burrows

Question
We have  pet rabbits, one male and muted and one female. They live free in the backyard and have built themselves a very nice burrow. However the amount of soil they are removing from the burrow is getting out of control. It would appear to be plenty big enough for them to live in.
How can we stop them continueing to make it bigger?
Any ideas welcomed. Otherwise we are going to have to build them a hutch.

Answer
The only situation I know of where the rabbits have free run to burrow, the owner just periodically fills in some of their tunnels with the extra dirt. You should find that there are multiple burrow exits. Leave the one they use most often and fill in the rest as much as you can. They will just dig them out again, and you'll have to fill them in again in a few months. If you're not willing to play that game, it's probable that you'll have to put them in a different living situation. Some rabbits are just born diggers and appear to be trying to dig a warren for an entire colony just by themselves!

You can certainly do a hutch, but have you considered bringing the pair into the house? The House Rabbit Society Website at www.rabbit.org has lots of info on the safety and health advantages of keeping rabbits as companions in the house, and tips on litter training, housing, rabbit proofing, etc. If you put up a pen in the yard, the rabbits can have good play time on nice days outdoors as well.

Good luck!

Gina