Among various different and unique habits, one common thing found among rabbits is digging. They make burrows when they are in the forest but when they are at home they are seen digging the surface of their cage floor.
Rabbits are so commonly associated with digging that these are almost as common as dogs with barking. They would dig the floor if the material is something like sand or soil then they find it most exciting to dig and make a hole there. As rabbits are unable to answer the reasons for their digging habit, we are trying to solve the mystery in this guide.
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Why do the rabbits have a digging habit?
There are several reasons behind the digging habit of rabbits. They can dig if they want to hide some specific food which has savored and wish to have later too. Sometimes they want to hide this from their partner or other rabbits and thus they dig the soil or flooring element.
They can also dig when the outside atmosphere is really hot. Rabbits are unable to take too much heat and they tend to become sick. They try to save themselves from the heat of the weather by burrowing in the ground and making a hole, where they can take shelter.
Escaping is another reason for getting started with digging. They often know no other way out than to keep themselves hidden in a hole. This can be a self-defense technique for them as they are much more tender to fight against the powerful predators that attack the rabbits in the jungle.
They sometimes need attention from their owners and they do by digging on the cage floor. It is a necessity when they are depressed and need some petting or quality time with their owners. They can be seen digging vigorously before the owner comes to them and talks to or pets them.
Do all the different breeds of rabbit dig?
Rabbits that live on the ground are mostly found to have this digging habit. They do live in the holes that they make in the ground. This is their house-building technique. All other breeds find it a safe and secure place where they have created the hole in the ground. The group of holes that are created side by side in the same area is called a warren.
Only the cottontail rabbits, those living on the nests up on a tree, do not make burrows.
Is digging for the rabbit a harmful habit?
Digging is apparently a natural habit of the rabbits which comes from their sheltering habit and the urge of keeping themselves protected. They can dig the carpeted area of the living room or get destructive with the new floor. The floor or the sofa fabric can get damaged by the habit of this digging. But to stop the rabbit from following the habit is not easy as this is a natural habit that makes them do it.
Digging looks pretty cute when the rabbit is newly adopted, even beginner owners love to see their pet doing such activities. When the rabbit starts damaging the quilt, the cushions, or the bedspread of your choice, then it may not seem as cute as it used to be earlier. Digging can also damage the texture of the fabrics if done too frequently.
Where should you allow the rabbit to dig?
For digging, the rabbit should have some specific space. Rabbits should not be allowed to dig anywhere or everywhere. It should be kept confined to within a pane or some fenced area. You can make a room ready for the rabbits and make it also rabbit-proof so the pet does not face any danger over there.
Now you can use a gate to keep the pet away inside that particular area. This way the digging nature of the pet will be satisfied and yet it will not harm the furniture or interior of the house.
When you let the rabbit dig into all the rooms of the house, you run the risk of the rabbit getting choked with pieces of carpet or another type of fabric. The pet can dig and tear the pieces of such fabrics and that can be somehow ingested by it too. This will be a serious problem and so, you need to keep the pet rabbit in a safe place where it would not have the risk of ingesting something unwanted or risky.
Can I leave my pet rabbit outside for digging?
Rabbits like to dig not only for safety purposes or out of habit. Digging offers them a chance to be stressed free and it is also a great way of exercising. Exercising is vital for rabbits and they get obese when they do not get much chance to do it.
Owners often provide them with nice and interesting toys to play with which will ultimately make them exercise as well. But digging is a natural process of exercising and if you provide them with the opportunity of digging anywhere then it would be the best option for the rabbits. Letting the rabbit dig outside also helps it to be groomed. The nails of the rabbit stay in shape when they dig regularly on the rough surface like the soil or wooden bark.
Digging outside is a nice way to keep the rabbit engaged. Also, the fresh air will make the rabbit healthy as they love to be closer to nature. Providing a safe outdoor is the responsibility of the owner so when you let the rabbit play and dig in the backyard then you have to be present there to supervise the little creature. The neighborhood dogs or any other aerial predator like vulture or eagle can come and attack it.
How can you arrange the digging place for the rabbit indoors?
If your rabbit is trying to dig at any corner of the house and you are unable to provide it with the right space for this activity then you can get a big-sized box for the rabbit. The big-sized box can be prepared from an unused sandbox meant for the children. The right kind of filling should be present there inside the box as that will allow the rabbit to enjoy digging inside it.
There are several filling options like torn paper pieces, sand, nontoxic dirt, hay, or pieces of torn fabric that can be the ideal item for filling. However, make sure that the rabbit is not chewing or eating the items as fabric or paper is not safe for consumption.
You also have to make sure that the rabbit is not pooping inside the box. Check the content of the box once a day to make sure that there are no droppings. If the rabbit feces are there by any chance then you have to replace the content of the box and put a new set of filling inside.
Can you stop your rabbit from too much digging?
If you are too distressed due to the digging habit of your rabbit then you can distract the pet one with different activities whenever you see it starting to dig. Approaching the pet with a game or offering it a treat can be a safe and yet useful option. But remember, do not keep the rabbit away from digging as that will stress it out. Use a separate box for digging and that will minimize your problems.
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