Coming to the Teenage Months with my Netherlands

[Ms. Research]

My boys are now 3 months old. I see them digging and chewing more. I know this is part of their "hardwire" growth. But any suggestions or stories on how you deal with the teenage months. I would appreciate it. These are the months that most bunnies end up back with breeders or worse. My boys won't be going anywhere that's why I'm asking for suggestions on how I must be prepared for my boys growing up.

Thanks for the help.

 

[BunnyMom]

Buy them toys! Baby chew toys (the keys work well). My bunnies like to pick these up and throw them. Wooded spools to chew on are good as well. You can also take your empty toilet paper tube and stuff it full of hay. This offers them a toy, something to chew on, and a treat, all in one!

 

[Ms. Research]

Thanks for the reply Bunnymom. Now I know I'm heading in the right direction. I bought a few store-bought toys and my boys are definitely not impressed. I guess I'm fortunate that way. They love the paper bags with hay in it. We do the toilet paper roll with hay which they enjoy. My better half got a carpet roll and cut in pieces for their out of the crate romp. They love it. I was just wondering if I was doing right by my boys. Thanks for your input. Looks like I am.

It's funny, my boys pass the paper cup back and forth to each other. I also do a pyramid with paper cups. They love to knock them down and I try to set up as fast as possible so they can knock it down again. Finding ways to play with them when they want to.

 

[BunnyMom]

Becareful with the carpet. If they eat it they may have a hard time digesting the fibers and it could cause a blockage. My daughter likes to gever her bunnies "play time" in an outdoor cage. They get to dig at the ground and nibble ont he grass.

 

[terri9630]

Mine like to toss around pine cones. Even the older rabbits.

 

[BunnyMom]

Pine cones. I had never thought of that. There are two large pine trees across the street. Free rabbit toys!

 

[Ms. Research]

Thanks for your replies. Pine cones is a good idea. Do they have a problem with the sap? Or is it OK? Got pine trees and lots of pine cones. Also they love the buds on the twigs from our Maple tree. What do you say about the acorns? Any good for our buns? I've read so many different opinions on nuts and rabbits. Would their system take acorns or peanuts? Non-salted of course. Would love to hear of anyone's experience with peanuts or nuts of any kind.

Also regarding the carpet, the word "No" is being learned very well. One small section of the carpet my big one like to dig. I got one of those straw mats. He's stopped with the carpet and now is digging and chewing the mat.

My Better Half has set up a temporary secured run in the backyard. Our boys enjoy there time outside. I know it's good to vary between inside and outside to give them variety. They love to dig and eat the grass. Sometimes we don't cut it in that area and they love the jungle.

Thanks again for your replies and suggestions. I truly appreciate all opinions because how would you learn and get good ideas. The best ideas come from sharing!

 

[terri9630]

I've been feeding my buns pine cones for years with no problems. Never thought about sap but it doesn't seem to bother the wild rabbits when they eat my young pine trees.

 

[Ms. Research]

Thanks for the reply. I'll definitely have to try those pine cones. My Netherlands are at three months now and I see they are chewing more and more. I've read that chewing and digging becomes very apparent due to sexual maturing (teenagers with raging hormones) I have another month and a half to go before nuturing so I will need some variety of different things for them to chew on. They can't help their raging hormones.

I really appreciate your suggestion. Thanks.

 

[WildFire]

My new girl is a few months old too...