Bunny Chewing Everything? Our Expert Guide to Common Rabbit Behaviours

Rabbits are adorable and very intelligent, and it is this intelligence that can make them more prone to ‘naughtiness’.

From chewing cables to digging up your carpet, bunnies show many behaviours their owners wish they wouldn’t.

So, to save your home (and sanity) here is our expert guide on problem bunny behaviours and how to deal with them.

1) My bunny chews on EVERYTHING!

Rabbits can be destructive when they get their teeth on something. Some items rabbits enjoy gnawing can be a hazard such as electric cables, or simply frustrating like munching on the skirting boards.

The truth is our furry friends are designed to nibble and gnaw. The issue isn't the chewing it’s what they decide to get their gnashers on. Skirting boards, plastic items and cables likely feel like some of the natural textures they would munch on in the wild.

Invest in cable tidies to keep naughty teeth away and ensure your rabbits have plenty of safe gnaws and chews.

Frequent cage/hutch bar chewing is a sign of boredom. Rabbits kept in these for long periods are likely to be stressed, unhappy and unwell.

Hutches and indoor cages should always be seen as bedrooms. Somewhere for your bunny to sleep, relax and eat. It is important to provide your bunny with hours of exercise and enrichment outside their cage or hutch!

2) My bunny keeps digging into my carpet

Much like chewing, digging is an instinct for rabbits. Bunnies without access to safe acceptable digging areas are likely to dig in places you don’t want them to.

Carpets, rugs, sofas, and prized flower beds will all fall victim to your bunny's pesky paws. To combat this, give your bunny something they are allowed to dig in! Offer your furry friend a dig box (filled with safe soils), or a designated area of your garden.

3) My bunny is aggressive towards me

Dealing with an aggressive rabbit is stressful and frustrating.

There are many reasons why rabbits may show aggressive behaviour. From dealing with lots of hormones to stress, boredom and fear.

Rabbits will go through sexual maturity (dependent on sex and breed) between the ages of 3-6 months. Whilst undergoing these changes there will almost always be a behaviour or temperament change. Sometimes the change is small, however, sometimes the behaviour can be extremely difficult to deal with.

Rabbits going through the aptly named “adolescent phase” may growl, lunge, bite, spray or mount owners. The key to reducing adolescent aggression is to:

1. Continue with your rabbits’ normal routine and ignore their grumps. Rabbits learn quickly so if you avoid interacting with them after a growl or bite, they will learn to do it again next time…
2. Get them neutered! Most bunnies can be neutered or spayed by five months old. This greatly reduces the risk of health issues in later life and reduces aggression during the adolescent phase.

If your older bunny is frequently aggressive the reason could be down to something other than hormones. Illness and stress are two possible causes, keep an eye on your rabbits' eating and toileting habits and any changes take them to the vet.

Read our bunny myth blog for more insight into bunny behaviour.

4) My Bunny hates being picked up!

The great irony of bunnies is that they look adorable and cuddly, but most prefer not to be picked up and handled.

Bunnies are prey animals that feel safest with all four paws on the floor. So, when they are picked up, they tend to react strongly. Bonding with your rabbits is essential for building trust and making necessary handling easier.

Bonding with bunnies involves spending time with them. Get on the floor in their enclosure or exercise space and use tasty natural treats to encourage your rabbits to approach you. By doing this every day you will build up trust with your rabbits and handling will become easier (although be warned they will probably never love it!).

Training can also be a fabulous way to bond with your bunny and support their daily care. Read our Clicker Training Guide.

5) My Bunny won’t use their litter tray!

Rabbits are exceptionally clean animals and most take easily to a litter tray. However, there are a few reasons why your rabbits might be toileting in other places.

• Unneutered bunnies have an extremely strong desire to spray around their territory. Getting them neutered or spayed is key to success in house training.
• If the tray is too shallow bunnies are likely to get urine down the sides. High-sided trays with accessible entrances are better suited to rabbits’ toileting needs.
• Add their droppings to the tray. Sometimes the habit of scattering their droppings takes a little longer to break. By putting their waste into the tray, you are reminding them where they need to go. Another tip is to include a hay rack next to their toileting area that is accessible while in the tray. Rabbits love to munch and poop at the same time, and it will encourage them to use the tray.

After more bunny advice? Read our Bunny Beginners Guide.