Digging is ingrained in rabbits’ DNA. Virtually every rabbit owner knows this. While wild rabbits burrow for food, domestic rabbits dig for fun. However, when your bunny digs on you and nips on your clothes, it becomes puzzling. Why do bunnies dig on you?
Though rabbits don’t use words, they speak a language that pet owners must know to effectively communicate with them and understand their behavior. This article sheds light on rabbits’ digging behavior and how to cope with it, including:
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Why is My Rabbit Digging and Biting My Clothes?
When rabbits dig into humans, it’s usually a form of communication. Interestingly, rabbits have figured out how to use their behavior to grab our attention and communicate their desires. Thus, if you want to figure out why your rabbit is digging into you, you’ll have to pay attention to the setting surrounding their action.
At times, your rabbit’s digging behavior may appear random. It’s crucial to remember, though, that bunnies dig with purpose. Even in the wild, it’s not an aimless or unconsidered activity. To convey specific messages, your pet bunny may dig into your chest, shirt, lap, or legs.
Some of the reasons why your bunnies dig on you are highlighted below:
1. Wants to be put down
Digging is both an escape and a protection mechanism. So, when your bunny digs on your chest, it isn’t trying to hurt you, it’s letting you know that it needs to be somewhere else — the only way it knows how. A rabbit could dig to express its displeasure with being picked up or receiving attention. If you disregard the signals, it may become agitated and nip on your clothes.
2. Expresses boredom
A rabbit will become bored if it is not provided with enough stimulation or toys, and will engage in destructive activity. One of such activities could be digging into you.
Indeed, rabbits that are alone without a companion rabbit are the most vulnerable ones. They can swiftly deteriorate in mental health if they are not given adequate attention or affection, and they will start to dig on you.
3. Thinks you smell
Rabbits have a highly developed sense of smell. Bunnies in the wild rely significantly on scent to detect dangers. A rabbit’s sense of smell is heightened when it detects new, powerful, or changing scents, as this can be a warning sign of impending danger. The instinct is still present in domestic rabbits.
Consequently, changes in your fragrance, or new scents that hide it, may drive the rabbit to dig on you as a result of fear or stress. Changes in deodorant, perfume, laundry detergent, or soap can all cause digging.
4. Wants to play
Digging is a fun activity for rabbits, especially younger ones. Of course, rabbits of all ages may dig on you as a kind of play or as a request for playtime.
This digging is usually done directly on the skin. It may dig at your ankles or feet if you are standing, requesting that you go down to its level.
If it digs at your clothes, the rabbit may want to play with you or with its favorite blanket. This will happen more frequently if you’re cuddled up under a blanket or wearing loose clothing.
5. Feeling anxious
A rabbit’s anxiety can drive him to dig. Bunnies are extremely jittery creatures. Therefore, apart from being picked up, many factors can cause nervousness. Other pets, new people, and changes in your bunny’s environment can all cause stress and anxiety. Although a startled rabbit is more likely to escape or freeze, it can also channel its distress towards digging and biting.
6. Showing dominance
Digging indicates that your rabbit believes it is in charge. As a result, it wants to choose when to play, snuggle, and receive attention.
Rabbits, as social as they are, are nonetheless extremely independent animals. When a dominant bunny wants some alone time, it will be quite vocal about it. As a means of warning you to ‘get away,’ it may dig, nip, or bite.
7. Showing off
In the presence of female rabbits, unneutered male rabbits may begin digging. This is seen as a courtship display. If the rabbit is in your lap when the doe appears, it may begin digging on you. Until the buck is neutered, it will most likely do this every time it sees a female rabbit.
8. Wants attention
Digging may indicate a desire for pets or cuddling. A rabbit will frequently bump its nose or head into your hand when it wants to be pet. If your hand is out of reach, the rabbit may begin digging at any part of your body that is accessible. This is usually your feet or lap.
This is most common when a rabbit sits freely in your lap while being petted. If you stop petting your rabbit, he or she may dig into your lap to indicate that they are at ease and want you to continue.
9. To care for their nails
To avoid painful splits and tears, rabbits must keep their nails clipped. If you don’t frequently cut their nails, they’ll find other ways to do so, such as by scratching at your clothes.
10. Curiosity
Rabbits are sometimes just fascinated by the texture of clothing. So, to satisfy its curiosity, a rabbit may dig on your clothes to investigate the fabric. This appears to be the case with huge blankets or sweatshirts.
The following suggestions can help to stop your bunny from digging on you and biting your clothes.
- Provide more chew toys to keep your rabbit busy.
- Your should neuter or spay your rabbit
- Always trim your rabbit’s nails regularly
- Give them plenty of hay to build a fake burrow.
- To discourage them, let out a small, high-pitched scream when they dig on you or bite your clothes
- Set up a digging box.
- Try a grass rug instead of biting and scratching your clothes.
- Bribe your rabbit with vegetables or fruit to keep him from digging on you.
Do Rabbits Dig for Attention?
As earlier mentioned, rabbits have an instinct to dig. Digging, on the other hand, can be a rabbit’s way of attracting attention. Not only do they dig and nip at your clothes, but they also dig about the house. Always remember that rabbits are sociable animals. So, if they don’t get enough socialization from you, they’ll have to come up with new tactics to grab your attention. If your rabbit digs at your leg when you’re standing, it’s most likely just a way of getting your attention.
Do Rabbits Need a Digging Box?
For rabbits, digging boxes aren’t always required. Some rabbits are perfectly pleased to whiz about the room with their usual toys. Still, there are reasons why your rabbit may need a digging box.
Firstly, providing a box for your bun to dig in is beneficial to their mental wellbeing. It lowers the chances of them becoming bored and looking for places to dig in the house, such as the sofa or carpet.
Secondly, digging regularly can help to keep your rabbit’s nail worn down. Dig boxes might help keep your rabbit’s teeth short especially If you place wood in the box to stimulate chewing. Clipping nails and examining teeth are two activities for which you’ll almost certainly need veterinary assistance. As a result, dig boxes may help to reduce the number of visits to the vet.
Lastly, digging and chewing, as well as other forms of everyday exercise are pleasurable for your rabbit. A digging box will allow your bunny to expend surplus energy while indoors. This makes them calmer and friendlier.
What Should I Put in My Rabbit Digging Box?
One of the nicest free toys you can construct for your bunny is a digging box. All you need is to fill a cardboard box with stuff your rabbit likes to play around in, and they’ll be pleased for hours. The best part is that it keeps all the mess in one place.
To begin, select a container that is large enough for your bunny to turn around in and low enough for him to leap in and out effortlessly. A digging box at least twice the rabbit’s size should be suitable. These are a few of the best items to include in your rabbit’s digging box.
- Shredded paper
- Toilet roll tubes
- Pinecones
- Straw
- Soil
- Sand
- Chew toys
- Lava stones
To keep your bunnies interested, switch out the content regularly so they always have something new to discover. That way, you can clean the box while also encouraging your rabbit to return to see what they may find.
The following are the items you should never put in your rabbit’s digging box.
- Glossy magazines
- Newspapers
- Foam packing material
Conclusions
You cannot train a rabbit to stop digging. Instead, you can provide alternatives for your pet bunnies to engage in this natural activity without causing damage to your home.
Finally, instead of wondering why do bunnies dig on you, you can now discern what your bunny is telling you. Consequently, your bunny will feel closer to you.