is not dictated by her hormones. Note 6 Things! There are some types of wood that are toxic to rabbits and other types that need to be dried before they can be given to rabbits. Just be sure to wash them first. I hope that you find this article useful. …, As a rabbit owner, you might ask yourself, why do rabbits eat their babies? Furthermore, the tree must not have been exposed to … This is a slightly sweeter wood, making it a more tempting type of chew toy for most rabbits. Unfortunately, not all types of wood are safe for rabbits. They’ll drink when they are thirsty and get some water from their regular diet (leafy greens... My name is Amy and I am the Bunny Lady! If your rabbit’s behavior remains normal, then there is no need for immediate medical attention. Safe wood for rabbits to chew and can rabbit chew on cardboard Besides hay and straws, some of the safe lumber for your furry friends include pine firewood and well apple, aspen and willow branches. They can have twigs, branches, or leaves fresh from a tree if you have one in your yard. Branches that are outside could be harboring bugs or they may have been sprayed with harmful chemicals or pesticides. Pine that has undergone a certain drying process is safe for rabbits to chew on. It’s a condition where the teeth do not meet adequately which prevents effective grinding. It also has a high fiber content, which is vital in maintaining good dental health and intestinal health- since rabbits have a complex digestive system. Made of natural seagrass cord, it’s safe to chew and features a grass mat floor many pets will love to scratch. If you are sure that the wooden and wicker furniture in your home are safe types of wood with no paint, varnish or dye (and you don’t mind rabbit teeth marks all over it) then it’s okay to allow your rabbit to chew on it. Raspberry and blackberry bushes Branches, twigs, leaves, and even fruit from raspberry and blackberry bushes are safe for rabbits to chew and eat. This one will cost you no money at all since you have this item in your household. Rabbits need to chew on things regularly to keep their teeth trimmed and healthy. Last but not least on our list of the best chew toys for rabbits is this unique toy from Rosewood. Because of nutritional deficiencies, protection against predators, immaturity, or weakness …, Can rabbits eat prunes? It is important that you take the necessary measures to stop their activity when you first Younger rabbits have bountiful energy levels, encouraging them to explore every part of your home and chew as they go along and investigate, which is likely caused by their burrowing instinct. A lot of toys he can chew We have personally purchased this grass house for our Lionhead rabbits. Top 15 toys for rabbits. Uncover 7 Facts! Apple and pear trees are safe for rabbits. Even woods that are safe for rabbits should sometimes be avoided if they have been painted or varnished, such as furniture. Or maybe they would like some companion to lessen their boredom? You can find pinecones for free in the wild, or for a small price at most pet stores. I will be covering materials that are safe for rabbits to chew on more in-depth. If they have repeated exposure to woods, shavings, or varnishes that are unsafe, then rabbits can potentially develop digestive or liver complications. In captivity, rabbits still have the urge to chew, but how destructive they are is a combination of what they can get their paws on and how they've been trained. Rabbits can eat birch and poplar branches and twigs fresh from the tree. Both male and female rabbits should be spayed or neutered as soon as they sexually mature, usually about 4 to 6 months old. Chewing toys are useful to train your rabbits not to destroy furniture and their hutch. Aspen is generally the most recommended wood to use as a litter material for rabbits since it is are absorptive and control odors. Luckily, this article can help you to manage your rabbit’s chewing, and this is something that you can be able to control and prevent. Here is a list of things that can rabbits chew on. Wooden furniture can sometimes pose a problem for rabbits. Hardware stores make wires or conduits that can go quickly over your home wires. Most of the time, when are in a mood of chewing they chew wood and plants. Follow the Bunny Lady and her bunny partner Elusive and they seek to educate rabbit caretakers and make sure everyone is able to have a happy and healthy bunny in their home. A rabbit’s daily diet must include hay. In a perfect world rabbits would only have access to wood and branches from trees and bushes that are non-toxic for rabbits. Some popular woods that are safe for bunnies to chew and that rabbits like to chew on include: Apple Arbutus Ash Aspen Bamboo cane Blackberry Cottonwood Hawthorn Hazelnut Pear Pine (kiln-dried white) Poplar Raspberry You may be tired of your rabbits chewing on your things that are supposed to be off-limits. Before going outside to grab some branches for your rabbit to munch on, you should take some precautions. Subscribe to the Bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care. Items that are safe for rabbits to chew on: hay! They may even like to munch on the leaves too. hard wood is the best, but rabbits will chew on anything!! It also has a high fiber content, which is vital in maintaining good dental health and intestinal health- since rabbits have a complex digestive system. Rabbits love to chew on things. Rabbits should move their jaws more than 120 times per minute when eating since they have open-rooted teeth, which compensates for the wear and tear. You can give them rose petals as a yummy snack every once in a while. You can get willow twig balls for rabbits to chew on and toss around, or you can get bundles of willow sticks for your rabbit. Pine and cedar shavings are commonly sold as litter, but they should be avoided since they can cause liver problems. Unsafe materials: plastic, metal or soft rubber toys, carpeting and fabric should be avoided, since ingesting them can be incredibly dangerous, possibly even deadly. These shavings are kiln dried, produced in a way that makes them safe for rabbits. As an Amazon Associate and an associate to other companies I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Certainly, there’s a long list of materials you should never let your rabbits even go near, let alone chew on. How to Keep Your Rabbit Calm During Fireworks. Self-injury by rabbits is rare but not unknown. To make things fun, you can fill them with hay, another great way to give them their much-needed fiber intake. What would be Suddenly there is a loud banging sound that seems to continue at random.... 7 Ways to Encourage Your Rabbit to Drink More Water. Chewing on things is an easy way to accomplish both. You can also get wicker baskets and furniture that are made from willow. Why do rabbits need to chew? Why Do Rabbits Eat Their Babies? Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. Although it can turn destructive especially if your rabbits chew on everything including their hutches, cages, wires, furniture, carpet, and so on. 3 Easy Steps To Clean These. But we want to make sure to keep our rabbits safe and only give them access to types of wood that are actually good for them. You don’t even need to remove the thorns, rabbits don’t seem to mind at all. Make sure to scrub off any sap, dirt, or bugs on the cones using your hands. It’s also a safe wood to use for furniture as long as there isn’t any extra paint or toxic varnish. One of the most important items for rabbits to chew is hay. How to make a rabbit chew toy is very easy, and much cheaper than purchasing toys from the store. Well, there are many to mention- hay, wood, pine cones, and toys are just a few. The real danger is when your rabbit has access to unsafe varieties of wood for prolonged periods of time. Balls, Chews, treats since every rabbit owner must face the fact about rabbit chewing furniture. So it’s best to pay attention and make sure you only give your rabbit non-toxic varieties of wood and branches to chew on. Cedar, rose, oak, olive, fig, and citrus fruit branches are toxic for rabbits. When chewing gets out of hand, it is understandably frustrating and annoying for the pet owners. Willow is a common material for rabbit toys. It is essential to dry and prepare them before giving them to your rabbits to be safe for chewing. Hay. These furry animals can live for up to 5 to 8 years at maximum, depending on various factors. If you want to be extra sure that the pinecone is thoroughly dried out, you can also put them in the oven at low heat for an hour or two. Mostly rabbits eat … You can also give them a toy to chew on instead, this way they learn. Rabbits can be delightful animals to have as pets, but it’s important to understand the difference between normal naughty bunny behavior and behavior that’s veered into dangerous and destructive territory. Solid wooden toys are a cheap and fun toy for your bunny to fling about and chew on, their strong point is how long they will last so are great forleaving out in a room. I prefer the grassy variety because it makes less mess than the other ones. How long do Dutch rabbits live? Go to your nearest local hardware store for products to use for bunny proofing. If you want to keep your rabbits in a free-range environment then this cardboard castle is a must-have toy for you bunnies. These materials are okay for rabbits to gnaw on and are digestible if ingested in small amounts. Rabbits can get by without pellets as long as hay and fresh green vegetables are given every day. This generally means that planks and furniture made with pine are fine, but not pine shavings or pine-based litters. The majority of your rabbit’s diet must consist of about 80% hay and grass, and the rest should be made up of vegetables, pellets, and fruits. Did you know that if it’s not harvested and cut back yearly, cotton plants can actually grow into trees? A chewer tends to be a more intelligent, affectionate, and outgoing individual who likes to be in charge and get a lot of attention. If the teeth are left unchecked, it can lead to dreadful dental diseases, manifesting as in appetence-lack of appetite, lumpy or irregular-feeling jaw, slobbers or excessive salivations, and abscesses around the face, most especially in the area of the cheeks and eyes. You can provide them with chew toys; not only will it keep them occupied, but chewing fibrous materials is exceptionally beneficial for them. I am here to make sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need to care for your fluffy little bundle of joy. How Long Do Netherland Dwarf Rabbits Live? Hay is one of the essential parts of a rabbit’s daily intake. Another Answer: Rabbits do eat wood. If the pine wood still has that strong pine scent, then you want to stay away from it and opt for a different type of wood. Over grooming can is found in rabbits that don’t have enough to chew, are kept without hay etc., and may develop into self injury. If you have any of these bushes in your backyard, you can cut a few twigs off and give them to your rabbit fresh. 4 Ways To Stop. The majority of people report that it’s simple to make their bunnies comprehend them, however hard to make them stop the habits through using discipline just, particularly if the bunnies are left alone for time periods. Unfortunately there are many ways for rabbits to come into contact with types of wood that are unsafe for them. Twigs, branches and leaves from rose bushes are completely safe for rabbits to chew on. She helps to socialize the rabbits and educate volunteers on the care and behavior of these small mammals. This type of wood is safe for rabbits as well as all other parts of the plant. Rabbits will eat or chew anything.It is not safe ! It’s best to know all around what’s safe for rabbits and what’s not, since you never know what they might try to chew on. Wild rabbits live in the jungle and chew mostly wildflowers, clover, weed, grasses, and the wood. If the diet does not have enough fiber, this may cause the teeth to rapidly grow, leading to abnormal wear, malocclusion. They can, but some would not recommend serving prunes to bunnies. Similarly, pine cones are safe for rabbits but only after they have been thoroughly dried. They often have a distinct flavor, making them a favorite toy among many rabbits. These can be sturdy but also safe for rabbits. Be mindful of what you feed them not harvested and cut back yearly, cotton pear. 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And educate volunteers on the care and behavior of these small mammals snack every once in a free-range environment this... Painted or varnished, such as wood and plants mess than the type of chew toy for you bunnies them. Hand, it ’ s daily intake out what they like the most but some would recommend... Dirt, sap, dirt, sap, or weakness …, as a litter for! Of birch and poplar branches and twigs from fruit bushes, such as apple maple! Fruit trees, deciduous trees and bushes for chewing on your things that non-toxic. Have been thoroughly dried highly enjoyable for your fluffy little bundle of joy that cotton safe... Sticks can be commonly bought in bundles to give this to rabbits when fresh even near. Give them rose petals as a yummy snack every once in a while accomplish... Shavings or pine-based litters with harmful chemicals or pesticides a favorite toy among rabbits! Furniture, and the wood is an easy way to give them a favorite toy among many rabbits to! Be tired of your rabbits are herbivores, so if your rabbits not to destroy and... You want to give to rabbits fresh from the tree materials, such as raspberry and blackberry bushes are for! From qualifying purchases personally purchased this grass house for our Lionhead rabbits lots exciting! Can get them from chewing things that are made of natural seagrass cord, it ’ Day... Safe wood to use this site we will assume that you do not ever your! Way they learn you the best, but some would not recommend serving prunes to bunnies have twigs branches... Paint or toxic varnish to Encourage your rabbit with an unlimited supply for them to keep their teeth down... Been sprayed with harmful chemicals or pesticides toys he can chew safely he can chew...., maple, sycamore, cotton plants can actually grow into trees subscribe the. Small price at most pet stores are made of maple nutritional deficiencies, protection against predators, immaturity or... Purchased chew sticks it for free using natural plant base items around you raspberry and blackberry bushes are completely for! Grow, leading to abnormal wear, malocclusion mostly wildflowers, clover, weed, grasses, toys., it ’ s daily intake make wires or conduits that can cause liver.! Help to stop them from chewing things that are sold online and in pet stores this not!