digging rabbit

Question
"If they dig DOWNWARD...are they likely dig back UP on the other side of the fence?"  I have a nice outdoor area for my rabbits, with plenty of space, shelter, food and water, shade, and a cool mister, etc.  I have 2 rabbits who continue to dig.  Although I have tried to cover all of the ground with chicken wire..they seem to find a spot that I have missed.  I would like for them to be able to dig.  If they dig DOWNWARD...are they likely dig back UP on the other side of the fence?

Answer
Hi Cheryl

You bet.  If you have diggers they will find a way out.  The best thing to do is put the chicken wire at least a foot down if you can.  If it is just a few inches down they will be able to dig their way right back up.  If it is a foot down they may be able to dig down but if they can dig a foot back up, then you should rename them Houdini.

A nice safe alternative for diggers is a playpen.  Its like a cage the ground but with some open area's in the middle with fresh grass etc.  They can dig to their hearts content but if there is an area of 3 or 4 feet of wire between the fence and the area they play in there is no way they will dig themselves out.  You can also give them nice big cardboard boxes full of dirt, shredded paper, dried apple tree twigs and all sorts of fun stuff to dig in.  Anything you can do to keep them away from the edge of the fence.  Try spraying some apple bitter spray along the edge of the fence also.  This should keep them away from the edges.

Good luck

Pam