If you have a pet rabbit, you know that they love to dig. It’s one of their favorite activities. If your rabbit has plenty of room to dig in your yard, that’s great. But if you live in an apartment or don’t have enough room for your rabbit to dig, you can build them a digging box so they can still get their fix. All you need is some wood, a drill, and a saw. Follow this article to learn how to make a digging box for rabbits!
Rabbits are territorial animals and love to have their own space. A digging box will give your rabbit a place to call their own and help keep them entertained. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your furry friend. Many pet stores sell rabbit digging boxes, but they can be expensive. Luckily, it’s easy to make your own at home.
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What Is a Digging Box and Why Do Rabbits Need One?
A digging box is a small enclosure filled with sand, dirt, or other material that rabbits can dig in. Rabbits are natural diggers, and they need an outlet for this behavior. A digging box gives them a safe place to explore without damaging your furniture or carpet. In addition, the act of digging can help to keep your rabbit’s nails trimmed and their muscles toned.
As a result, a digging box can be a valuable addition to any rabbit’s home. If you have the space, you may even want to include more than one digging box so that your rabbit can choose between different materials and textures. Ultimately, a digging box can provide your rabbit with mental stimulation and physical exercise, making it an essential part of their overall care.
What You’ll Need
- 1×3 lumber
- Construction adhesive
- Carpenter’s square
- Circular saw
- Drill
- 1/2″ drill bit
- Jigsaw
- Plywood
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Sandpaper
- Staple gun
- 1/2″ staples
- Tape measure
A Step by Step Guide on How to Make a Digging Box for Rabbits
Step 1: Determine the Size of the Box
The first step is to determine the size of the box. You’ll need to measure the length and width of your rabbit’s cage and then add two inches to both measurements. For example, if your rabbit’s cage is 30″ long and 15″ wide, you’ll want to make your digging box 32″ long and 17″ wide.
How big should be a digging box for rabbits depends on the size of your rabbit. A good rule of thumb is to make the box twice as long as your rabbit is and at least as tall as your rabbit is when standing on its hind legs.
For example, if you have a medium-sized rabbit 12 inches long, you would want to make the box at least 24 inches long and 12 inches tall.
Step 2: Cut the Pieces
You will need four pieces of wood to make the sides of the box. The dimensions will depend on the size of your rabbit. For a medium-sized rabbit, you will need two pieces 18 inches by 24 inches and two pieces 12 inches by 24 inches.
Cut the pieces for the box according to the dimensions that you need. For example, the front, back, and side panels should be made from 1/2″ plywood, and the bottom should be made from 3/4″ plywood. If you’re using a different wood thickness, adjust the size of the rabbet cuts accordingly.
Step 3: Assemble the Box
Once you have all of the pieces cut, it’s time to assemble the box. Start by drilling pilot holes in the corners of the front and back panels. Then, use construction adhesive to attach the side panels to the front and back panels.
Use a carpenter’s square to make sure that the corners are 90 degrees, drill pilot holes, and screw the panels together.
Now, measure and cut the rabbet groove in the bottom panel. The rabbet should be 1/2″ wide and 3/4″ deep. Next, attach the bottom panel to the box using construction adhesive and screws.
Step 4: Cut the Doorway
Now that you have the basic box built, it’s time to cut a doorway for your rabbit to enter and exit. The doorway should be large enough for your rabbit to comfortably fit through but not so large that they could escape.
Use a saw to cut a hole in one of the box’s long sides, about 6-8 inches from the bottom. Then, use sandpaper or a file to smooth out any rough edges around the hole.
Step 5: Attach the Lid
Now that your digging box is complete, it’s time to attach the lid. With the lid in place, your rabbit will be able to safely dig to its heart’s content without making a mess of your home. To attach the lid, line up the four holes in the corners of the lid with the four screws sticking up from the corners of the box. Screw the lid in place, and voila! Your rabbit has a new favorite spot to play.
Step 6: The Perfect Location for Your Rabbit’s Digging Box
The location of your rabbit’s digging box is just as important as the box itself. You’ll want to place the container in an area of the house where your rabbit feels comfortable and safe.
A good rule of thumb is to place the box in an area where your rabbit already spends a lot of time. For example, if your rabbit likes to sleep in their cage, you might want to place the box next to their cage so they can easily access it.
You’ll also want to ensure that the box is placed on a surface that won’t be damaged by bunny claws. Carpet or grass are both excellent options.
Finally, keep in mind that rabbits are natural prey animals and therefore startle easily. Therefore, avoid placing the box in an area where there is a lot of foot traffic or where there is bright, direct sunlight.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your rabbit’s new digging box.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the location for your rabbit’s digging box:
The location should be comfortable and safe for your rabbit
The box should be placed on a surface that won’t be damaged by bunny claws
Rabbits are natural prey animals and therefore startle easily, so the box should not be placed in an area where there is a lot of foot traffic or bright, direct sunlight.
Step 7: What to Put in the Digging Box
Now that you know how to make a digging box and where to place it, it’s time to fill it with goodies for your rabbit.
The type of substrate you use is up to you, but there are a few things to consider when making your decision. First, the substrate should be soft enough that your rabbit’s claws won’t get damaged. Second, it should be absorbent enough to soak up any messes your rabbit might make. And finally, it should be safe for your rabbit to eat in case they decide to nibble on it.
Some popular substrates include:
- hay
- straw
- shredded paper
- wood shavings
- You can also add toys or other objects to the digging box for your rabbit to play with. Some popular options include:
- cardboard tubes
- paper bags
- cardboard boxes
- plastic balls
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to create a digging box that your rabbit will love.
Step 8: Keep Your Rabbit’s Digging Box Clean
Assuming you have more than one rabbit, the best way to keep your rabbit’s digging box clean is to have two boxes. This way, when one rabbit uses the box, the other can clean it.
Another method is to put the digging box on a tray or in a shallow kiddie pool. Any dirt that your rabbit kicks out of the box will be caught in the tray or pool and not on your floor. Empty the tray or pool and return the dirt to the digging box.
If you don’t want to use a tray or pool, you can line the bottom of the digging box with newspapers. Then, when it’s time to clean the box, simply remove the newspapers, and replace them with fresh ones.
No matter which method you choose, clean the digging box at least once a week. Depending on how often your rabbit uses the box, you may need to clean it more often. These steps will help in how to make a digging box for rabbits.
Additional Tips
- You can also make a simple digging box by placing a piece of cardboard or plywood on the ground and covering it with sand, soil, or straw.
- If you have more than one rabbit, you may want to consider making a larger digging box so they can all play together.
- If your rabbit likes to burrow, you can try adding some tunnels or hideaways to the digging box for them to explore.
Conclusion
We hope you have gone through the article on how to make a digging box for rabbits. Rabbits are intelligent and playful creatures that love to explore new things. A digging box is a great way to give your rabbit a place to play and dig. You can make a digging box out of materials you have around the house or buy one from a pet store. Make sure your digging box is big enough for your rabbit to move around in, and put some toys inside so your rabbit has something to play with. Your bunny will enjoy playing and exploring in her special digging box!
