rabbit warrens

Question
I have two pet rabbits in a 100 sq. ft. enclosed with chicken wire buried in cement to prevent predators, pen with a double rabbit hutch. Preferring to live under the hutch, they built a warren under it. I hung a heat lamp above the opening, which keeps their water from freezing and allows them warmth when they leave the warren to eat/drink and they seem to be doing very well. Can you describe the warren inside? They seem so happy and warm when I bring them veggies and water and refill their food container. They seem to continue to dig, as fresh dirt is always at the opening to their burrow. Does it have chambers? Anything you can tell me would be appreciated, as the Colorado Dept of Wildlife seemed to know nothing about 'wild rabbits' Thank you, Jane Gregg

Answer
Dear Jane,

Your domestic bunnies are descended from European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), which are very different in evolution and behavior from the wild rabbits one would find in Colorado (Lepus, jackrabbits and other hares and Sylvilagus, or cottontails).  So it's not too surprising that the Dept. of Wildlife folks might not be too familiar with Oryctolagus natural behavior.

The scientific name itself describes what your bunnies are doing so well:  Orycto means "digger" in Greek, Lagus means "hare" or "rabbit" and cuniculus means "tunnel."  So Linnaeus (who named the species) called European rabbits "Tunnel-digging hares."  :)

A warren is usually a series of interconnected tunnels, and there may be wider areas that are almost like chambers.  The climate in the tunnels is stable and comfortable for a rabbit, cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  There usually are multiple entrances/exits, and the tunnels can go pretty deep.  So be sure your bunnies haven't surreptitiously dug themselves out of their enclosure (though they're not likely to leave; they know they've got a good thing!).  I'd be more concerned that a burrowing predator might be able to get in via an exit dug out by the bunnies.

Glad to hear that your bunnies are so happy, and living as natural a life as they could hope for.  Lucky bunnies!  :)

Take care,

Dana