Rabbits absolutely love to dig! It’s one of their most natural behaviors in the wild. Why not bring that natural instinct indoors by creating your very own DIY rabbit digging box? With just a little creativity and few simple supplies, you can make an enriching digging space that allows your bunny to forage, tunnel and play. In this fun and informative guide, you’ll learn everything from choosing the ideal digging box and materials to tips on where to put it and yummy treats to add inside. Follow these simple steps and watch your rabbit’s natural behaviors thrive as they dig to their heart’s content in their new handmade habitat. This do-it-yourself digging box is sure to make both you and your furry friend hoppy!
Supplies needed for a rabbit digging box
The supplies needed for a rabbit digging box are relatively simple and easy to find. The main thing you’ll need is a box or container of some kind. This can be a cardboard box, a plastic storage bin, or even something like a cat litter box. The size of the box depends on the size of your rabbit, but a good general size is around 18 x 24 inches. You’ll also need some kind of digging material to fill the box with. Good options are shredded paper, shredded newspaper, hay, straw, recycled paper bedding, or even strips of fleece fabric. You may also want to add some rabbit safe toys like balls, tunnels, or hideaways. Other optional supplies include scissors or box cutter to modify the box and decorations like stickers or markers to customize the look. Make sure to supervise your rabbit when first introducing the digging box.
Step-by-step on how to make a digging box
Making a digging box for your rabbit is a pretty straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:
1. Choose a box. Opt for a box made of cardboard, plastic or wood. The size should allow your rabbit to comfortably fit inside and dig. Cut out one side of the box if using cardboard.
2. Add ventilation. Use a box cutter or scissors to cut ventilation holes along the upper sides of the box. This allows air flow.
3. Line the bottom. Place a layer of newspaper, butcher paper or fleece fabric on the bottom of the box to contain the digging medium.
4. Add digging material. Good options include shredded paper, straw, hay, recycled paper bedding or strips of fleece. Pour a few inches into the box.
5. Include toys. Bury a few fun toys in the material like balls, tunnels or chew toys to encourage natural foraging behavior.
6. Supervise your rabbit. When first introducing, watch your rabbit to make sure they are properly using the digging box.
7. Let them dig! Rabbits will dig, burrow and forage through the materials in their new box!
8. Clean regularly. Scoop out soiled materials and add fresh digging medium on a regular basis to keep the box clean.
Follow these simple steps and watch your rabbit play happily in their new digging space! Proper supervision ensures they use the box properly.
What kind of box to use?
When making a digging box for your pet rabbit, the type of box you choose can make a difference. Here are some options for boxes to use for a rabbit digging box:
– Cardboard box – Cardboard boxes, like packing boxes, are inexpensive and easily accessible. They are disposable and safe for rabbits to chew. Cut off the tape and labels first. Watch for chewing of any dyed inks.
– Plastic storage bin – Plastic storage bins make great digging boxes. Look for a style with low sides for easy access. Be sure to cut ventilation holes. Plastic is very durable.
– Cement mixing tub – Cement mixing tubs are available at hardware stores. They are sturdier than cardboard and provide more space for digging. The smooth sides may need a ramp added.
– Litter box – A large, basic litter box can be filled with digging materials instead of litter. Rabbits may try to use the corner as a litter box.
– Wooden box – For a custom look, build a digging box out of unfinished plywood or pine boards. Avoid pressure treated woods.
– Cube storage grids – Connect storage cubes to form three sides and fill with materials for an instant digging box.
No matter what style you choose, be sure the box is large enough for your rabbit to move around in. Watch for any signs of chewing or damage over time and replace as needed to keep your rabbit safe. Let their natural digging instincts run wild!
Where to put your digging box
Determining ideal placement for your rabbit’s digging box is an important consideration. Here are some tips on where to put your rabbit’s digging box:
– Free access. Place the digging box somewhere your rabbit can easily access anytime they choose. Providing free access encourages natural behaviors.
– Inside enclosure. Position the box inside your rabbit’s main enclosure or pen. This allows digging while safely confined.
– Private corner. Situate the box away from food, water and litter boxes in a quieter area of the enclosure.
– Play area. Designate a rabbit-proof room or area just for play and put the box there for supervised digging time.
– Outside enclosure. You can also place the box just outside their enclosure as added enrichment. Supervise outdoor use.
– Non-carpeted flooring. Set the box on tile, concrete, hardwood or linoleum floors for easiest cleanup. Digging materials can damage carpeting or rugs.
– Partial cover. Offering partial cover, like under tables or shelves, adds a feeling of security while they dig.
– Away from wires. Keep the box far away from electrical wires and outlets to prevent nibbling risk.
With a little creativity, you can find the ideal spot to place your rabbit’s digging box for safety and easy access. Be sure to supervise their first interactions with any new box.
What kind of digging material is best for rabbits?
When it comes to filling a digging box for rabbits, the materials you choose can encourage natural behaviors. Here are some great options:
– Shredded paper – Paper that is shredded into long strips is soft and fun for burrowing. Use printer paper, newspaper, paper bags or cardboard.
– Hay or straw – Loose hay or straw makes great edible digging material. Timithy, oat, or orchard grass work well.
– Recycled paper bedding – Paper beddings like Carefresh are very soft and perfect for burrowing. They are highly absorbent too.
– Fleece strips – Cut or shred fleece fabric into strips for cozy, reusable digging material.
– Rabbit safe crinkle paper – Some crinkle paper products are safe for chewing and perfect for shredding.
– Eco-friendly pillow stuffing – Materials like shredded coconut husk or straw are compostable and work well.
– Pelleted newspaper – Recycled newspaper pellets or cat litter made from paper are soft and absorbent.
– Untreated grass sod – Pet safe, pesticide-free grass sod can be dug up. Provide fresh pieces periodically.
No matter what you choose, pick a material that is soft on sensitive paws, free of chemicals, and encourages natural burrowing behaviors in your pet rabbit. Switch it out as needed for a clean and engaging digging experience. Proper supervision is recommended.
Is it okay if your rabbit eats the cardboard/paper/fabric?
Many materials used in rabbit digging boxes like cardboard, paper and fabric are safe for rabbits to ingest in moderation. Here are some guidelines:
– Cardboard – Cardboard boxes are fine for rabbits to nibble and chew. Choose untreated, dye-free cardboard and avoid any with tape or labels which could contain adhesives.
– Paper – Printer paper and newspapers are safe but may contain some inks. Limit ingestion to avoid excessive ink and fiber intake. Shred thoroughly to prevent choking.
– Fleece or fabrics – 100% natural fabrics like fleece made from cotton or wool are safe to chew or eat in small pieces. Supervise fabric use and discard if threads loosen.
– Straw or hay – Natural straw and timothy or orchard grass hay make great edible digging materials. Make sure they are free of pesticides or mold.
– Paper bedding – Unscented paper beddings contain natural fiber that can be ingested safely. They should not make up the bulk of the diet.
While chewing and ingesting these digging materials in small amounts is normally fine, you still want to limit consumption and monitor stool quality. Remove soggy materials promptly and offer plenty of fresh greens and hay too. As always, proper supervision is recommended anytime rabbits have access to cardboard, paper or fabric items.
What kind of treats to add to the box?
Adding treats to a rabbit digging box helps encourage natural foraging behaviors. Here are some great rabbit-safe treats to bury:
– Hay pellets or biscuits
– Herbs like parsley, cilantro or dill
– Cut up carrots, apples or pineapple
– Willow balls or sticks
– Twigs from fruit trees
– Rabbit safe chew sticks
– Small paper bags filled with hay or treats
– Cardboard toilet paper tubes stuffed with hay
– Bunny nose keys with food inside
– Smooth rocks (helps wear down teeth)
– Untreated dried pine cones
– Dried flowers like roses, hibiscus or calendula
– Small paper bags or cardboard boxes to shred
Start by burying treats just under the material so they are easy to find. As your rabbit gets better at foraging, bury them more deeply. Rotate different treats to keep things interesting and always supervise playtime to ensure safe treat consumption. Digging for treats encourages natural behaviors and provides mental stimulation!