It is essential to keep a few things in mind while constructing an indoor digging box for your rabbits. Bubble wrap, fluffy packing peanuts, and newspapers, for example, are poisonous to rabbits. Because it contains toxins, you should never put bunny litter in your rabbit’s digging box. When constructing an indoor digging box for your rabbits, keep a constant eye on them. This post will provide you with some construction ideas and methods for your indoor digging box.
Materials
When selecting for materials for an indoor digging box for your rabbit, keep the size and form of your rabbit’s environment in mind. A rectangle or oval-shaped box with the top section open for air is good. The tunnel’s materials might include paper, hay, or dried grass. Avoid dirt and sand since they might injure your rabbit’s teeth. Plastic or biodegradable packaging material is also a good option.
Another crucial factor is the digging box’s entrance. Your rabbit will need an entrance, whether you pick a tunnel or a hole. To make things easier, draw a circle on the box using a compass. Then, using a pen, darken the outline. After drawing the hole, cut it out following the contour. You may construct a tunnel or a hole on the chosen side of the box, but make sure it is clear of staples and other items.
You’ll also need plywood. Choose 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch plywood for a more sturdy indoor digging box. Make the necessary cuts for the rabbet. After the plywood pieces have been cut, connect the bottom panel using construction glue or screws. The entryway should be big enough for the rabbit to fit through while remaining within the box, but tiny enough that it cannot leave.
You may either buy a digging box from a pet shop or make one yourself. In any case, the digging box should be large enough to allow the rabbit to wander about and hold toys. Rabbits will have a great time playing with their toys in this area. It will help them burn off surplus energy and give them a feeling of security. Furthermore, it will give the ideal environment for them to exercise their natural impulses and keep them occupied.
Sizes
Indoor rabbit digging boxes come in a variety of sizes. You may use cardboard or paper scraps, as well as a plastic washing-up bucket. The material must be durable and not fragile since shattered plastic might be harmful to your rabbit. You may also use a wicker basket, which you can get at charity stores. Because your rabbit will nibble on it, make sure it is free of varnish! Additionally, ensure that it is set at a suitable height.
Your bunny’s digging box should be twice the size of its body. An average-sized rabbit will fit in a box of 50cm × 25cm. It should have high sides so your rabbit can easily jump inside the box. There should be no loose or sharp edges on a digging box. You may play around with various fillings to give your bunny the greatest experience possible. A rabbit’s digging instincts may be satisfied with crumpled paper, hay, or clean soil. A sterile sand pit may also be used, however, it must be cleaned regularly.
Indoor digging boxes for rabbits come in a range of sizes to suit variously sized animals. A box that is too tiny can annoy your rabbit. If your rabbit’s burrow is too tiny, choose a bigger one. Keep in mind that rabbits have a natural desire to dig. Trying to stop them from digging will simply lead to them finding a new hiding place. Purchasing a digging box allows you to watch the action and avoid mishaps.
Where to put
There are several methods for filling an indoor digging box, but a basic solution will suffice. You may make use of scraps of paper, cardboard, or tissue boxes. Make certain that they do not catch the rabbit’s head, since this may be deadly. For the substrate, you may alternatively shred newspaper or phonebooks. Paper-based packaging materials are preferable since they are less processed and generate a pleasing scrunching noise when chewed on by the rabbit. Avoid using glossy paper or stapled paper. Newspapers contain ink, which may hurt your pet’s respiratory and digestive systems.
Once your rabbit has determined the location of their indoor digging box, you may move it around until they begin digging. Depending on how your bunny behaves, you may test other locations. Remember that a cardboard box will not appeal to every rabbit, so be flexible and try out numerous sites before deciding on one. To encourage it to dig, consider placing food inside the box or covering it with paper or hay.
Enriching your rabbit’s habitat is essential for his wellness. Rabbits browse in the bushes in the wild. Allowing them to dig about might destroy your carpet and furnishings. Providing your rabbit with a dig box keeps them from destroying these places. So why not make the effort to hang one in your home? You’ll be glad you did.
Instead of newspaper, you may use kraft paper or plain white paper. This will make the digging box safe for your rabbit without putting your home at risk. Paper is particularly ideal for concealing goodies since rabbits may safely gnaw tiny holes in paper boxes, cardboard tubes, or paper bags. Just keep an eye on them when they play with these toys since they may include little bits that your rabbit might ingest.
Supervision
Make sure your rabbits have access to a covered indoor digging box. Rabbits may develop a habit of digging regularly and will identify the dig box with this activity. Remember that some rabbits may not like digging in a cardboard box, so you may want to use a different material. Cover the box with hay or paper, or fill it with rabbit goodies.
For the digging box, you may alternatively use a plastic washing-up bowl. Avoid using heavy plastic since it might shatter and injure your rabbit. If you don’t want to spend money, you may get a wicker basket from a thrift store. Materials that have been varnished should be avoided since they will be chewed. If you don’t mind the mess, a wicker basket is a wonderful alternative, although rabbits’ teeth are sharp.
As an alternative to soil, you may use coconut fiber or sterile compost instead of a cardboard box. If you don’t want to invest in a proper compost bin, you may buy dry blocks of coconut fiber that rabbits can soak in water before using. When rabbits get tired of this substance, they may play with a variety of different materials. In addition to shredded paper, you may fill the box with toys and rewards.
Providing a rabbit with an indoor digging box is a terrific method to keep your pet stimulated. Bunnies are natural burrowers and need a dig site. They need a location outdoors to spend time digging. Rabbits, like humans, need a lot of activity to prevent boredom, which may lead to destructive behavior and other health issues. If you have an indoor digging box, you can keep an eye on your rabbit while it is playing outdoors.
Enrichment
You may fill your indoor digging box with everything from plastic washing-up bowls to wicker baskets. Some are too fragile or slippery for rabbits to chew on, while others may be bitten and consumed. To make the box more enticing to your rabbit, consider covering it with newspaper or hay. Whatever you select, make sure it’s strong enough to sustain your rabbit’s weight, and examine the ink composition and other components.
You may also utilize recycled materials as a substrate. Old newspapers and phone books make an excellent substrate for your rabbit. However, bear in mind that if your pet consumes these materials, they may create obstructions. Plastic boxes are also acceptable if you want to keep prices low. They must, however, be strong enough to resist your rabbit’s weight and activity level. Choose a solid digging box for the greatest results.
Bunching: Bunnies like sorting and organizing stuff on the floor when they are not working in the garden. A decent rabbit run is an excellent location for them to leap and explore. You may also make a fun run out of table legs or logs. Once your indoor rabbit’s run is set up, swap the enrichment items with toys and goodies to keep your bunny occupied.
A rabbit treat box is a great method to give your bunnies something to eat. Adding goodies to the digging box will keep them occupied for an extended period of time. After each session, be careful to clean up the mess. Toys should only be a few teaspoons of snacks every day. Overfeeding your rabbit may cause dental damage and intestinal issues. You should also avoid giving them goodies regularly.
