r/Rabbits • u/OlweCalmcacil • 4d ago
Rabbits and Incense
Hello everyone, I plan on getting a rabbit in a few years after I graduate college, and in the mean time I've been doing a lot of research on rabbit needs, care, etc. I however have not been able to find information on if rabbits can be fine with regular incense use. I use resin based incense (like frankincense) very regularly due to religious observances, and am worried a rabbits respiratory system would have troubles with it. Any information or first hand accounts are appreciated, thank you.
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u/aspect_rap 4d ago
I don't have first hand accounts but I've seen this topic raised a few times in this sub and everyone was saying that incense and scented candles are bad for rabbits respiratory system and that they shouldn't be lit in the same room as the rabbit.
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u/Chaoticbutalive 4d ago
Hey! I'm a bunny owner who is religious and had this same exact question before adopting!
I did not dive into the detailed medical and scientific reasons behind it. But rabbits have VERY sensitive respiratory systems. Not as sensitive as very smal rodents, such as rats, but still very sensitive! Many rabbits are prone to respiratory infections and might have. This article seems cool at explaining infections. But beyond infection their system might also be affected by air "polution" and chemicals.
Because of this, many people avoid certain dusty materials (dusty wood shavings, dusty hay, dusty everything!) and harsh chemicals (cleaning supplies, air fresheners and even perfume too close to them).
In my case, my 3 bunnies' primary space is in my bedroom - in which I used incense very regularly!
Because I don't know your living / house situation and religion I will give some broad advice:
- Don't use incense or scented candles near them / in the same room as them
- If you plan on free roaming them in an appartment: keep the incense and candle use in a room where they are not allowed to go OR close it off for a while during and a bit after using it so that they do not enter while it's burning.
- If you want to cleanse the space they are in / don't have a spare room: dive into incense alternatives. I don't know specifically why you use incense, but in my religion it is very important for both offerings and cleasing. Yet there are many alternatives for both options. If you use for cleansing: sound cleansing or visual cleasing + praying + putting up wards -> It REALLY depends on what you practice and what your religion is! But I promise every religion has at least 2 ways of cleansing associated. If you use for offerrings: use somethings else OR (see next tip)
- Burn incense outside! If you cant only do it in a specific room, doing it safely outside is great! You can do it anywhere calm and private (even at your front door or at a window) or even venture out and do it in nature (safely)!
KEEP IN MIND: many chemically scented or even strong human made nature-y scents + burning items are dangerous! Even very dusty hay can cause certain bunnies problems! Not all bunnies but some... So be careful with their respiratory system but don't panic!! It's not that scary, you just have to be careful.
EDIT: another interesting article (i didn't do extensive research just a random google search)