Electric wires are one of the things rabbits like to gnaw on. Several times, I had to contact our veterinarian in the middle of the night because my Boots had gnawed on some wire.
Your rabbits’ chewing behavior is instinctive. Keeping their incisors and molars short is critical to their well-being. Therefore, chewing on electric wires is a way for them to manage their teeth.
The best way to keep a curious bunny out of harm’s way is to use cord covers. We suggest that you invest in plastic tubing that covers the cables or relocate the cords totally out of the rabbit’s reach.
One of the ways that a live wire attracts rabbits is that it emits a noise that is audible to them. You may feel the vibrations that it produces. Additionally, they may find the plastic or rubbery texture appealing. Also, if a rabbit is bored, they are more likely to gnaw on anything to keep themselves occupied.
In this article, we will inform you all about your bunny’s tendencies to chew on electrical wires. So, keep reading!
Why Does My Rabbit Keep Chewing Electrical Cord?
Spending time together with your rabbit is essential to their well-being and happiness. This often entails watching television or listening to music while your bunny roams around.
Your rabbit may keep chewing on electrical cord due to his need to nibble on something constantly. Your pet rabbit may be ignorant of the dangers of chewing on the cables that power this electrical equipment.
When a rabbit’s moist mouth comes into touch with the wires within, it may suffer a significant shock. The soft plastic insulation provides little protection from a rabbit’s razor-sharp teeth.
Do Rabbits Chew Christmas Lights?
Yes, rabbits can chew on Christmas lights. According to studies, rabbits and other rodents like the soy-based coating on electrical cables. Therefore, they chew on it.
In addition to Christmas decorations, rabbits also chew on car wires. Many of automobiles’ electrical cables are coated in the soy-based coating. This may result in expensive car repair fees for some unlucky vehicle owners.
If your light strands seem to have been cut cleanly, it was probably done by a rabbit or some other rodent. The wires look to have been cut with a knife or scissors because of the strong teeth of rabbits and rats.
If your Christmas lights have been destroyed, try using a repellent to keep rabbits away. They may be deterred by using pepper spray, minty mouthwash, citrusy remedies, or a commercial repellent.
Also, rabbits are terrified of owls and will avoid them if they see one near your outdoor lighting. For a more time-consuming and costly approach, you might route your light strands’ wiring via PVC pipes.
Rodents like rabbits, rats, and squirrels are notorious for wreaking havoc on the nation’s electrical grid. Squirrels have caused more than 1,200 power outages throughout the globe since 1987.
Is It Safe For Rabbits To Chew Electric Wires?
No, it is not safe for rabbits to chew on electrical wires. Your pet rabbit may be ignorant of the dangers of chewing on the cords that power this electrical equipment.
When a rabbit’s moist mouth comes into touch with the wires within, it may suffer a significant shock. The soft plastic insulation provides little protection from a rabbit’s razor-sharp teeth.
There is always a chance of your bunny getting electrocuted if he nibbles on wires. You may need to rush him to the veterinarian if an accident occurs suddenly.
Can Rabbits Get Electrocuted?
Bunnies, like human babies, tend to put everything into their mouths to examine it. Sadly, much like newborns, they are prone to choking or even death by choking on improper objects for their age. Even before bringing a bunny into the house, rabbit owners are urged to “bunny-proof” their home.
Yes, rabbits can get electrocuted. Electric wires are one of the things rabbits like to gnaw on. It is possible that the rabbit might be poisoned by plastic or electrical wire. This may include poisonous metals like zinc which can cause mouth lacerations and gastrointestinal discomfort or blockage.
If the cord is plugged in and carrying electricity, it may range from minor burns to heart damage. If the wire is put into a wall outlet, it may even result in death.
The danger of electrocution increases if you try to remove the live cable from your rabbit’s mouth. Turn off the main power breaker and remain calm. Wear a rubber glove to unhook the line from the outlet if you need to remove the cord from the rabbit’s mouth quickly. Take your bunny to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
How Do I Know If My Bunny Got Electrocuted?
The kind and strength of the electrical current that a rabbit is exposed to and how long it is exposed to it determines how much damage it suffers from chewing an electric cable. There is always a chance that your bunny may get electrocuted when chewing on electrical wires.
If you notice burns in your bunny’s mouth, it means that he got electrocuted. There may also be redness and swelling if they ingest a live electrical cable. Some of the fur around its lips may also seem to have been scorched by the flames. Discoloration or cracks may also emerge on the teeth.
Your bunny’s heart and lungs may be affected by the electric current that travels through the body from the site of contact in the mouth.
Swelling of the mouth and problems associated with swallowing while eating are common in rabbits that have been severely impacted.
Rabbits may also have breathing difficulties even when their mouths are open. Restless and agitated bunnies may be challenging to settle into a position. They may refuse to sit or lay down for long periods.
Rabbits that are more severely afflicted may have difficulty breathing to the point where they collapse and lay on their side.
It may take up to two days for some of the symptoms of an electric cord bite to manifest, such as fluid collection in the lungs. Veterinary care should be sought for any rabbits displaying indications of trauma. This may include minor burns in the mouth after chewing on an electric cable, regardless of severity.
How Do I Stop My Rabbit From Chewing On Electrical Cords?
To stop your rabbit from chewing on electrical cords, rabbit-proof them. Rabbit-proofing your cables is the best method to keep them from being chewed and keep your rabbit safe from electrocution.
The best way to keep a curious bunny out of harm’s way is to use cord covers on wires. You may also invest in plastic tubing that covers the cables or relocate the cords totally out of the rabbit’s reach.
Also, another trick is to make sure that your bunny has enough hay to chew on. This hack worked for my Boots, so I hope it would work for you too. I always make sure that he has enough hay and blocks to chew on since rabbits need to satisfy their appetites.
How To Hide Electrical Cables Out Of Your Bunnies Reach?
You may prevent your rabbit from chewing on electrical wires in your house by making a few easy alterations to the layout of your furnishings.
To keep electrical cables out of your bunny’s reach, you may hide them away from your bunny’s reach by employing the following tips:
- You may prevent your rabbit’s access to exposed wires by putting furniture and electrical items together.
- Displace any electrically-powered furniture in the vicinity of plug sockets so that the wires leading from the plug may be hidden.
- Avoid leaving any cracks in the wall where rabbits may crawl through.
- Moving furniture closer together may also help keep the cords out of the reach of children.
- To ensure your rabbit can’t access exposed wires, remove anything that may give an alternate path.
- Also, keep your bunny in a secure area when using irons, hairdryers, and other equipment.
- Block off space behind the television so that the tangle of wires it contains is permanently out of harm’s way. It is easier and more convenient to place the TV against a wall near a plug outlet so that you don’t have to run any cords up to the screen.
- Using other pieces of furniture or massive decorations, you may obstruct access to the back of your TV.
- Having all of your TV and audio equipment in one place might make it easier to find what you’re looking for. With glass doors, it is possible to keep the doors closed while still using the remote control.
- Don’t use cardboard as a barrier around the perimeter of your bunny’s enclosure since it will not stay long and may even encourage your pet to play there.
By giving safe and acceptable alternatives like tunnel toys, shelters, or even a cardboard castle, you may help redirect your rabbit’s natural curiosity away from the television and protect them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Rabbits Like Electrical Cords?
Rabbits like electrical cord because it emits a noise that is audible to them. They may feel the vibrations that it produces. Additionally, they may find the plastic or rubbery texture appealing. Also, if a rabbit is bored, they are more likely to gnaw on anything to keep themselves occupied.
Why Do Animals Chew Electrical Wires?
To avoid tooth expansion, animals bite or chew on electrical wires. Some wild animals like chewing on electrical wires to relax and even have fun.
What Animals Eat Electrical Wires?
Many creatures are used to chewing and nibbling on electrical lines. However, rodents including rats, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, mice, and other species are the most common animals that chew on electrical wires.
Final Words
Rabbits can eat thick roots and shoots because of their razor-sharp teeth. There are several reasons for this, but the most important one is that it helps them go about their burrows and keep their routes clean.
Chewing on electrical wires is another way for rabbits to keep their teeth in check. It also provides them with a source of entertainment.
You can do a few things to keep your rabbit from being tangled in electrical wires. However, the most important thing is to keep them out of the way. Rabbits might get practically irritated by them because of their innate need to gnaw through the wire.
We hope this article has been able to help you out and inform you about everything that you need to know. If you have any more doubts, drop them in the comment section below. We will answer them soon!
