Is It Safe for a Rabbit to Chew Wrapping Paper, a Christmas Tree?
Written by The Rabbit Hole Hay Team
With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season among us, you might find yourself not watching your rabbit as closely as you should.
We know that you are giving them fresh grass hay, water, yummy treats, and never forgetting to clean out their litter box. Yet, the holiday season brings new decorations and plants around the house that are new to your bun and have them extra curious.
We want your rabbit to stay safe this Christmas, so here are a few things to watch out for.
Tree Decorations
The center piece of your holiday decor this season is most likely a beautifully decorated tree. But with a tree and other decorations we want you to be mindful of the fact that your rabbit likes to chew anything they can get their teeth on.
A Christmas tree that hasn't been treated with chemicals is usually safe for your rabbit to nibble on, but make sure you double check with the place you got your tree to see if it was treated or not. If your tree is chemical free and your rabbit's urine changes color after nibbling on the tree don't panic, this isn't a health issue.
The decorations that cover your Christmas tree, however, are not safe for them to nibble on and should be place out of reach. If you are wanting to keep your tree decorated with ornaments, tinsel, garland, potpourri, etc. and not place your rabbit's safety in jeopardy, place a barrier around the tree to help prevent them from getting to it.
Wrapping Paper
Wrapping paper is an awesome invention that has helped disguise presents for centuries along with making them beautiful to look at. It helps to bring a sense of anticipation for the recipient of the gift before they unwrap it to see what it's been hiding.
While wrapping paper is beautiful, it is because of it's beauty that we recommend you keep your rabbit away from it and not allow them to chew on it. The color dyed paper, metal inlays, and other chemicals that make it all stay together aren't good for your rabbit's sensitive digestive system.
We suggest that you either hid your wrapped gifts until Christmas morning, or place them behind the barrier you've placed around your Christmas tree to keep your rabbit safe.
You can also give your rabbit another toy to help entertain them and keep them occupied and away from all the Christmas decorations around your home.
Human Treats
It's common (especially while hosting parties), to leave candy, snacks and gingerbread houses out for nibbling and decorating. Make sure these human treats aren’t in an area where your rabbit can start to help himself. Basic rabbit care teaches us rabbits have sensitive digestive systems that require a strict diet of at least 80% grass hay (such as Timothy Hay, Orchard Grass, or Mountain Grass) and rabbits eating our holiday favorites may make them sick and potentially die.
House Guests
We as humans are social creatures, and for the most part your little rabbit enjoys company to but a house full of people can cause great anxiety for your rabbit. We suggest that you move their cage to a secluded room to help prevent any issues.
If you choose to allow your guests to hold your rabbit do so in a controlled environment. Loud noises, flashing lights, etc. can cause your rabbit anxiety. Don’t be afraid to lay down the rules for your rabbit’s safety!
So remember the safety of your rabbit while you are enjoying this holiday season. Rabbit care should always be at the top of your mind to ensure that your rabbit is always happy and healthy. For more information on how to care for your rabbit, or to order your hay online, keep Rabbit Hole Hay in mind.
For more information on how to care for your rabbit download our Rabbit Starter Kit! You'll also learn common rabbit terms, what to place within your rabbit's first aid kit, and more!
