What makes for the best rabbit nesting box?
Having a pet rabbit can be a rewarding experience. They’re cute and affectionate creatures; having them around can be a joy. However, you’ll soon realize that having them also requires attention and preparation.
Several issues could arise while accommodating a pet rabbit at home. The most challenging aspect is recognizing the signs that your pregnant rabbit is nesting. One of the essential things it’ll need then is a nesting box.
Best Rabbit Nest Box
 | Ware Wooden Nest Box |
| View On AmazonView On Tractor Supply |
 | Miller Metal Nest Box |
| View On AmazonView On Chewy |
 | Ware Rabbit Den |
| View On AmazonView On Chewy |
These are the most popular types of rabbit nesting boxes available to choose from.
They vary in size, material, and shape. You can choose between them based on what suits your preferences and needs.
1. Ware Wooden Nest Box For Rabbits
This nesting box is made of natural wood.
It’s non-toxic to rabbits, so it’s safe if they start chewing on it. Wood is a popular material for nesting boxes among rabbits because it resembles their natural environment. It’s very safe and comfortable for them.
It does, however, offer some challenges in cleaning. It can get dirty easily, which could harm your rabbit. This means that it requires cleaning more frequently than other materials.
You can fit plenty of bedding material in this box, and it’s easy to replace it when required.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Safe to chew on
- Comfortable environment
- Doesn’t require assembly
Cons:
- Wood requires frequent cleaning
2. Metal Rabbit Nesting Box
The Miller nest box is another example of a nesting box that’s suitable for small animals.
It’s great for a family of rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and hamsters. It’s made out of high-quality steel that’s resistant to rust.
The advantage of using nesting boxes made of steel is that they’re very durable and unlikely to come loose or break. Therefore, they’re very safe for your rabbits.
Also, when the baby rabbits start to grow and jump around, these types of boxes will prevent them from falling out of the box. This box also offers another safety feature with its rolled edges.
Compared to the wooden nesting boxes, it’s easy to clean and offers comfort for the rabbits.
Pros:
- Durable
- Safe and comfortable
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Doesn’t mimic a rabbit’s natural environment
- Expensive
3. Ware Bunny Nesting Box
This rabbit den is another favorite of ours by Ware.
It’s designed to be used as a hide-out or a resting spot for them. It has the advantage of having more than one use.
You can simply use it as a den, but if you flip it upside down, it’ll serve as a nesting box for the rabbit to have her babies in.
It’s made of natural wood, so it’s comfortable, non-toxic, and mimics a rabbit’s natural environment.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Versatile
- Fully-assembled
- Fits multiple cage sizes
Cons:
- Not suitable for larger breeds
Why Having A Nesting Box Is Important
A pregnant rabbit typically enters the nesting phase about a week before giving birth.
Specific signs help you realize that your rabbit has started this critical phase. You’ll notice a change in its behavior.
For example, a nesting rabbit will start digging in its cage.
You’ll find it piling up blankets together in a corner to prepare a comfortable space for giving birth and for the babies.
At a very late stage, about one to two days before giving birth, a rabbit may start pulling out its fur to use it to line the area around it.
A nesting box is designed to provide the rabbit with all the things she’d require before the birth and for accommodating the baby rabbits.
Adding the Nesting Box to the Rabbit’s Hutch
This is a critical issue to consider.
If you put the box in the hutch before your rabbit enters the nesting phase, its purpose will be lost. The rabbit will ruin the box and litter it because it still hasn’t developed the nesting instinct.
An ideal time to add the box should be about one to two days before the rabbit gives birth. You’ll know this when you see her exhibiting clear nesting signs, especially when she starts pulling her fur out.
You can simply place the nesting box inside your indoor or outdoor rabbit hutch (as long as it is protected from the weather).
Rabbit Nesting Box Dimensions
The size of the box you’ll choose will depend on your rabbit’s size and breed. Larger rabbit breeds require larger boxes.
A nesting box shouldn’t be too big. It should only be big enough to accommodate the mother rabbit while giving her some space to move around.
After she gives birth to the baby rabbits, the box should also accommodate them and allow them enough room to nurse.
An average nesting box, which would be suitable for most breeds, is 18 inches long, 10 inches tall, and 10 inches wide.
Some rabbit breeds are larger, so you’ll have to provide a larger box. Usually, those will be 24 inches long and 15 inches wide.
Preparing A Rabbit Nest Box
The first thing you’ll need to do is sanitize the box and leave it to dry. You should then cover the floor with cardboard that fits the size of the box.
Finally, add any type of hay or grass to cover the entire floor of the box. You could add some blankets to make the rabbits more comfortable.
The most important thing is to make sure that none of the box’s components are toxic to the rabbits or could injure them in any way.
Also, you should never close up the entire box, especially after the babies arrive. This could increase the moisture inside the box significantly, which would be toxic to the rabbits.
Nest Boxes For Rabbits
The nesting phase is the final phase of pregnancy for your pet rabbit.
You’ll need to learn to look for the signs of nesting and offer your rabbit the most comfortable and safest accommodation possible.
There are different types of nesting boxes you can provide for your rabbit and her babies to ensure their safety. This choice should reflect the needs of your pet, as well as your own. If you already have a good rabbit travel cage you could use that as well.
Our top pick would be the Ware Wooden Nesting Box, which offers a comfortable and safe space for your pet.
If you need a nesting box for a large breed or one that doesn’t require a lot of cleaning, then the Miller Steel Nesting Box would also offer a very safe and durable option.
If you prefer, also check out these great indoor rabbit hutches as well.