rabbits and sidewalk chalk

[Hattie]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this but here it goes. We have a 1yr old female mini rex who freely roams the first floor of our home during the day and in her bunny condo at night. I also have 2 & 4yr children so bunny gets lots of attention. Anyway recently the bun has gotten ahold of the childrens chalk and chewed it to dust is this something to worry about? Thank you

 

[MaggieJ]

Hi Hattie and welcome to RabbitTalk. :hi:

I'm moving this to the Illnesses, Injuries and Parasites forum where it should get more answers.

From what I have read just now, sidewalk chalk is usually different from regular chalk--calcium sulfate rather than rock chalk, calcium carbonate. Some sidewalk chalks contain lead.

What brand was the chalk? If it was Crayola, they advertise that it is non-toxic. Presumably that means to children, not pets.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidewalk_chalk
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/chalk.asp
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Crayola-Sidew ... t/23784266

 

[Wheels]

probably not - Children's art supplies in the US are non-toxic and chalk is mostly made of calcium. Not sure how large the chalk was but unless your bunny ingested a large amount I'd think it will be ok. I might give that rabbit a bit more hay than normal to kind of push anything in the guts out.

- Maggie beat me to it!

 

[Hattie]

Thank you. Yes it is crayola chalk. I have found 2 more chewed on pieces. Chalk has now been taken away. Hay basket is always full as are water dishes. She's not acting any different. She is currently in her favorite hiding / sleeping spot under the couch. I'll give her a few extra greens as well.

 

[MaggieJ]

I have no first-hand experience to draw on, Hattie, but if they are Crayola and therefore non-toxic to children, I would think your bun will be okay. Hope so! and please post an update in a day or two.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Don't be alarmed if her urine is a creamy texture or appears very light yellow or white. Rabbits excrete excess calcium in their urine- even when they haven't been munching on chalk!- so I would expect to see that with her.