How To Make A Rabbit Hideout (Rabbit Hideaway/Hidey House)

I know, it’s that time already! Your mother rabbit did a great job and had a successful litter and now they are growing so fast. Your baby bunnies are starting to leave the nest box and now they need something they can still hide in to feel comfortable and safe. A rabbit hideout box is the best option for your rabbitry. Follow along as we learn why rabbit hideouts are so good and how we can make one. If you just want to jump to the build click here! Don’t forget to download our Rabbit Essential Checklist so you can have everything you need to care for your rabbits!

Why Do I Need A Rabbit Hideout Box?

A rabbit hideaway box is such an important part of raising baby rabbits. It is sad to say but an adult rabbit or a baby rabbit can literally be scared to death. If a scared rabbit does live it could have heart conditions or other health issues due to the trauma. Rabbits are very delicate creatures but if you make them a safe place to run to and hide you will change your rabbits life for the better. A rabbit hidey box is a good idea your rabbits will thank you for.

When Do I Add My Rabbit Hideout Box?

To add your hideaway box is actually a complex answer but it can be done as early as 2 weeks of age. I like to watch and see because every litter is different and they all respond differently. Baby bunnies are just so cute! Around 2-4 weeks of age the baby rabbits will start to venture out of the nesting box. Sooner than later, they start to leave the nesting box and hangout in other parts of the cage. Even as early as 3 weeks of age they will start to sample their moms food and lounge out with her. Now that they can see they also like to chase her around to sneak a few sips of milk. These are all good signs you can put in your hideout box. Now that you know the signs to look for, you will know the best time to add their little rabbit hideout box. If you built one of our adjustable nesting boxes then you have a little bit of extra time to build a hide box. Just take the adjustable front out and remove the bedding and the nesting box can work for a temporary hideout box until you have time to build one.

When To Take Out My Hideout Box

This can get pretty obvious and is very simple to spot. Around 4-6 Weeks of age they will be outgrowing the box. You will then see all of them start to hangout on the top of the hide box. Around the time you take out the hideout box is around weaning time. Rabbits can be weaned between ages 4-6 weeks. It is best to wait until 6 weeks to give the baby bunnies a good and healthy start to their life.

3 Main Uses Of A Rabbit Hideout Box

A rabbit hide box can be used for 3 main things. The first and most important reason is obviously for our baby rabbits to hide in so they can stay calm and grow healthy and strong. Another great thing this box offers is a place for mother rabbit to get off of the cage floor bottom. This can help with sore hocks and keep her feet comfortable. The last thing you can use this rabbit hideout box for is a last minute nesting box. This is not an ideal nesting box but it could work in a pinch. If you need to build a nesting box you can learn by clicking here. Now that you know all the uses for your hideout box you are ready to add one to your cage. Let’s get started!

What Tools And Materials Will I Need?

• Circular Saw or Jigsaw
• Quick Square
• Straight Edge
• Sharpie
• Tape measure
• Nail Gun Or Drill
• Screws
• 1.5 inch long nails
• Air Hose
• Air Compressor
• Remaining 4ft of pine 1×12 from our nest box build.

Let’s Start Building!

1. The First thing to do is to mark all your pieces out onto your 4ft board.
   • The top should measure 11 1/4 x 16″
   • The long side should measure 5 5/8″ x 16″
   • The short side should measure 5 5/8″ x 9 3/4″

2. Now it’s time to cut out our pieces with a circular saw or jigsaw.

3. Let’s assemble all the cut pieces with nails or screws.

4. Now it’s time to mark our openings. Pull the tape measure front the right side of the box and mark 2 1/2″ and 6 1’2″. Pull the tape measure from the bottom of the box and mark 4″. The opening of the box should be 4″ x 4″.

5. You can cut it out like this or make it feel more natural for the baby bunnies. To do this, mark an arch on the top of the opening.

6. Let’s cut it out with a jigsaw

7. Lastly, repeat this on the front side and sand all the sharp edges.

Now that you’re done, your new baby bunnies can feel safe and grow as they should. I hope you enjoyed this simple post and it has helped you tremendously. If you have any comments, feel free to share your ideas and questions in the comment box below!

Don’t forget to download our Rabbit Essential Checklist so you can have everything you need to care for your rabbits!