How To Build a Digging Box for Your Bunny

A digging box is one of the best free toys you can make for your bunny. It’s as simple as filling a container with things your bunny enjoys foraging and chewing on, and they will be entertained for hours. Additionally, it’s a great way to contain the mess.

In this guide, we provide a step-by-step process for building a digging box, discuss the pros and cons of different types of containers to use, and explain the best way to prepare a cardboard box for this job. We also cover what makes good and bad fillings for your digging box.

Step by step guide to building a digging box for your bunny

You can also try hiding some treats in there!

It's important for your bunny's health and happiness to enrich their environment with plenty of boredom-breaking toys that allow them to exercise their natural behaviors. Foraging for young roots and shoots in the undergrowth is one such behavior. Unfortunately, this instinct can lead to your bunny tugging up your carpet, chewing your baseboards, or shredding your wallpaper.

This is why a digging box is such a great toy that your bunny is going to want to play with over and over again. It satisfies their need to forage for food, while also helping to contain the mess.

Select a large, clean cardboard box or plastic tub that is spacious enough for your bunny to turn around in and low enough for them to easily hop in and out. Cardboard boxes are ideal since your bunny will enjoy tearing apart the sides.

Next, you need to fill the box with anything you think your bunny will like. Options include straw, paper, and, old toilet roll tubes. Plastic or paper with heavy inks should be avoided. Sand and soil are OK but can be messy.

One additional benefit of a digging box is that it can be placed over a spot of carpet that is being chewed or up against an area of wallpaper that your bunny has been chewing or shredding. It will block access and is the perfect distraction to keep your bunny out of trouble.

Remember, not all bunnies are diggers. If your bunny doesn’t engage with the box right away, don’t be discouraged. Encourage them by placing the box in a safe area or hiding some treats inside.

Keep an eye on the box. If you notice your bunny eating a lot of the filling or using it as a litter box, it's best to remove it and try again later to break that habit.

What is the best container to use for a digging box for my bunny?

The ideal container for a digging box should be large enough for your bunny to comfortably turn around and spacious enough for the filler materials. It should be high enough to contain the mess caused by digging but still allow your bunny to hop in and out with ease.

Cardboard boxes make an excellent choice as they are free and can be replaced if they become tatty. Ensure the box is made from safe materials like plain cardboard without heavy ink or plastic finishes. Avoid boxes that have stored cleaning products. A box from a supermarket that contains food is ideal.

Plastic bowls or dog beds also work well because they have a wide base and can be easily cleaned. A wicker basket can be fun, but expect it to get chewed. It’s best to avoid anything treated with heavy varnish in case your bunny decides to nibble on it.

Lastly, steer clear of plastic storage containers, as they can be slippery, making it difficult for your bunny to get in and out, and some thin plastic ones may break, leaving sharp edges.

What are the best fillings to put in your bunnies digging box?

If you are looking for some new ideas for things to put in your bunnies digging box then this guide for you.

If you're considering making a digging box for your bunny or looking for new ideas to make it more interesting, this guide will help you.

We look at the good points and the bad points of of various materials that others have tried, as well as items you should avoid.

When considering what to put in a digging box for your bunny, soil or sand might seem like obvious choices. However, we do not recommend these materials, as they can be messy and may leave dirt in your home, especially if it gets kicked out or spread around on your bunny's feet.

A popular choice among bunny owners is shredded paper, such as waste from a paper shredder that has been cut into strips like confetti. Paper-based packing material can also work well, as it is usually unprocessed and tends to make a nice scrunching noise, adding an extra element of fun. If you choose to include paper, avoid glossy prints and make sure to remove any staples. Newspapers and magazines should be avoided due to the potentially harmful inks they contain.

Straw and hay are also excellent options for digging box fillers. They are inexpensive and can encourage your bunny to eat more of them, which is beneficial for their diet.

Avoid using bubble wrap or foam pellets and blocks, as synthetic materials can pose health risks if ingested.

It's important to use different materials than those you use in your bunny's litter tray, as they may confuse the new digging box with their litter area. Should your bunny start using the digging box as a litter tray, it’s essential to remove the box to maintain their good litter training habits.

The digging box can also be a great place to provide shop-bought chew treats. This will enhance the fun and help contain mess if the treats apart.

You don’t have to spend money on toys for the digging box; items like toilet roll tubes, pine cones, and bunny-safe twigs can make the box just as enjoyable.

To keep your bunny engaged, it’s best to swap out the contents of the digging box periodically. This will introduce new items for them to explore and remove any soiled materials, which encourages your bunny to return and discover what’s new.