Why Is My Rabbit Digging Holes?

Diggers

• In the wild rabbits live in complex underground burrows with rooms connected by tunnels. These burrows are used for sleeping and raising young. It shouldn't surprise pet owners then when their rabbits start to dig at the carpet or the lawn. If you can't let your rabbit dig in the yard, make sure they get plenty of exercise. Let them run around your house to burn off steam. You can also fill a box with hay, where they can feel like they're digging away, or place a natural grass mat in their favorite corner. When your rabbit begins to dig in an off-limits area, clap your hands to distract them and then move them to an appropriate area.

Chewers

• Chewing can be just as destructive as digging and even more dangerous. But rabbits need to chew, according to veterinarian Dr. Jeffery Jenkins, as a rabbit's front teeth grow 4 to 5 inches a year. Chewing helps keep their teeth from growing out of control. Give them things like cardboard boxes, hard plastic baby toys, bird toys, paper with soy ink or hard plastic balls to chew on. When you find them chewing something inappropriate, clap your hands to distract them and then give them one of their toys. Rabbits are extremely intelligent. With consistency and repetition you'll be able to train them in no time.

Rabbit-Proofing

• Rabbits are social and need interaction and exercise -- best provided by letting them run around your house whenever you can. To make this free time safe for them and less stressful for you, follow a few simple rules for rabbit-proofing. Hide or protect electrical cords with PVC pipe or commercial cord concealers. Purchase clear plastic runners designed to protect carpet. These runners have plastic spikes on the underside and can be placed upside down around unsafe areas. As with a puppy, keep anything you don't want chewed out of reach. Use child-proof latches on kitchen cabinets or any easy-to-open doors. Find out if any of your houseplants are toxic and keep the dangerous ones out of reach.

Outdoors No More

• You may be tempted to keep a problem rabbit outdoors. The ASPCA advises against this. Rabbits are social animals and being kept alone in an outdoor hutch can be stressful. Rabbits are also easily frightened and can die of heart attacks at the sight of predators or intruders. Keep rabbit hutches indoors, where bunnies can be loved and cherished members of the family.