Rabbits biting on their cage bars can be disturbing and frustrating to us humans, but it is important to know that it is a part of their usual and natural behavior. Rabbits biting on their cage bars is a common behavior that doesn’t necessarily mean or cause health problems. However, not all biting seems to be their normal behavior.
Rabbits will bite, pace, or rattle their cage because they are bored, stressed, or in need of more space and attention. These little creatures are active and social animals and they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay sane and healthy. It may become a major problem if they lack mental stimulation as chewing may become repetitive and intentional.
Why Do Rabbits Bite Their Cage?
Generally, rabbits love chewing and it is natural for your rabbit to want to bite on any object in view including their cage bars. Rabbits may bite on their cage because they are bored, in need of attention, or stressed. They may also bite to help wear down their teeth.
It is important to know that there are always different levels of cage bar chewing for any pet rabbit. But when it becomes excessive and persistent it shouldn’t be overlooked as there are motives for this behavior. Properly understanding and attending to your rabbit’s needs can prevent it from becoming a major problem.
1. They need attention
As previously discussed, rabbits are very active and social animals and they require a lot of socialization to keep them happy and carefree.
If your rabbit bites on its cage whenever you walk by or starts an outburst of rage until you come to pet or play with them, this means that they just want attention.
To suppress this behavior, you will have to treat your rabbit as a companion rather than a caged pet. Give your rabbit the privilege to roam freely with you around the house so it can easily come up to you whenever it needs your attention.
If you don’t want your rabbit running around the house all day, you can create a small room or space for your rabbit to free roam. You can also schedule convenient times for them to roam freely and get attention from you and your family.
2. They are bored
Boredom is a very common reason why rabbits bite on their cage bars. Since rabbits are curious and social animals, not having an opportunity to relate with others can be quite overwhelming, and this may affect their well-being.
Rabbits often get bored and sullen if they’re confined in a cage all day without exercising or having enough space to express themselves. They will often choose to entertain themselves or show a sign of boredom by rattling and biting on their cage bars.
You can consider getting your rabbit a playhouse or pen attached to its cage. This will make its cage more engaging than a regular one. You can also get a variety of toys including chew toys, which are very efficient for preventing cage biting and also keeping your rabbit mentally and physically engaged every day.
3. To help wear down their teeth
Unlike many other mammals, rabbit teeth naturally grow continuously. This can cause your rabbit to want to file them down by nibbling on anything they find including their cage bars.
If a rabbit’s teeth aren’t filed regularly, it will cause dental issues and abnormal teeth growth. However, using its cage isn’t appropriate so you will have to provide chew toys, wood blocks, and plenty of hay.
4. They need space and exercise
Rabbits are very active animals and tend to have an outburst of energy intersected with a long rest period. They need a lot of space and can become frustrated and stressed if they are kept in a limited space for a long time.
A rabbit will often bite on the bars to try to get out if they need space to hop around freely or exercise. In this case, you can rabbit-proof a room or space so that your rabbit can have enough space to exercise and hop around without being overexposed.
5. Different sleep schedules
Rabbits have a different sleep schedule from us humans. They tend to be more active in the early morning and late evening and spend the rest of the day and midnight sleeping.
Rabbits are usually punctual to their natural schedule and will let you know when it is time to eat or exercise. They will often bite on their cage when they are confined during their active period just to let you know it is time to exercise. This can become a major issue when they start biting when it’s bedtime.
How To Stop Your Rabbit From Chewing Its Cage?
Rabbits are naturally sensitive animals and can be very demanding. Once you have discovered why your rabbit keeps biting on its bars, you can alter its environment, and change its daily routine.
This will not completely stop your rabbit from biting as it is their normal behavior but, it will surely reduce this behavior.
1. Alter your rabbit’s environment
If your rabbit bites on his cage because he is stressed about being confined in its cage, you can try leaving the cage door open so that it won’t feel locked up.
If you are worried about your rabbit damaging your home while you are away, you can rabbit-proof the surrounding area of its cage. You can also keep your rabbit in a rabbit-proofed room big enough for it to exercise.
If free roaming isn’t an option for you, you can consider getting a bigger cage or increasing the cage size by attaching a puppy pen.
Increasing the cage size and area will give your rabbit access to more space to feel free and active. This will most likely make your rabbit feel at home and comfortable.
2. Adopt a companion for your rabbit
Rabbits are very social animals. They do well with socializing with other rabbits. So, you can consider adopting another rabbit to keep it company. Note that, bonding two rabbits can be a tedious task so patience and consistency will be required.
3. Get your rabbit lots of chew toys
Toys for rabbits are an amazing way to get your rabbit to stop biting on its cage. So, get your rabbit a variety of toys like ball toys, puzzle toys, and DIY toys to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
4. Change your rabbit’s daily routine
As previously discussed, rabbits have a different sleep schedule than humans. Your rabbit will most likely bite the bars when restricted at the most active time. By sticking to a consistent morning feeding schedule, you can train your rabbit to become active only after it has had breakfast.
Also, try not to let your rabbit sleep during the period it is meant to be active. Instead, let your rabbit exercise during this period to burn out excess energy. Time your routine so that your rabbit can return to its cage for mealtime after an exercise.
5. Keep their cage clean
As a human, you would not want to be in a dirty and unhygienic place like your rabbit. You should make sure your rabbit’s cage is always clean and hygienic for them. A dirty cage is generally unhygienic for your rabbit, making them uncomfortable and stressed, bite or rattle on their cage.
6. Give your rabbit lots of hays
Hay is healthy for rabbits and can be a great way to keep your rabbit occupied. Rabbits can grind on hays all day because it provides them with valuable nutrients and helps keep their teeth filed. Constantly supplying your rabbits with plenty of hay will keep them happy and satisfied.
7. Wear them out
This is the best solution for you if your rabbit mostly bites on its cage at night. Because of their different sleep schedule, their active times can cause a disturbance for us humans, especially at night.
Giving your rabbit exercises and a little time for rest during the day will help keep your rabbit tired and less active at night.
Using Vinegar To Stop Rabbits From Biting
As mentioned above, rabbits will chew on almost everything that crosses their path and this can be frustrating for any pet rabbit owner. Vinegar and bitter spray have been a common and effective way to discourage your pet rabbit from chewing on everything.
However, one of the downsides of using vinegar is that the amount required to stop your rabbit from chewing will cause the environment to stink of vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is a better choice if the smell is a major disadvantage for you. It doesn’t have a strong smell but it is only slightly effective and hardly gets the job done. While regular vinegar has a stronger smell but is more effective and easily discourages your rabbit from biting.
How To Use Vinegar To Stop Your Rabbit From Biting On Things
Apply vinegar on cotton wool and spread it over the surface of your rabbit’s cage or anything your rabbit likes to bite. You can purchase a spray bottle. This will make applying to surfaces of things your rabbit bites on faster and easier
Using a spray bottle, you can evenly spread vinegar on longer surfaces within a short period while using the cotton wool technique takes longer to apply.
Conclusion
These solutions do not guarantee a definite stop to this behavior. However, if you address this issue adequately, you will most certainly notice a decrease and this will make living with your rabbit more tolerable and comfortable.
Keep in mind that this is a lifestyle change for you and your rabbit. You will have to remain consistent and positive with each new routine you decide to implement.