Why do rabbits eat paper?

The answer to the question - why do rabbits eat paper - should be sought in the chewing behavior of rabbits, which, in principle, will gnaw on anything to grind their teeth, including paper and cardboard . And the fact that the rabbit's teeth never stop growing is the reason for the constant chewing, otherwise the long teeth will interfere with normal nutrition.

In most cases, these materials pass through the animal's digestive system harmlessly, but when you use only paper or cardboard for bedding, excess is fraught with the risk of intestinal blockage.

Rabbits also eat paper because their diet is dangerously low in fiber. There is no nutritional value in paper or cardboard, but there are much healthier sources of fiber, such as hay.

Newspapers, cardboard, paper are often used as the bottom layer, which is covered with hay. However, rabbits often still stir up hay and get paper backing. The reason in this case is banal boredom.

There is a common misconception that domestic rabbits are so calm and lazy animals that they like to sit in a cage with little or no movement. This is a harmful myth. In fact, rabbits need daily exercise as well as mental stimulation. And when you see a rabbit chewing paper, he does not eat it, but has fun. Rabbits usually tear the paper into small pieces, spit it out or swallow it.

For entertainment, it is better to offer animals simple, safe and home-made toys made of cardboard and the same paper.

1. A large cardboard box with several holes cut into it will provide rabbits with hide and seek.

2. A toilet paper roll stuffed with hay and treats is a great bunny puzzle.

3. Paper bags , in which food or goods are delivered, are occupied by rabbits, they like to hide in a bag or run around it. Pre-cut the handles from the bag so that the pet does not get caught in them with his HEAD during the game.

4. A roll of toilet paper. Throwing a roll of toilet paper into the cage will witness a bunny vs. roll show as they scratch, chew, and spit out toilet paper until the entire cage is a mess. The event, of course, is fun, but after it cleaning will be required .

Chewing on cardboard and any uncoated paper and paint poses no risk to a well-fed and well-groomed rabbit.

Do not use paper bags that have been used to carry household chemicals such as bleach, detergents, laundry detergent, trace chemical residues can lead to animal poisoning or digestive problems.

No matter how much paper or cardboard your rabbit eats, provide plenty of water and hay to remove residue and for diagnosis. If the rabbit is eating and drinking normally, everything is fine. In case of loss of appetite, lethargy, bloating, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.