How to Make a Rabbit Stop Chewing on the Cage

A rabbit̵7;s teeth are constantly growing, so the rabbit must gnaw a lot to wear them down. A rabbit may also chew on its cage out of boredom and frustration, especially if it lives alone. Provide your pet with a more interesting life and make sure it has plenty of appropriate things to chew.

Things You'll Need

  • Wood chews
  • Fruit tree twigs
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Exercise pen
  • Litter tray
  • Newspapers
  • Cable protectors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide non-toxic wood chews. These are available at pet supply stores. You can also use twigs from fruit trees, provided the tree has not been treated with chemicals. Add cardboard boxes, which offer something to play with as well as something to chew.

    • 2

      Arrange an appointment with a veterinarian who specializes in rabbits for a checkup. Ask a local rabbit society, animal sanctuary or breeder for a recommendation. Also, set an appointment to have the rabbit neutered or spayed. This not only reduces problem behavior, it helps prevent serious health problems. Tell the vet your rabbit is chewing on its cage and ask her to show you how to check the rabbit̵7;s teeth.

    • 3

      Provide a spacious exercise pen. Rabbits are not happy cooped up in a small cage all the time. They might start chewing out of boredom or in an attempt to get out.

    • 4

      House train the rabbit and allow it access to a rabbit-proofed room, for more exercise, stimulation and companionship. To house train a rabbit, place a litter tray lined with newspapers in the spot where the rabbit usually urinates. Sweep up droppings and put them in the tray. Wipe up all accidents outside the tray with a mild cleaning spray. Rabbit-proofing a room primarily involves protecting electrical cables and anything else you don̵7;t want nibbled.

    • 5

      Acquire a second rabbit. Loneliness is the root cause of many problem behaviors in rabbits. It doesn̵7;t matter which gender the new rabbit is, provided it has been neutered. Introducing strange rabbits to each other takes time. Initially, keep each in a separate cage and allow them to get to know each other in a neutral area, such as a room they normally aren't allowed to enter. Once they are happy with each other, with no signs of aggression, you can house them together. However, each rabbit still needs its own sleeping area and litter tray.