DIY Pet Bed for a Rabbit

DIY Pet Bed for a Rabbit. House rabbits can live long lives if cared for properly. They should have a secure home safe from other animals in the house. Many rabbits live in hutches that have spaces for them to play, eat, get rid of waste and sleep. When thinking about making a comfortable bed space for your rabbit, make sure that you place his health first. Make a bed for your rabbit that is comfortable while ensuring that he will not get into anything that can harm him.

Things Needed

• Box
• Litter tray
• Newspaper
• Pine shavings
• Timothy hay
• Treats

Step 1

Choose a container for the bed depending on the size of your rabbit and the space that the overall rabbit hutch allows for a bed. You can use a cardboard shoe box but be aware that the rabbit will eventually chew it apart. This is fine and will allow for activity, but be prepared to recreate the bed. Another option is a plastic corner tray usually used as a rabbit litter tray. If you place more than one in the cage or hutch the rabbit will use one for litter and the other will be accepted as a bed.

Step 2

Create a soft layer for the rabbit's bed. You can use cut up or shredded newspaper. Newspaper may be cheaper to use but you will have to change it daily. Your rabbit will be drawn to the smell of the paper and will want to scent it. Soiled paper can be a nuisance as it has no odor reducing qualities of its own. The best option is to place finely shredded pine or cedar chips in the box. Make sure the chips are oil-free. Oils can make the rabbit sick.

Step 3

Add some dietary extras to the bed. Put timothy hay as a secondary bed lining. Your rabbit will sleep in the bed with no problems but having timothy hay in the bed gives them something to chew on besides the cardboard bed or cedar shavings. Timothy hay is also beneficial to their health so this is a bonus.

Step 4

Throw a few toys into the bed area. Even if the rabbit has other places to play it will still habitually tear up and borrow things in its sleep area. Give it things to become preoccupied with. Cut a toilet paper roll in half and place both halves in the bed. You can also hang honey-coated seed sticks from the hutch ceiling so that it hangs just out of reach of the rabbit when he is sitting. This will push him to exercise and stay busy trying to stand up to take a bite out of it.

Step 5

Avoid placing towels or clothes in the bed. Your rabbit will busy himself with ripping them up and will eat them. This will make him sick and possibly cause an intestinal blockage. A good rule of thumb is to never put anything in the cage you would not want your rabbit to eat.

References

• Daily Puppy: "What Kind of Bedding to Use for a Rabbit" ; Jessica Schira
• Bunny Business: Golden Rules
• Home Paper Shredders: Paper Shredders Make Great Rabbit Bedding