Why Do Rabbits Like To Chew Cardboard? Bunny’s Guilty Pleasure!

Ever looked at a piece of cardboard and thought, “Mmm, that looks delicious!”? Yeah, me neither! But our adorable, fluffy rabbit friends seem to think otherwise. 

If you’ve ever owned a rabbit or spent time around them, you’ve probably noticed their peculiar fondness for chewing cardboard. But what’s the deal with that? 

Is it just rabbit junk food or is there a legitimate reason behind their cardboard cravings?Let’s find out, shall we?

Rabbits Chewing Cardboard is in their Nature!

While rabbits munching on cardboard might seem odd to us, it’s actually a completely normal behavior for these furry creatures. Just like their wild cousins, domestic rabbits are natural chewers, constantly looking for things to nibble on. 

In the great outdoors, rabbits would be feasting on a buffet of twigs, leaves, and bark. But, in our homes, they’ll settle for a good ol’ cardboard box. Why? Because they can’t exactly order food online or raid the fridge!

The Dental Details

Ever noticed how rabbits have a set of chompers that would make a beaver jealous? Their teeth are constantly growing (about 3mm per month!), and they need to chew on things to keep them trim and healthy. If they didn’t, they’d end up with a dental disaster on their paws!

Cardboard provides a perfect chew toy for our long-eared friends. It’s not too hard, not too soft, and just right for filing down those ever-growing teeth. Think of it as a bunny’s personal nail file for their mouth!

Cardboard is The Ultimate Boredom Buster

Rabbits are intelligent, curious creatures who love to play and explore. Without stimulation, they can get bored and restless, which can lead to destructive or even harmful behaviors. 

Cardboard is a versatile material that can be transformed into a variety of toys and hideouts for rabbits, making it the ultimate boredom buster. 

For example, you can create mazes, forts, and tunnels out of cardboard boxes to keep your bunny entertained for hours. It’s like a rabbit’s personal amusement park!

Is Cardboard Safe for Bunnies to Chew?

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Is my rabbit slowly poisoning itself by nibbling on cardboard?”  

As long as the cardboard is clean and free of toxic materials like glue, ink, or varnish, it’s generally safe for rabbits to chew on.

However, moderation is key. Just like we shouldn’t stuff our faces with junk food 24/7, rabbits shouldn’t be chowing down on cardboard all day, every day. Make sure to provide a balanced diet of hay, fresh veggies, and pellets to keep your bunny healthy and happy.

Chew-tastic Alternatives to Cardboard

While cardboard might be a go-to chew material for rabbits, it doesn’t hurt to mix things up! Try providing your rabbit with other safe chewable items like:

🐇 Untreated wooden toys

🐇 Apple, willow, or aspen branches

🐇 Hay-based chew toys

🐇 Paper-based toys

🐇 Brown paper bags  

By offering a variety of chewing options, you’ll not only help maintain your rabbit’s dental health but also keep them mentally stimulated and entertained. Variety is the spice of life, after all, even for bunnies!

Bunnies and Their Cardboard Love Affair

Rabbits’ love for chewing cardboard is rooted in their natural instincts, dental health, and need for mental stimulation. Cardboard provides an easily accessible, versatile, and inexpensive chew toy to keep our furry friends entertained and healthy.

Just keep an eye on your rabbit’s cardboard consumption and provide a balanced diet alongside their cardboard chewing habits. And, of course, have fun watching your bunny hop, flop, and chew their way through their very own cardboard wonderland!

After all, as the saying goes, “Chew long and prosper, my furry friends!” (Okay, maybe that’s not a real saying, but it should be!)

FAQs About Rabbit Chewing Cardboard

Can rabbits accidentally eat pieces of cardboard while chewing on it? Is it harmful?

Yes, rabbits may accidentally ingest small bits of cardboard while chewing on it. However, as long as the cardboard is clean and free of toxic materials, ingesting small amounts shouldn’t cause any harm. Just be sure to monitor your rabbit’s chewing habits and ensure they’re not eating large quantities of cardboard, as this could lead to digestive issues.

How can I encourage my rabbit to chew on cardboard instead of furniture or other household items?

To redirect your rabbit’s chewing habits towards cardboard, try placing a variety of cardboard items near their favorite chewing spots. This might include cardboard tubes, boxes, or even flattened pieces. You can also make cardboard toys more appealing by stuffing them with hay or treats, encouraging your rabbit to investigate and chew on them.

What types of cardboard should I avoid giving to my rabbit?

Avoid giving your rabbit any cardboard that has been treated with chemicals, glue, ink, or varnish, as these substances can be harmful if ingested. Additionally, steer clear of cardboard that has become wet or moldy, as this could pose health risks to your bunny.

Can I use cardboard as a substitute for hay in my rabbit’s diet?

Absolutely not! While chewing on cardboard can help maintain your rabbit’s dental health, it does not provide the necessary nutrients they need to thrive. A rabbit’s diet should primarily consist of hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets. Cardboard should only be provided as a supplemental chew toy and not a dietary staple.

My rabbit doesn’t seem interested in chewing cardboard. Should I be worried?

Every rabbit has its own personality and preferences. If your rabbit doesn’t show interest in chewing cardboard, it’s not a cause for concern. Just be sure to provide alternative chew toys, such as untreated wooden toys or hay-based chews, to help maintain their dental health and mental stimulation.

Also read: Why Do Rabbits Like To Dig?