How to Stop Your Bunny Digging Everything

It can be very hard to stop your house bunny from digging behavior which unfortunately most bunnies do at one time or another. This instinct is extraordinarily strong, and their wild side always seems to take over when your back is turned.

This is why if you notice your bunny trying to dig in your home it's important to take action with some simple bunny proofing as soon as possible before significant amount of damage is done and the constant distraction of having to jump up every time it start spoils the time you are supposed to be spending relaxing and enjoying time together.

In this guide we look at some of the tried and tested methods used by other bunny owners to stop digging behavior. Every bunny is different so we hope there is something that will work for you so you can live without the stress.

What to do if your bunny digs up your carpet

If your bunny starts to dig up the carpet around the edge or corner of a room then you could try laying some heavy ceramic tiles over the top. This will hold the carpet down and stop your bunny getting access to it. These can then be easily removed when your bunny is not freely roaming.

A more permanent solution is to lay some cheap mats or rugs over areas where your bunny has been digging at floor surfaces. They may need replacing from time to time as they take the brunt of the damaged however, they are easier to replace then the carpet itself.

Alternatively, you could try your local carpet store as they will often have off-cuts of carpet or roll ends that can be purchased cheaply. Make sure anything you use does not contain too much synthetic material and keep an eye on how much is being eaten as this could make your bunny unwell.

What to do if you bunny digs the soil in plant pots

If you find your bunny has been digging in the soil of plant pots its best to stop this behavior as soon as possible. Not only can this be messy and even kill the plant, the soil and watering tray can contain nutrients that could be harmful if eaten.

If you can move the plants out of reach then this is the easiest way to solve the problem however if this is not possible then a great solution can be to re purpose decorative product which are commonly used to cover the soil to prevent moisture loss such as polished pebbles or shells. hopefully, this will make digging a lot less attractive.

How to stop your bunny digging in the yard or garden

If your bunny is a digger then we recommend you don't leave them to play outdoors without supervision, however even when supervised it's a mistake to think they will not be up to mischief in the moment your back is turned. It is important to stay one step ahead by bunny proofing every part of your yard, which you will need to recheck regularly.

Don't take any chances, even if your fence goes down to the ground its best to dig along the edge and bury some bricks or lengths of wood along the edge. If you have a hedge then you can make it escape proof with some wire mesh, its best to bury this into the ground so it cannot be undermined.

If your bunny does enjoy digging and starts to excavate your lawn, then there is not much that can be done about this. If it is in a particular area you may be able to cover it with some paving however this may simply move the problem to another exposed area.

Always providing alternatives such as tunnel toys and shelters as this may satisfy your bunny and be enough of a distraction to keep them out of trouble.

Build a digging box to use up these natural urges

Bunnies who like to dig need to be provided with an acceptable alternative and one of the best ways to keep your bunny out of trouble is to build a digging box. This is simply a cardboard box with an open top, filled with lots of things that can be torn up and tossed about. You can fill the box with shredded paper, old telephone directories or hay. The box will keep your bunny amused and makes it easier to contain and tidy up the mess.

Make sure the box does not have any staples or plastic tape and keep an eye on how much of the materials your bunny eats as if this is excessive it could be harmful and if you see any signs that you bunny is using the box as an alternative to a litter tray then its best to remove for a bit then start again with a new box.