Why Your Rabbit Digs, Chews, and Destroys and What to Do About It

Why Your Rabbit Digs, Chews, and Destroys and What to Do About It

Hey bunny folks, if you’ve been scratching your head over why your rabbit digs, chews, and destroys stuff left and right, I get it it’s frustrating as heck. I’m Joshua Van, the one who kicked off Diggity Dog and still calls the shots as senior editor, and boy, have I been there with my own rabbits turning shoes into confetti and rugs into Swiss cheese. From patching up my place after rescues to picking brains of vets at local meetups, I’ve got the lowdown on handling rabbit destructive behavior without going nuts or giving up on your fluffy pal.

Diggity Dog’s been going strong for over ten years, and I’ve figured out that cracking rabbit digging and rabbit chewing means working with their wild side, not against it. Pulling from the newest 2025 tips from rabbit rescues and animal docs, we’re talking easy fixes like giving them better outlets so they leave your gear alone. So kick back with a coffee, and let’s sort this out before your living room looks like a burrow.

Key Takeaways

• Rabbit digging and rabbit chewing? Totally normal stuff they do it to stay sharp and comfy, but if they’re bored, watch out.
• Fix your rabbit with a spay or neuter to chill those hormone-fueled rampages behind rabbit destructive behavior.
• Rabbit-proof everything: Tuck away cords, guard woodwork, and hand out tons of okay-to-chew goodies.
• Throw together a dig spot with hay or old papers to steer them away from trouble.
• Stick to good vibes praise the wins, skip the scolds, and keep playtime quick.
• If it’s out of hand, hit up a vet; might be tummy troubles or nerves.

Getting to the Bottom of the Mess

Spot your little hopper treating the floor like a gold mine? Why your rabbit digs, chews, and destroys comes down to what they’d do out in the fields digging holes for hideouts and munching bark to file down teeth that just keep growing. When I first got into this with Diggity Dog, my bunny Thumper shredded a whole couch cushion ’cause he was cooped up too much.

These days in 2025, rabbit groups are big on playtime ’cause more people have indoor buns now, and without fun, rabbit destructive behavior goes wild. It’s not them being jerks; it’s instinct. Girl rabbits might dig for pretend nests, guys chew to claim spots if they’re not fixed. Add in noisy kids or solo time, and bam stress makes it worse; these guys crave company.

The Chew Scoop: Teeth That Won’t Quit

Bunny teeth push out inches yearly! No grinding means sore mouths. So rabbit chewing is a must-do, but when it’s your rug? Yikes. From the strays I’ve taken in, swap in hay bundles or sticks, and the bad habits fade fast.

Wrangling the Wreckage: Fixes That Actually Help

Enough chit-chat let’s fix it. From my own fumbles to the latest 2025 rabbit advice, here’s how to stop rabbit digging and stop rabbit chewing on the cheap without wrecking the fun.

Step 1: Lock Down Your Lair

Start by making home safe. Wrap wires in tough covers (slice open to slip on), dab no-chew spray on legs, and fence off rooms with gates. Thumper nearly fried a lamp cord once heart-stopper! For carpets, lay down throwaways they can tear up instead.

Step 2: Load Up on Loot

Give options. Grab wood chews, fruit twigs, or grass weaves. For rabbit digging, fill a box with junk mail shreds, dirt, or straw hide snacks for kicks. My Whiskers flips for his and ignores the sofa now.

Playtime Perks: Beat the Boredom

No action equals trouble. Swap toys often like hay-stuffed tubes or brain games. 2025 faves? Green bamboo bits and hidey tubes. Get a rabbit buddy (fixed, duh) for hangs.

Step 3: Teach with Treats, Not Temper

Forget yelling; they tune it out. Nudge off bad spots gently, then show a toy with “yay!” and a nibble. Took time with Thumper, but sticking to it paid off.

Step 4: Check-Ups and Chill Pills

Nonstop chaos? Vet time could be tooth woes or gut gripes. Getting snipped? Best move for toning down wild urges, say the pros.

Goofs That Fan the Flames

Top slip? Yelling later they don’t link it. Or tiny cages; cramped equals cranky. I blew off Whiskers’ foot-stomps once (that’s bunny for “I’m mad”), and lost a blanket. Oh, and watch plants some poison .

Hints You’re on Track

Things quiet down? More zoomies and flops mean happy. Binkies (those joy jumps) seal the deal!

FAQs on Why Your Rabbit Digs, Chews, and Destroys

Rabbit digging always bad?

Nope, it’s their thing! Just point it at a box to stop rabbit digging where you don’t want.

How to stop rabbit chewing cables?

Hide distract with toys. Spray helps.

Spay cut rabbit destructive behavior?

Heck yeah less hormone drama.

Rabbit snubs toys?

Mix it up; try crinkly or yummy ones. Trial and error!

Vet when?

If it ramps up sudden or with no eating, lazy vibes health flag.

References

• My House Rabbit: How to Deal with Rabbit Chewing & Digging – https://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-behavior/how-to-deal-with-chewing-digging/
• PetMD: Destructive Behavior in Rabbits – https://www.petmd.com/rabbit/behavior/destructive-behavior-rabbits
• SPCA New Zealand: Problem Behaviour in Rabbits – Digging and Chewing – https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/problem-behaviour-in-rabbits-digging-and-chewing
• Bunnyproof: Best Rabbit Toss Toys Rattles and Balls of 2025 – https://bunnyproof.com/best-bunny-toss-toy-rattle-ball/
• Lafeber: Tips To Tame Rabbit Chewing And Digging – https://lafeber.com/mammals/tips-to-tame-rabbit-chewing-and-digging/
• House Rabbit Resource Network: Rabbit Behavior Problems and Solutions – https://rabbitresource.org/rabbit-help/rabbit-behavior-problems-solutions/
• The Bunny Lady: All About Digging Behaviors in Pet Rabbits – https://bunnylady.com/digging/
• Ohio House Rabbit Rescue: Staying Friends with Your Bunny – https://www.ohiohouserabbitrescue.org/diggingandchewing/