Many rabbits dig as a destructive behavior because they are feeling stressed or bored. Digging becomes therapeutic and helps your rabbit comfort themself or relieve their frustration. This is why you will often hear of rabbits digging into the corners of their cage when they are left alone all day.
If your rabbit likes to dig in a specific corner, either block off that area to discourage the behavior altogether or place a digging box or grass mat there so it's okay for him to dig, dig, dig. Try placing toss toys and a few chewable toys in the areas where he likes to hang out.
If your bunny shows actions of exploring, digging, jumping and chewing, it most likely means they are happy. To have the perfect playtime, you should make a safe play area with other furry friends. It's also a great idea to create obstacles that they can jump through, run around, and hide in.
Why do rabbits scratch the ground? Bunny digging is a natural behavior, and not something that owners usually need to worry about. Sometimes it can be because your rabbit is bored, stressed, or because they want somewhere to hide away.
Rabbit Digging
Their wild cousins dig burrows for nesting and to make their homes and our house rabbits dig for fun. This is an instinctual behavior but it can be bothersome and destructive for their humans that love them. Rabbits will also dig on your feet or hands to get your attention. Digging is normal!
An anxious rabbit may dig to tell you it doesn't want to be picked up or receive attention. An angry or stressed rabbit may do the same, and start nipping and struggling if you ignore the signals.
Some rabbits do not like it when you rearrange their cages as you clean; they may grunt, charge or even nip you when you try. They are creatures of habit and once they get things just right, they like them to remain that way.
Objects to play with or throw - such as untreated straw, wicker, sea-grass mats and baskets, balls and plastic flower pots. Solid plastic baby toys such as 'key rings', rattles, stacking cups and some robust cat and parrot toys can make good rabbit toys.
If your rabbits look tucked up and quiet with their chins tucked in and noses not twitching this can be a sure sign of them feeling unhappy or stressed, as this is not a normal position for a rabbit. Moving or running away. Your rabbits may turn and move away from you (or each other) if they're unhappy.
They put their head on the ground and close their eyes in contentment. They also love getting a good back scratch around the shoulders. That said, they tend not to like being touched on the ears, neck, feet, stomach or tail. Usually, my bunnies are most receptive to petting when they're relaxing after a meal.
You may worry that your rabbit will be lonely. If you spend a lot of time with your rabbit, they will undoubtedly miss you when you're away, the same way you miss them. The two of you have developed a bond and friendship that your pet rabbit also understands.
Rabbits move their bedding due to instincts, comfort, or attention. If they're female, they could be nesting. But, it's also normal for all bunnies to dig their beds to satisfy their burrowing instincts. They might be looking for a comfier spot as well.
Don't give human food snacks and treats to your rabbit. These are often too fattening for them and lead to them putting on weight. Root vegetables (like carrots) or fruit can be given to rabbits as an occasional treat but not too often as they can are high in starch and sugar.
A rabbit's bedding must keep them safe, comfortable, and warm. Rabbits often eat their bedding, so it cannot be toxic. Shredded paper, Aspen shreds, specialist litter or pellets, and hay are all safe options.
Offer a treat
The easiest way to apologize to a rabbit is to offer them the treat. For many rabbits, this will immediately get you back into their good graces and they will no longer hold a grudge against you. However, even for rabbits who refuse the treat, the act of giving them something yummy doesn't go unnoticed.
Rabbits shouldn't be kept in small cages
"They should be able to run back and forth, and have separate spaces to sleep, eat, and use the bathroom." Rabbits that are held in small cages often become depressed, and a lack of exercise can lead to health problems such as obesity and muscle weakness.
If rabbits live in small hutches with nothing to do and no space to move, they get bored. Boredom can cause some serious health problems: Bored rabbits will fill their time by eating. If they eat too much and don't move around they'll put on weight.
At a minimum, you should spend at least an hour with your rabbit every day. However, 3-5 hours (or even more) are ideal. You do not have to be giving your rabbit undivided attention during this time, but instead, make yourself available to interact with them if they want to.
Ideally, rabbits should be able to exercise whenever they want to but a minimum of four hours free run a day is recommended, ideally split into two exercise periods morning and evening of about two hours each.”
Rabbits tend to do whatever they want and sometimes just won't listen (much like cats), so sometimes they need to be reminded how to behave! Keep in mind that there is no need to punish your rabbit, but help steer him in the right direction with discipline.