BEHAVIOR

Why Do Rabbits  Eat Paper?

By Christine

Rabbits sometimes do the strangest things. For example, your bun may have all the food he needs, yet he will still munch paper. Is he just being weird, or is something lacking in his diet? If you’re puzzled by this behavior, you’re not alone.

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Do Rabbits like the taste of it?

Rabbits don’t usually eat paper but instead are more interested in playing with it. Buns are playful creatures and often chew on objects they can reach.

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Their curiosity and adventurous spirit drive most rabbits to sample the objects that cross their paths. They also get bored quickly. Chewing paper might be an excellent way to find out what the crinkly thing is, and tearing it into smaller pieces is a great way for them to pass the time.

Why would they eat it?

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Most rabbits won’t prefer paper over their hay, pellets, or veggies. That’s why if you see your bun tucking in those paper bits as though he can’t get enough, that can indicate hunger.

Hunger

Boredom

Rabbits need physical and mental stimulation. If you leave your fur baby alone for hours or keep him inside his cage all day, he’ll likely look for something to do. If you use paper for bedding or litter material, don’t be surprised if your bun gnaws on it.

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Lack of Fiber

Rabbits need fiber to keep their digestive system in good working order. Your pet may have all the food he needs to keep from getting hungry, but if it lacks fiber, he might instinctively look for alternative sources.

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Will eating paper harm my rabbit?

Eating a few shreds carries a low risk of harming your bun. Still, that depends on the type of paper he consumes. Paper that contains ink toxic to rabbits might cause health issues even if he eats a small quantity.

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