choking noise

Question
I have a sweet lop that chews on the sides of his cage. He makes a choking noise but is always ok, my son thinks he might be getting paint off the cage but I wonder about gag reflexes in rabbits, he is doing this at night so I wonder if he is bored. he loves to be held and runs the house , he is mostle litter trained and will jump on our lap and lay with us. he is more like a cat than a rabbit. I am just conserned about this gag or clearing his throat sound. Is there a reason he chews on the cage that I should be concerned about. When I buy chew toys he ignores them. I dont think he is having a health issue cause he nevr makes the sound when he is out of the cage, but if I am missing something about his care I would like to know why he does this? Thanks

Answer
HI Lynn,

I am thinking you are mistaking this noise to be choking.  

Rather, I believe, given your description of his behavior and general happiness in your house, that he is probably 'clucking'.  It sounds like little hiccups.  It is a sound an extremely happy bunny makes.  It sounds he is very happy to be in your house, and has a high trust level with you and is confident and secure when he is out with you or resting in his house.  

He basically is responding to a fun, happy night with you and being able to get out and play.  When he comes back at night and is resting he lets you know that he had a very good time with you all.  It is a great thing to hear because it's an expression of happiness and love to you guys.

Chewing on cages - many rabbits do that.  To get out excess energy, to play, sometimes it feels good on their gums.  It's real normal and the only thing I'd mention is that watch for rust and if it occurs, clean it off with steel wool or a plastic scouring pad (no chemicals).

Lee