Does it mean that a pet rabbit is unhappy if...?

Question

They chew on the bars of their cage or dig obsessively on top of a cardboard box or tube?

Or is that just something they do?

*lol* I know rabbits aren't rodents.

I let them out at least two hours a day, but I can only let them out so often with a toddler and a dog.

Answer 1

:-D I commend you on your knowledge of lagomorphs!
Digging and chewing are either signs of boredom, or ways that rabbits entertain themselves.
As long as your rabbit gets regular exercise, has toys, and other forms of mental stimulation, this behavior is perfectly normal.
The HRS has some great articles on mental stimulation, if you're interested:
http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/toys.html
http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-6/chew-stick.html

Answer 2

As do most other types of rodents, they need something to help grind their teeth on. If you buy him/her some treats or chew toys, it'll probly stop, or at least not do it as often. It may also come from boredom, in which case the toys would help as well. They may be unhappy, or just enjoy doing it. Make sure you do give them a bit of time each day out of their cages if possible.

Answer 3

I honestly have had 3 rabbits in my life and im 14 years previous. they don't smell that undesirable and you gets used to it besides so which you purely isn't waiting to sniff it. adult males are greater docile and delightful then the girls that's something i've got found out at the instant with my first lady Poppy who's exchange into very Territorial and the day purely before this bit my 3 365 days previous nethew for no reason. besides the incontrovertible fact that, the adult males that i've got had are the sweetest form, loving rabbits ever and so is Poppy most of the time. in case you have the endurance for them to get used to you and have the time for each and all the attention they are going to choose they are going to be greater probable to be nicer to you. They make a proper little puppy and are an absolute satisfaction. you're able to think of a pair of her to , i've got had 4 syrians and that they are all exceedingly severe-high quality. yet they are very noisy and get on my nerves. individually i might say a rabbit a hundred% =)

Answer 4

It's just something they do! Rabbits like to chew, especially cardboard boxes. They do it to keep their teeth worn down - and for fun I think. As long as their diet is appropriate for their teeth (75% hay, and proper rabbit pellets) I don't think you've got anything to worry about. You could try putting rabbit blocks in their cage to encourage them to chew that instead of the bars, but rabbits like to chew!

Chalice

Answer 5

Those sound like normal ways for a rabbit to entertain itself or, maybe try to get attention. If you let the rabbit out 2 hours a day, that's pretty good. But that doesn't mean it won't ask for extra.

Answer 6

Having bred show rabbits for years, I can tell you that it's just a rabbit thing. They don't all do it. I wouldn't worry about it, they have fun with it. Like soem others have said, give them paper towel tubes, or a ball to play with. They can entertain themselves pretty well.

Answer 7

let him out, or give him something to be preocupied with

i mean, if you were in a cage, youd at least want to get out once in a while
also, one suggestion, you could just release him in your house n let him run around for like, an hour or so
but you should watch over them (you dont want to unexpectadly step on bunny poo)

Answer 8

most rabbits do it but it just wants something else to do, go buy some bunny chew toys or give it some toilet paper rolls. mine used to kick plastic balls around their cage too.

Answer 9

Do you give it at least one hour of playtime per day?

If not, then it is bored or stressed.

Also it might need a bigger cage.

Answer 10

my rabbit's chew on everything, give her a magazine, they love tearing them up.