How to Build A DIY Rabbit Digging Box
It is known that rabbits spend their time playfully and excitingly and one of their favourite activities is digging. Although they dig in the wild for burrows or to store food, digging is also one of their favorites for domestic rabbits, especially where they feel safe and comfortable. A rabbit digging box is an excellent way to let your bunny express this natural behavior, provide mental stimulation, and help protect your furniture and carpets from destructive digging. This article will guide you through creating a DIY rabbit digging box to keep your bunny entertained for hours.
Supplies Needed for a Rabbit Digging Box
Creating a rabbit digging box doesn’t require expensive materials or complicated tools. Sometimes, you can make one yourself at home using things you might have available. The main items you will require are a strong box, digging supplies and safe treats. A big cardboard box or a plastic container is best for the base. You will also require materials such as paper, shredded straw, hay, and scraps of fabric that give texture and substance to rabbits who relish digging around. If you would like to add a fun element, you can add treats and toys in the box to keep your rabbit interested. The materials mentioned above are safe for your bunny; ensure no toxic element exists.
Step-by-Step on How to Make a Digging Box
Gather Supplies: Pick a big, strong box big enough for your rabbit to dig around in. Gather safe digging materials, such as shredded paper, hay, fabric scraps, or some non-toxic material.
Prepare the Box: Place the box in a clean, dry place where your rabbit will feel comfortable digging. Place it so it is easy for you and your bunny to reach it. Make sure that the box is stable and secure.
Fill the Box: Start by adding hay to the bottom of the box as the bottom layer. Then, place a large portion of shredded paper or fabric scraps on top of the hay, making sure the materials are loosely packed so that they are easy to dig.
Add Toys and Treats: Hide a small toy, cardboard pieces, or treats around the digging material to encourage your rabbit to explore and dig. Stuff some pieces of fresh fruits, dried herbs, or chew toys to make the digging a rewarding experience for your pet.
Monitor and Adjust: Watch your rabbit’s reaction to the box. If it does not appear that they are interested, try modifying the materials and introducing more treats and toys. Replenish the digging materials frequently to maintain the box’s cleanliness and freshness.
Keep It Safe: Make sure that the materials used are safe to chew and incapable of creating any choking hazards or chances of ingestion in very large quantities. Always monitor your rabbits when taking the digging box to avoid consuming harmful things.
What Kind of Box to Use?
Choosing the right box for your rabbit’s digging box is crucial. A cardboard box is perfect since it is cheap, light to carry, and easy to locate. Unfortunately, you will have to ensure the box is big enough so your rabbit can move around and dig in them without feeling cramped. Another option is to use a plastic storage container with a lid on it, but it is important, if you use this, to make sure the container has holes or some form of ventilation to ensure that your bunny does not feel trapped in it. Whether the box is made of wood or cardboard, ensure that the box is strong enough to endure your rabbit’s digging and chewing habits.
Where to Put Your Digging Box
Placement is key when setting up your rabbit digging box. You would want to select a place where your rabbit can dig peacefully and without disturbance. Somewhere quiet in the room – generally, make sure the place is convenient for you and your rabbit. Avoid placing the box in high-traffic areas where people might kick or tip it over. Also, make sure to place it in a spot where you can easily clean up scraps or shreds left behind by your rabbit.
What Kind of Digging Material Is Best for Rabbits?
The best material for a rabbit digging box mimics what rabbits might find in the wild. Hay is an amazing choice since it is safe, cheap, and rabbits enjoy burrowing in it. You may also use the shredded paper, which is soft and absorbent, or the fabric scraps that do not contain toxic dyes or chemicals. Do not use materials that may harm your bunny, i.e., synthetic fabrics or plastic. It is also necessary to ensure the material is safe for the rabbit to chew, as they will nibble on everything around them.
Also Read: Rabbit Poop Chart And What it Tells about their Health
Is It Okay If Your Rabbit Eats the Cardboard/Paper/Fabric?
It’s natural for rabbits to chew on the materials in their rabbit digging box, and in most cases, eating small amounts of cardboard, paper, or fabric is perfectly fine. These materials are not toxic to rabbits and in moderation they can even help in digestion of providing fiber. You have to monitor your bunny so that they do not consume large amounts that may cause digestive problems or blockage. If your rabbit chews heavily, consider using non-toxic cardboard that it can safely eat in small servings.
What Kind of Treats should be added to the box?
To make the rabbit digging box even more exciting, consider adding treats. You could put small pieces of fresh fruit, such as apple slices and banana, into the box or sprinkle dried herbs, such as basil or parsley, on the digging materials. You can hide the rabbit’s favorite toys or chew treats in layers to make the box more interactive. The concept here is to make this digging an enjoyable pastime for your bunny since its little bunny has to dig through the items for the hidden treats. Just ensure you do not overcrowd the box with many treats, lest it become less entertaining to your bunny.