Why do rabbits like to chew on blocks of scrap lumber?
by 
Santaanacanyon
ANSWERS: 6
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It's a natural instinct for them. A rabbit's teeth continue to grow during their lives and chewing on wood is important to keep the teeth from growing too long.
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Rabbits are not gerbils - they do not need blocks of wood to gnaw on. Often rabbits will chew on furniture or molding because they are bored. Their teeth do grow, but their eating habbits are usually enough to keep their teeth trimmed. If the rabbit has malaccluded teeth - meaning they don't grow aligned and thus cannot meet to grind, then the rabbits teeth will need to be trimmed, usually every two weeks, which can be done with wire snips and steady hand.
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My rabbit used to gnaw on his cage until I put in a block of wood. now it spends most of his time gnawing on it. of course he follows an everyday routine as any normal rabbit, but it seems to have a lot of fun with the block of wood. Do not get an old piece of wood, get a brand new one. Since the old one may be contaminated with termites and dirty.
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JO53619 Quote: do not get an old piece of wood get a new because the old piece may have pests or be dirty. Good advice. Pet stores offer little colourful blocks of wood to pass the time when the rabbit is in it's cage but again don't forget that a rabbit should be out of it's cage 1-3 hours a day (Do not forget to bunny proof your house)
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Not all wood is good for rabbits to chew on. If you are getting them something to chew on, try untreated willow (can find willow baskets, willow balls etc in craft stores or in craft sections of major dept store), just remember that it HAS to be untreated (no varnish or stain etc.) Another excellent wood for rabbits is Apple - can buy this in the pet store, or if you live near an apple tree - break off a branch and some twigs for your bunny. Remember that dyes, artificial coloring etc is not good for our pets. Make sure any color on toys is vegetable based.
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Rabbits need to chew on stuff because their teeth are constantly growing. I provide all my rabbits with UNTREATED wood blocks about 5 inches by 2 inches and 1/2 inch thick. rabbits don't normally eat enough to completely wear down their teeth as needed... in the wild they chew branches, twigs, and leaves to help grind their teeth down a bit more.
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