Rabbits need to chew, simple as that. Their ever-growing teeth require constant grinding down. But not all woods are safe for bunnies. Give your hopping friend the wrong kind of chew and you could end up with dental disasters or even toxicity. Yikes! Don’t worry though – we’ve got you covered. In this article, you’ll discover 10 types of wood that are perfect (and perfectly safe) for your rabbit’s voracious chewing needs. From branches to blocks to rose bush stems, we walk through textures, safety, and sourcing the best materials to keep your rabbit’s chompers in tip-top shape. Get ready to find wood that will have your rabbit chewing for joy!
Where rabbits find wood in the household
Rabbits are naturally inclined to chew on wood and other materials to wear down their ever-growing teeth. In a household setting, rabbits may find and chew on furniture, baseboards, tree branches, and more. It's important to "rabbit proof" your home by removing or blocking access to unsafe chewing items. Provide your rabbit with plenty of appropriate chew toys and woods to satisfy their natural chewing instinct. Supervise your rabbit when they're exploring the house to prevent chewing mishaps.
How bad is it if a rabbit chews on a type of unsafe wood?
It can be very dangerous for a rabbit to chew on unsafe woods. Woods like cedar and pine contain oils that are toxic to rabbits. Chewing on these woods can cause gastrointestinal distress, liver damage, respiratory issues, and even death. Woods treated with varnish or paint can also leech harmful chemicals. Hard woods with no give like oak may crack or fracture rabbit teeth, causing mouth pain and dental problems. Even woods safe for chewing can pose a hazard if they splinter off into sharp pieces that could puncture the mouth or intestines. Always make sure any wood provided is from a rabbit-safe species and free from toxins, varnish, etc.
Types of Safe Wood for Rabbits
1. Willow
Willow is a top choice as a chew for rabbits. The wood is pliable but dense enough to withstand vigorous chewing. Willow contains salicin which is soothing for a rabbit's digestive system. Just be sure any willow wood is from a non-toxic variety.
2. Apple and Pear
Branches from apple and pear trees make excellent rabbit chews. They are nutritious as rabbits can eat the bark. The branches have a slightly soft texture that wears down teeth comfortably.
4. Kiln-dried Aspen
Kiln-drying removes the oils from aspen wood, making it harmless for rabbits. Aspen provides sturdy chewing satisfaction for rabbits. It's often sold in pet stores as disposable chew sticks.
5. Birch and Poplar
Birch and poplar woods are low in resin and acids. Their hard texture helps grind rabbit teeth efficiently. Branches and wood blocks from these tree species are nice additions to a rabbit's toy box.
6. Rose Bushes
The thin, pliable stems of rose bushes are ideal chewing material for rabbits. They can gnaw to their heart's content without risk of splinter injury. Just avoid picking stems from chemically treated plants.
7. Maple
Maple is often cited as one of the best woods for rabbit chewing. It's got hardness for wearing down teeth but not so hard it poses a shatter risk. Maple products are readily available in pet stores.
8. Kiln-dried Pine
Like aspen, kiln-drying makes pine a safe wood for rabbits by removing harmful phenols and acids. Look for natural, untreated pine from the lumber section. Avoid painted woods or woods with preservatives.
9. Cottonwood
Cottonwood branches are on the softer side, providing nice texture for a rabbit to sink their teeth into. The wood is non-toxic and safe as long as no chemicals have been applied.
10. Raspberry and Blackberry Bushes
Branches from raspberry and blackberry bushes have a naturally peeling bark that's great for chewing. Their prickles also help clean rabbit teeth. Pick bush stems free of pesticides from your own backyard.
What to do before giving your rabbit a branch or twig from outside
Before bringing an outdoor find home to your rabbit, be sure to take some precautions. Clean the wood thoroughly with hot water and dilute vinegar to remove dirt, debris, and possible pesticides. Disinfect with pet-safe anti-bacterial spray as well. Allow the wood to fully dry before giving to a rabbit to prevent mold growth. Finally, inspect the wood closely and discard if you notice any insect holes, fungus, or other hazards. With prudence, foraged wood can make a stimulating chew toy.