The Best Plastic Nest Boxes for Rabbits

Raising rabbits requires providing them with proper housing and accessories to keep them healthy and happy. An important accessory is a nest box, which gives female rabbits a safe, cozy space to give birth and nurse their young. Traditionally, wood nest boxes have been the go-to choice. However, plastic nest boxes offer some advantages that make them a great option to consider.

Why Use a Plastic Nest Box?

Plastic nest boxes provide the following benefits

• Durability Plastic is extremely durable and stands up well to chewing and scratching, Wood boxes can get chewed up and damaged over time Plastic holds up better

• Easy to clean: Plastic surfaces can be easily wiped down and disinfected. Wood is more porous and can harbor bacteria. Plastic allows for thorough sanitation between litters.

• Portability: Plastic boxes are lightweight compared to wood. This makes them easy to move around your rabbitry when needed.

• Affordability: Injection molded plastic boxes can be mass produced efficiently, making them quite affordable, especially compared to handcrafted wood nest boxes.

• Modern look: Plastic nest boxes have a sleek, modern aesthetic that some rabbit owners prefer over the traditional rustic look of wood.

What to Look for in a Plastic Rabbit Nest Box

When shopping for a plastic nest box for your rabbits, keep the following features in mind:

• Roomy interior: The box should allow the doe adequate room to enter, exit, lie down, and nurse her kits. Look for internal dimensions of at least 18″ x 18″.

• Non-tip design: The box should have a wide, stable base so it doesn’t easily tip over if the doe scrambles in or out.

• Textured floor: A textured floor provides traction so kits don’t slide around while nursing. Interlocking grids work well.

• Raised floor: A floor raised above the bottom allows waste and moisture to fall through, keeping kits drier.

• Attachable lid: A lid over part of the entrance can provide privacy and security but should be removable for easy access.

• Durability: Look for tough polyethylene plastic at least 1/4″ thick that resists chewing and scratching.

• Easy cleaning: Smooth surfaces and corners make scrubbing out messes simpler. Avoid crevices that can trap hair and waste.

Top Plastic Nest Box Options

Based on the criteria above, here are some of the best plastic nest box options to consider for your rabbits:

1. Kaytee Nautilus Nesting Box

• Made of heavy-duty polyethylene plastic
• Textured, raised floor keeps kits dry
• Hinged lid provides privacy and locks in place
• Roomy 19″ x 19″ interior
• Molded-in handles for easy transport

2. Ware Manufacturing Plastic Nesting Box

• Made in USA of durable plastic
• Deep base prevents tipping
• Textured flooring for traction
• Removable lid with locking clips
• 19″ x 14″ interior size

3. Bass Equipment Plastic Nest Box

• Made of heavy-duty, UV-protected polypropylene
• Leak-proof pan bottom catches waste
• Textured floor keeps kits in place
• Removable top with locking arms
• Internal dimensions of 18″ x 18″

4. Trixie Pet Products Flip-Top Nest Box

• Made of heavy-duty plastic with metal reinforcements
• Front entrance and top access
• Textured anti-slip flooring
• Removable lid doubles as ramp
• Roomy 18.5″ x 18.5″ interior

5. PETIO Pet Nest Box

• Polypropylene plastic construction
• Leak-proof collection tray under floor grid
• Hinged lid with locking latch
• Molded-in handles for portability
• 17″ x 17″ interior dimensions

Setting Up the Nest Box

Once you’ve selected the right plastic nest box for your rabbits, proper setup is important for your doe’s comfort and success raising a litter:

• Place the box in a quiet, semi-secluded spot in the cage or colony. Provide bedding materials like straw, hay, or shredded paper for the doe to build her nest.

• Check that the box is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected since the last litter. Scour all surfaces and rinse well.

• Consider placing the box on blocks or feet to raise it up off the cage floor. This helps air circulate underneath.

• Attach the lid if the box came with one. The doe may push it open when she’s ready to kindle.

• Provide ample space around the box opening so the doe can get in and out easily.

• Once the doe has kindled, resist the urge to disturb her and the litter. Let them bond in the first few days.

• When the kits are 2-3 weeks old, handle them gently to get them used to human contact.

With the right plastic nest box set up properly, you can give your doe rabbits the perfect nursery to raise happy, healthy litters!