Causes of Rabbits' Pica: Understanding Their Unusual Ea

Section 1: Factors Contributing to Rabbits' Pica

1. Influence of Animal Behavior

In a caged environment, rabbits are unable to fulfill their natural instincts to dig and chew, which can significantly contribute to the development of pica, such as hairchewing and nailbiting. Rabbits are naturally timid and can become startled easily, leading to stress. A mother rabbit startled during childbirth may develop a habit of eating her offspring. Additionally, rabbits are meticulous cleaners, often grooming themselves with their tongues. During molting, they may inadvertently consume their own fur, leading to a habit of hairchewing.

2. Environmental Factors

The impact of temperature and humidity can trigger hair loss and dermatitis in rabbits, while excessively low humidity can cause dry, itchy fur, prompting them to chew on uncomfortable areas and ingest fur. Seasonal changes, particularly during spring and autumn when rabbits shed, can lead to hair ingestion and the development of pica. High densities of rabbits in a single space and intense lighting can also contribute to the onset of pica, as rabbits generally require lower light exposure than other domestic animals.

3. Poor Management Practices

Inadequate cleaning of the rabbit hutch, especially when fur mixed with feed, can lead to rabbits developing a habit of eating fur. Failure to provide water to a mother rabbit in labor can trigger the eating of her offspring. If rabbits with pica are not isolated, it can encourage others to adopt the same behavior.

4. Deficiencies in Trace Elements