What Kinds of Wood Do Rabbits Like to Chew?

According to Margaret A. Wissman, D.V.M., rabbits can live to the age of 15 years as pets. Along with their cuteness, their longevity has made them enduring and loveable companions. If you've had a pet rabbit for a while, you might have noticed that rabbits have a tendency to chew on wood. As chewing on wood is an important lifelong habit for a rabbit, it's important for people to understand why they chew, what wood they should chew and what woods to avoid.

  1. Reasons for Chewing

    • Rabbits have both physical and psychological reasons for chewing. By nature, their teeth are continually growing, so chewing helps them to prevent elongated teeth and misshapen bites. Unless rabbits are spayed or neutered early on, their hormone levels can encourage their chewing further. The House Rabbit Society notes that social factors like a rabbit's desire for attention or its response to its own surroundings can also influence its need to chew.

    Safe Wood to Chew

    • The safest forms of wood for a rabbit to chew are those that are untreated and pesticide-free. Such wood can range from baskets made of willow to branches and firewood made of apple, aspen or pine. Lumber is also safe for a rabbit, provided it's untreated pine. Fasten any wood that you determine is safe securely to the side of a cage.

    Wood to Avoid Chewing

    • Rabbits don't know the difference between safe wood and dangerous wood. Pet owners should keep them away from wood surfaces that have paint and specifically leaded paint, as chewing such items can cause lead poisoning. Baskets with pesticides and uncut branches from fruit trees are also risky. Pet rabbits are safest in a contained living area that prevents them from exploring. If a rabbit starts chewing unsafe wood or items that an owner wishes to protect, a clap of the hands and a shout can discourage it.

    Other Chewing Alternatives

    • Apart from wood products, there are a variety of safe items that rabbits enjoy chewing. Chief among these are cotton towels, hay and cubes of alfalfa that have been pressed. Another option is to provide toys, either homemade from safe items like cardboard or those purchased at a pet store. Ultimately, the best toys are those that offer variety and fun to keep a rabbit happily chewing for hours.