How to Make a Small Rabbit Nest Box

Rabbits are favorite pets for children. They are soft, cuddly and fairly intelligent animals. Both male and female rabbits need a place where they feel comfortable and protected. A nest box provides this refuge for your pet. You can construct the box from many materials, but plywood is the most cost-effective, because most rabbits will chew their nest boxes so they will occasionally need replacing. The nest box should be small enough so the rabbit feels snug, but large enough for easy cleaning and access. Board "A" will be the back of your nest box. One of the "B" boards will form the front of your nest box, and the other "B" board will form the top, or roof. The "C" boards are the sides of the box, and the "D" board is the floor.

Things You'll Need

  • Hammer
  • 18 nails, 3/4-inch No. 10 size
  • 1 piece of 1-inch plywood, 12 inches by 9 inches ("A" board)
  • 2 pieces of 1-inch plywood, 12 inches by 6 inches ("B" boards)
  • 2 pieces of 1-inch plywood, 18 inches by 9 inches ("C" boards)
  • 1 piece of 1-inch plywood,12 inches by 18 inches ("D" board)
  • Aspen or pine shavings
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the 18-inch by 9-inch pieces ("C" boards) parallel to each other.

    • 2

      Nail the 12-inch by 9-inch board ("A") to one open end of both of the "C" boards with the 12-inch edge parallel to the ground (forming 3 sides of a rectangle).

    • 3

      Nail the 12-inch by 6-inch board ("B") to the remaining open end of the "C" boards with the 12-inch edge parallel to the ground (completing the rectangle). The shorter (6-inch) height of the front board allows your rabbit access to its nest.

    • 4

      Nail the 12-inch by 18-inch board ("D") to all four sides of the bottom of your nest box.

    • 5

      Nail the remaining 12-inch by 6-inch board ("B") to the top of the back end of your nestbox. This small roof allows your rabbit both a snugger fit within the box and gives mother rabbits a getaway perch from their young.

    • 6

      Fill your new nest box halfway with aspen or pine shavings to make a warm, easy-to-clean nest for your rabbit.