Rabbits are world-class diggers.
They dig anytime, anywhere.
And there’s nothing you can do to stop it.
But your bunny’s burrowing has been causing so much mess…
And even damage.
So what you need now is a digging box.
And you’re planning to make one…
But you’re not sure how.
Worry no more…
Because you’ve come to the right place.
Continue reading to know:
- 9 easy steps to build a digging box.
- The perfect kind of box for your bunny.
- Household items you can use as digging box materials.
- And a whole lot more…
How to build a rabbit digging box? 9 steps
#1: Choose the perfect container
The first step is an easy one.
Get a box.
But if you’re uncertain what to use…
Then let me help you.
Cardboard boxes
Carton is the most common material used for rabbit digging.
It’s easy to find one in your home.
Also, you can customize its shape.
What’s more is…
Your rabbit can chew and wreck this box.
Check out: Can Rabbits Eat Cardboard?
Plastic containers
I’m talking about:
Those can be used as digging boxes, too.
Just make sure that they’re made of hard plastic. Because if you use thin ones…
These can easily break.
And sharp broken plastic causes rabbit injuries.
Some bunny parents prefer to use a plastic box…
Because it’s easy to clean.
But the downside is…
The rabbit can’t chew on it.
Woven basket
When digging…
Rabbits scratch with their paws.
So if you use a woven basket or something similar as a digging box…
It can help trim your rabbit’s nails.
I recommend this grass basket because it’s untreated.
Therefore, it’s safe for bunnies.
Wooden box
Most bunny parents recommend this type of container.
Although it’s not as easy to find and make…
Like cardboard or plastic boxes…
It’s still the most ideal for bunnies.
For one, your rabbit can chew on the box and it won’t budge.
Another is that they can scratch their nails.
Lastly, the wooden box won’t easily be destroyed.
However…
There are certain woods that can be toxic to rabbits.
Rabbit 101 listed down the following safe woods:
- Ash.
- Apple.
- Aspen.
- Willow.
- Dried pine.
- Cottonwood.
- Sugar or silver maple.
And these are toxic ones:
- Fir.
- Elm.
- Birch.
- Cedar.
- Beech.
- Cherry.
- Walnut.
- Spruce.
- Mahogany.
- Red maple.
Keep your rabbits safe by only using non-toxic wood.
#2: Find the right size
The recommended size for a digging box is…
Twice as wide as your bunny.
As for the height…
You can also make it 2x as tall as your rabbit.
This is just enough for your bunny to hop in or out.
But you can also make it higher…
In case you don’t want the filling getting out of the box….
And making a mess.
#3: Add something your rabbit can climb on
If you’ve chosen to use a high canister…
You can place a stick beside it.
This will help your rabbit climb in or out of the box.
Additionally, you can use a smaller one…
As your rabbit’s step.
Just place the box upside down beside the digging basket.
#4: Make some hideaways
According to vets…
Rabbits are not fans of open spaces.
Since they’re prey animals…
A large area can make them feel exposed to predators.
That’s why bunnies like to burrow.
In the wild, they make tunnels.
These are their hiding places whenever they feel scared.
So when you make a digging box…
You can get creative.
Here are tips on how to add hideaways:
- Create divisions in the digging box.
- Use paper towel rolls or PVC tubes as tunnels.
This way, your rabbit’s burrowing will feel more natural.
Challenge yourself in doing this rabbit playhouse:
Reading tip: 9 Weird Reasons Why Rabbits Burrow (Underground) + 9 Tips
#5: Fill the box
The best thing to put in your rabbit’s digging box is…
Without a doubt…
Hay.
It’s best because…
When you have a bunny, you’re likely to have a good supply of hay.
Plus, it’s edible and safe for your rabbits.
So they can go into town with it.
However, there are other things that you can use…
To fill up the digging box:
PetMD suggests the following safe toys:
- Pinecones.
- Wood shavings.
- Wooden blocks.
- Shredded paper.
- Old toilet paper tubes.
Those materials are safe for your rabbit to dig or chew on.
After filling up the box…
You can also add and hide some rabbit treats.
This can encourage foraging. That is, searching for food.
Now, what are things you shouldn’t use for the digging box?
Warning: Avoid using these materials because they’re harmful to rabbits.
- Bubble wrap.
- Plastic foams.
- Paper with heavy ink (magazine or newspaper).
#6: Find the perfect spot
So you’re finally done with your digging box.
Now, where will you put it?
An ideal place for a digging box is somewhere your rabbit feels safe.
It has to be an area that they’ve already been to.
Next, there should be no foot traffic. Because a rabbit’s safe place should be quiet.
So, if you place the digging box where people are always in…
This will disturb your furry friend.
Lastly, avoid bright rooms.
Because rabbits prefer dark places…
When hiding or sleeping.
You may also wonder: Are Rabbits Scared of the Dark?
#7: Keep an eye on your bunny
Great.
You’re done.
Now your fluffy buddy can keep himself busy.
But don’t leave them all day.
Especially if they’re unsupervised.
If it’s your bunny’s first time to try the digging box…
Observe them for a while.
Make sure that they’re not eating any of their toys.
The materials you used might be safe for them…
But if they ingest too much…
It can still cause harm like GI Stasis…
And that is the slowing of food passage in the rabbit’s stomach.
#8: Regularly swap the contents
Rabbits are intelligent animals.
And because of this…
They easily get bored.
That’s why your bunny will get tired of playing with the same thing…
All day…
Every day.
So when you make a digging box…
Vets suggest that you change the toys after a week.
This will keep your bunny from getting bored…
As they’ll get excited over their new toy.
#9: Keep the box clean
When you swap the contents…
Make sure to clean the box, too.
Your rabbit might have urinated or pooped in the box while playing…
Or a treat may be starting to rot…
And these are breeding grounds for bacteria.
You won’t want your rabbit to be sick because of this, right?
So regularly clean or change the box.
Do rabbits need a digging box?
Rabbits need a digging box. They have a natural burrowing behavior. A digging box is ideal to encourage this instinct. Also, this can be a place for the rabbit to hide. And they’ll feel secure..
What should I put in my rabbit digging box?
You should put hay, straw, shredded paper, or wood shavings in your rabbit’s digging box. These are safe for rabbits to dig or chew on.
What shouldn’t I put in my rabbit digging box?
You shouldn’t put plastic foams, bubble wrap, or heavily inked paper in your rabbit digging box. These materials contain toxins. Therefore, they can be harmful to the bunny when ingested.