Problem Behaviour In Rabbits - Digging And Chewing - SPCA

Chewing

Chewing is a normal rabbit behaviour. Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously, and it is important that they have the opportunity to wear down their teeth to prevent them from becoming overgrown. But this need to chew need not become a problem for rabbit owners – there are many things you can do to prevent your rabbits from chewing the wrong things.

How to prevent problem chewing:

1. Provide safe items for your rabbits to chew.
   • You can buy wooden toys that are specifically marked as safe for rabbits.
   • Untreated wooden branches such as Willow, Spruce and Apple are safe for rabbits to chew.
   • Hay (and grass) should make up the majority of your rabbits’ diet. Providing a sufficient supply of hay and/or grass will also help to wear down your rabbits’ teeth. Make sure that the hay is clean, free of mould or dust and is placed off the ground to avoid soiling.
2. If your rabbits come inside your house, remove items that you do not want your rabbits to chew.
   • Hide or remove electrical cords (under carpet or mats etc) or cover them with plastic tubing to reduce the risk of accidents.
   • Place houseplants in an area well away from your rabbits. Remember that simply putting houseplants out of reach may not be enough to prevent your rabbits from eating leaves that have fallen off the plant onto the floor where the rabbits can reach them. Many houseplants can be poisonous for rabbits.
   • Cover table legs if they may get chewed on.
3. BEFORE you let your rabbits explore a new area it should be rabbit-proofed.
   • Always supervise your rabbits when they are in the house or an unfamiliar area. Rabbits have a different visual perspective to humans and may find toxic or unsafe items low down that you have missed.

Download our Rabbit Care Brochure (PDF)