Why rabbits gnaw on cages and how to wean them, what not to do
Wooden elements are present in the structures of many cells. These pet supplies have many advantages, but there are also problems. Many rabbit breeders are worried about why the rabbit gnaws the elements of the cage. To fix 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 gnaw on cages?
The situation when a fluffy pet chews on a cage is a common one that fits into the features of its behavior and physiology. Since in rodents the incisors grow throughout their life, the animal looks for an opportunity to grind them. However, there may be other reasons for active gnawing of structures.
Avitaminosis
Lack of minerals and vitamins is a common cause of cell damage. It is necessary to observe the pet. It is believed that with a lack of mineral salts, a rabbit spoils the corner of the cage where the toilet is equipped. It is recommended that the animal be tested so that the veterinarian will prescribe a vitamin course. During puberty, the animal's hormonal background changes. And the lack of some vitamins or minerals in the body can cause such active behavior.
If you equip an aviary to keep a rabbit, then at night the animal will not cause concern.
Aviary state
Sometimes the owners note that the animals have no health, diet and appetite problems, and the cells are still damaged. In such cases, you need to pay attention to the size of the structure. If the decorative rabbit is cramped, then he will radically solve the problem. Irregular cleaning of the structure can also cause dissatisfaction.
In a cramped aviary, a pet can be simply bored. Since pussies are very active animals, thus they will "have fun". It is advisable to let the pets go for a walk in the morning or evening hours, which are the peak of activity.
How to stop a rabbit from chewing on a cage
The presence of roughage in the diet helps to solve the problem of teeth grinding. If hay and twigs are rarely added to the feed, then the animal begins to grind its teeth on the cage.
The best options for branch feed are maple, linden, mountain ash, birch, poplar, willow. The twigs are used fresh. For winter, branch feed is harvested in June. You can not use branches of elderberry, apricot, bird cherry.
What not to do
Sometimes owners make mistakes, trying to wean pets from spoiling designs. Common misconceptions:
- the lack of vitamins or trace elements is eliminated by feeding vitamins. But you cannot do this without the recommendation of a veterinarian;
- To make it easier for the rabbit to grind the incisors, mineral stones are placed in the cage. It should be borne in mind that to grind teeth, it is enough to add coarse fiber food (branches and bark of trees, hay) to the feed. Grinding the incisors against a stone can damage them;
- if the rabbit is starving, it will gnaw on the structure. It should be borne in mind that pussies eat small portions, but often. Therefore, there should always be feed, hay, fresh water in the feeder.
The deviation from standard norms of behavior is caused by specific reasons. In order not to harm the animal, it is recommended to observe him, consult a veterinarian.
Fluffy pets often gnaw at the cage. There are several reasons for this. Sometimes it is enough to put a couple of blocks in the cage to switch the rabbit's attention. Or you have to revise the diet, expand the area of the enclosure.
