In captivity, the main reason rabbits chew on things that aren't appropriate is boredom. If a rabbit spends a lot of time alone or doesn't have much stimulation, it seeks ways to entertain itself and/or get attention from its owner. Chewing on things is an easy way to accomplish both.
To ease them away from your furniture you have to know the reasoning behind their constant chewing. The two main reasons for chewing are: It's natural behavior that helps keep them entertained along with combating any stress or anxiety they face. Their teeth are constantly growing and in need of being trimmed down.
Sometimes, anxious rabbits will use excessive movement as a coping behaviour. Aimless interactions with their environment, such as chewing at the bars of their house or run, playing with the water bottle spout, or repeatedly going over and drinking from it, can be more signs of a stressed rabbit.
Rabbits are actually very intelligent, curious animals, and need plenty of stimulation to truly thrive. Bunnies that don't get enough time outside their cages can become grumpy, and end up misbehaving. Be sure your pet gets at least three hours of free playtime outside her home!
Depending on the severity of the offence, a rabbit can hold a grudge from hours to several days. Sometimes, a simple stroke on the forehead or an apologetic treat can remedy a miffed bunny, but if your rabbit is truly offended, they can sulk for quite some time!
Around 3 to 4 months of age, the baby grows into a “teenager,” and then the hormones start to rage. This causes your dear sweet bunny to become aggressive, often biting, spraying urine, tearing at her cage or your clothing, destroying your towels, furniture, or electrical cords.
Squeal. If your rabbit nips or bites you (sometimes rabbits nip when they want something or want your attention - it's not always aggressive): give a high-pitched squeal as soon as she nips or bites you. This will let her know that she hurt you and she should not nip or bite you.
Your rabbit may chew on the walls to wear down its growing teeth, or it may be feeling bored and in need of entertainment. If a rabbit feels neglected, it can start eating walls in order to get your attention. When the bunny has a diet lacking in nutrients, it may seek out better food in your walls.
Rabbits have a natural instinct to chew on wooden objects because it keeps their teeth from growing too long. Rabbit teeth are open rooted, which means they will continuously grow.
It is okay for a rabbit to eat cardboard. You don't want the cardboard to be a main source of food, of course, but ingesting cardboard in small amounts is not harmful to your rabbit. Cardboard is actually great for your rabbit to chew on to wear down their teeth.
Green, leafy vegetables are good for bunnies. You can include arugula, basil, bok choy, broccoli leaves, carrot tops, celery, clover, collard greens, dandelion leaves, dill, endive, kale in small quantities, romaine and dark leaf lettuce, mint, mustard greens, parsley, and watercress.
Small pieces of apple, banana, bell pepper, and carrot are often good treats to try. It's sure to make them super happy. To really tell your rabbit you love them, you do need to keep the treats to a minimum though.
It is considered especially dangerous because it can damage the cervical vertebrae and subsequently the spinal cord, which may lead to serious and irreparable spinal cord injury.
A rabbit who is angry will quickly twitch their tail up and down. Beware the rabbit holding their tail up, it is frequently followed by spraying. Rabbits who are not spayed and neutered will spread their scent by spraying everything in sight. They may also do this when they are upset or simply dislike a person.
A lonely rabbit may become hyperactive and angry. They may display destructive behaviour such as gnawing at the carpets and other furniture. Lonely rabbits may pull at their fur and overeat.
You may worry that your rabbit will be lonely. If you spend a lot of time with your rabbit, they will undoubtedly miss you when you're away, the same way you miss them. The two of you have developed a bond and friendship that your pet rabbit also understands.
Signs that your rabbit might be bored
Much like children, they also find repetitive things to do – usually things they shouldn't be doing! Rabbits might start chewing things that they shouldn't, destroying their pen, or trying to dig out. They might also start to over-groom themselves to give them something to do.