Wooden elements are present in the designs of many cages. Such devices for keeping pets have many advantages, but there are also problems. Many rabbit breeders are concerned about the question of why the rabbit chews on cage elements. To eliminate the problem, you must first understand the reasons that cause it. Specialists and experienced breeders offer various solutions to an unpleasant situation.
Why do rabbits chew cages?
The situation when a furry pet gnaws on a cage is common and fits into the peculiarities of its behavior and physiology.Since rodents' incisors grow throughout their lives, the animal looks for an opportunity to grind them down. However, there may be other reasons for active gnawing of structures.
Avitaminosis
Lack of minerals and vitamins is a common cause of cell damage. You need to keep an eye on your pet. There is an opinion that with a lack of mineral salts, the rabbit spoils the corner of the cage where the toilet is located. It is recommended that the animal be tested so that the veterinarian can prescribe a vitamin course. During puberty, an animal's hormonal levels change. And a lack of some vitamins or minerals in the body can cause such active behavior.
If set up an enclosure for keeping a rabbit, then the animal will not cause trouble at night.
Condition of the enclosure
Sometimes owners note that animals have no problems with health, diet or appetite, but the cells are still damaged. In such cases, you need to pay attention to the size of the structure. If a decorative rabbit is cramped, then he will solve the problem radically. Irregular cleaning of the structure can also be a cause of dissatisfaction.
In a cramped enclosure, your pet may simply be bored. Since furries are very active animals, this way they will “have fun”. It is advisable to let your pets out for a walk in the morning or evening hours, when activity peaks.
How to stop a rabbit from chewing its cage
The presence of roughage in the diet helps solve the problem of teeth grinding. If hay and twigs are rarely added to the food, the animal begins to grind its teeth on the cage.
The best options for branch food are maple, linden, rowan, birch, poplar, and willow. The twigs are used fresh. For winter, twig food is prepared in June. You cannot use elderberry, apricot, or bird cherry branches.
What not to do
Sometimes owners make mistakes when trying to stop their pets from damaging structures. Common misconceptions:
- deficiency of vitamins or microelements is eliminated by feeding vitamins. But this should not be done without the recommendation of a veterinarian;
- To make it easier for the rabbit to grind down the incisors, mineral stones are placed in the cage. It should be borne in mind that to grind down teeth, it is enough to add coarse fiber food (tree branches and bark, hay) to the food. And grinding down the incisors on a stone can lead to their damage;
- if the rabbit is starving, it will chew on the structures. It must be taken into account that fluffies eat small portions, but often. Therefore, the feeder should always have food, hay, and fresh water.
Deviation from standard norms of behavior is caused by specific reasons. In order not to harm the animal, it is recommended to observe it and consult a veterinarian.
Fluffy pets often chew on the cage. There are several reasons for this. Sometimes it is enough to put a couple of blocks in the cage to redirect the rabbit's attention. Or you have to revise the diet and expand the area of the enclosure.
