Why Do Rabbits Dig Holes? 6 Likely Reasons (Vet-Reviewed)

You feed them, you give them shelter, yet your rabbit stubbornly decides to dig a trench through their backyard or living quarters. Are they building a new house or planning an escape route? According to science, it might be either or both. Although rabbits can live as domesticated animals, their wild instincts don't leave them even when they're housed in a plushy urban home. Here's what you need to know about your rabbit's wild hairs.

The 6 Likely Reasons Your Rabbit Loves to Dig Holes

1. They're constructing a warren.

Rabbits sleep in burrows, or warrens. These connected underground tunnels look like a mini city where rabbits comfortably abide, safe from predators above ground. Because it’s natural to them, some rabbits may create burrows even if their cage is comfortable. Don’t feel bad like you’re a bad pet parent or the shelter you provide isn’t cozy; it’s just instincts.

2. Congrats! It's a girl.

Pregnant rabbits may go into a type of nesting phase and seek out an underground shelter where she can raise her kits in peace. You might consider the possibility of your rabbit being pregnant, especially if there are males in her enclosure or if she might’ve had contact with an unneutered male in the backyard.

3. Hiding from predators.

Loud dogs barking, kids screaming, or the cat hungrily eyeing their enclosure may make your rabbit feel a little stressed. They may try to dig holes in their nesting materials or outside during their time out of their enclosure if they don't feel safe. Providing your rabbit with a place to hide, or limiting other pets' access to their space can help them feel secure.

4. Maintaining their claws.

Digging is actually a beneficial practice because it helps wear down your rabbit’s claws. Even so, you still may need to trim their claws every month or two unless they’re consistent excavators.

5. They're playing or practicing survival skills.

Even if your rabbit feels comfortable and nothing is out of the ordinary, they may still enjoy digging just for digging's sake. Just like how kittens practice “fighting” with each other, rabbits like to dig because they're supposed to. Since they don't intuitively know the difference between the forest and your living room, digging isn't a behavior that they'll likely stop according to their environment.  

6. The grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

Just like Peter in Mr. McGregor's garden, rabbits can be nosy little creatures who are curious about the world outside their fence. A sandbox or secure outdoor enclosure can limit their opportunities to escape while allowing them to dig safely. Remember, rabbits tunnel underground, so unless your fence goes into the ground at a considerable depth, they can still find their way out.

In Conclusion

While it's perfectly normal for your rabbit to dig, you'll need to provide a way they can practice this natural instinct safely. Your rabbit ideally needs 4 hours outside of their cage every day to play. Just be sure you keep them in a safe place away from wild animals and loose pets that might harm them. You might want to let them dig in a sandbox or secure enclosure so they can practice their skills without risking the chance of escape.

See also:

• Apricot Pug: Pictures, Facts & History

• Panda Pugs: Pictures, Facts & History

Featured Image Credit: Viktoria Szabo, Shutterstock