14 DIY Rabbit Nest Box Ideas – Try Out This Weekend

Getting ready for your rabbit’s labor requires preparing for their nest. While your rabbit might have already set up a nest using materials available in its environment, you must check on it and improve it so it’ll be liveable and robust.

Here are 14 rabbit nest box ideas that you can try as you get ready for rabbit babies.

1. Plywood Nest

While using plywood will take extra effort, it would be worth it as it is one of the sturdiest materials you can find for your rabbit. You would need to cut pieces of plywood, so you would need some tools to build the nest.

This nest would provide a warm and sturdy place for your rabbit and their rabbit babies. Plywood can be thin or thick, depending on the plywood you use.

However, this material can be shaky and brittle, so thicker plywood is recommended. It’s also essential to smoothen the surfaces of the plywood slabs so it wouldn’t pose a risk of injuring your rabbits.

This material is one of the sturdier rabbit nest boxes, especially when bonded together by nails and using a hammer.

 

2. Pail Nests

If you have a lot of extra pails, you can use these to make rabbit nests. An upside-down bucket placed on a bed of hay with a necessary adjustment is just as good as any rabbit boxes out there!

All you would need to do is cut out a window for your rabbits and make sure the pails are sturdily put and big enough for them.

These types of nests are suitable, especially for the bigger rabbits. Depending on the width of the pail, you can fit at least 6-8 baby rabbits, including their mother. If the bucket has a smaller circumference, you might need to change the rabbit nest box as the rabbits get older.

 

3. Cardboard and Wire Nest

This combination is ideal because cardboard is partly steady and creates a solid form for the nest. Partnered with a wire sheet, it becomes even sturdier and firmer.

The babies may tend to knock the cardboard down, but the nest structure is protected and preserved with the wire sheet. This offers your rabbits a comfortable and, at the same time, firm nest to sleep on.

When working on the wires, it’s important to note that the edges can be dangerous to you and your rabbit. Extra care will be necessary when handling these materials. Other than that, the workflow involving the nest box should be smooth.

 

4. Large Plastic Basin

Many houses have their fair share of unnecessarily large plastic containers and basins. These could be a perfect place to place your rabbit houses into.

You can put a bedding layer with these large basins before placing your rabbit nest inside it. This creates extra space for your rabbits to enjoy and makes the environment even safer for moms and babies.

While these nest boxes provide your rabbits a lot of space, wind and other organisms can easily contaminate your rabbits’ area as it is just open to the environment.

Thus, you can install a net, fabric, or screen to keep them from very strong winds, especially if it’s windy. It’s wise not to resort to these types of nest boxes when it’s windy and cold.

 

5. Wire Nest Box

As your rabbits grow, the space you provide may become more and more crowded. In this case, it’s good to consider transferring them to a larger nest box made of wire.

Wire nest boxes can look cold and uncomfortable at first, but there’s nothing good bedding can fix. It’s recommended to use baby wire to build the bottom part of the nest to look and feel more comfortable.

This nest would most likely look like a bird’s nest, depending on the style you go with. You can also keep it classic by forming the nest into a box (square). Other than that, you can get as creative as you want.

 

6. Wood and Cage

If you keep your rabbits in their respective cages, wooden hay shreds as beddings may not work as well, so it’s best to place something that won’t fall through the cage holes.

You can place a rabbit nest inside their cages for the mom and babies’ comfort. This way, the mom does not feel so exposed to the outside, having a mini room where she can stay and nurse her kits.

Letting your rabbit stay inside the cage after labor can be risky, especially when the cell has larger holes than usual. The babies can be exposed and contaminated easily.

Thus, providing a room or space for them to stay is the best choice when keeping them in the cage. An area with walls is essential to keep your rabbits from excessive cold and bacteria.

Baby rabbits are still sensitive as they have not yet developed the necessary antibodies they need to survive, so having them confined inside a safe space is vital, just as how their mother’s milk is paramount for their survival.

 

7. Warm Nest Box For the Winter

When your rabbit happens to have babies during days with colder temperatures, you must create a nest box more fitting to their needs. While Metal boxes can make their environment colder, it would be ideal to use exemplary efforts and materials.

You can incorporate warm beddings partnered with placing the nest box somewhere warmer. Remember to keep your rabbit and their babies warm.

The winter could be a challenging time for your rabbits, not only for the mother but for the babies especially. Baby rabbits are still susceptible to temperature changes.

In fact, when they are younger than three weeks, it’s difficult for them to digest, which could be a threat to their survival. During these times, it’s essential to keep them warm.

Set their beddings and nest box to be warm and check on them every now and then, make sure they are together and are not scattered. You may sometimes find them scattered wholly or slightly.

When you do, take the initiative to take them and place them inside their nest box again, and make sure they are together. This is one of their ways of staying warm and, quite frankly, one of the essential activities.

 

8. OSB Board Nest Box

This idea does not require complicated tools and is relatively easy to make. This shelter provides a warm and comfortable place for the mom and baby rabbits.

This goes well with whatever bedding material might be available as long as it’s recommended. Wood shreddings, hay, blankets, anything will do. It’s good to note that you would need to clean the beddings regularly, so choose what you can accommodate.

This type of material is also one of the sturdier materials available. You won’t have to worry about it getting worn out because of the weather when you opt for this.

 

9. Plastic Bowls as Nesting Space

This nest space is suitable for the baby rabbits during their first to the second week. Since this space is relatively open, it’s only okay to use areas like these during the hotter weather.

Plastic bowls are easy to set up as no tools are needed. Just lay the beddings inside the bowl and make sure your rabbit and her babies are comfortable in it.

Plastic bowls can vary in size too. If your bunny has produced many babies, it’s better to choose a bigger plastic bowl. However, just like a basin, the nest would be open, and your bunnies can be cold when it’s outside.

On the other hand, if the nest is supposed to stay indoors, it would be okay to have it as it is. If you place it outside, make it so the rabbits are warm. You can provide extra clean blankets or build walls around them, resembling a cubicle.

 

10. Single Plank Nest Box

If you happen to be short on wood, you can still utilize what you have left. You would only need a single plank for your rabbit nest with this plan.

Before doing this plan, it’s good to assess how big you need your nest box to be. If it fits the availability of the plank, then this might be a good choice for you and your rabbits.

When building a nest box amidst material scarcity, following plans like this can be the wisest choice for you.

You can scan your house for materials that might be useful in building the nest box. Lack of materials should not stop you from providing your rabbits with a clean and comfortable nest box.

 

11. Nesting Box Using Old Pet Cages or Litter Boxes

If you happen to have a kitten litter or a dog cage enclosed and solid, you can renovate it and turn it into a rabbit nest. This depends on whether the size of the cage can accommodate your rabbits too.

With old enclosures and litter boxes, your rabbits can have a comfortable space that resembles a private bedroom for her and her babies.

Since litter boxes and pet cases are already shaped and designed to house pets, it would be easier for you to renovate them into the following boxes.

You would have to make slight changes and make sure the beddings are comfortable for your bunnies. Make sure that the space is clean and not too tight and crowded for the babies.

 

12. Rabbit Hutch

Yes, your rabbit can nest inside a spacious hutch. In doing this, you need to make sure that your rabbit’s nest box is big too while also fitting in the cage.

You can place any nest box inside as long as it’s comfortable. This extra space can help as the baby rabbits grow. It’s like a rabbit mansion, all the while keeping them secured inside.

A rabbit hutch might be less warm than a nest box. This is why it’s essential to accompany it with a nest box by placing one inside.

You can make your box or purchase somewhere with trusted rabbit nest boxes. Rabbit hutches are great, especially for providing your bunnies with more space to move around.

 

13. Carton and Wires

This plan needs extra care as wires can be prickly, and you can hurt yourself while making it.

In polishing, you would also need to check the wire edges to ensure your bunnies won’t be at risk of wounding themselves. After ensuring safety, you are good to go, and this rabbit nest box also offers an old-school but clean look.

Cartons are usually of brown colors. If you happen to find a sturdy one that happens to be smooth, then that’s a keeper.

Next, you need to search and choose a wire sheet that goes well with the carton board. Wire sheets with thinner wires are more compatible because they give off a neater look and are easier to bend when needed.

 

14. Cheap and Easy Rabbit Nest Box

If you follow a specific budget for your rabbit nest, you might want to follow this plan. Despite its lower price, this plan is still easy to make. There’s nothing too outrageous and hard to make.

Simple steps are provided, and you can also customize it according to your preference. Sometimes, cheaper can be better! However, it’s essential to observe your rabbit and its preferences too.

While following the designated budget is essential, it would be useless if your rabbit does not like the style or is uncomfortable with the nest box you provided.

Rather than the price, it’s crucial to observe and provide your rabbit with the necessary things after labor. After getting to know their needs, you can opt for the most budget-friendly materials available. This way, you do not sacrifice the quality to save extra bucks.

 

Summary

Scanning and going over through these 14 DIY rabbit nest box ideas will help you choose the best rabbit nest plan for you. The more choices, the better.

This will allow you to assess the materials available, the easiest option, and the most comfortable choice for your rabbit. Assessment is always helpful and essential before taking the steps.