Rat Digging Box – Digging & Sniffing Enrichment for Tame Rats (Natural, Play Box or Bio Bin)

Rat digging box: natural enrichment that really adds something

Rats are fantastic climbers, but also real diggers and burrowers . In the wild, they live (among other places) in burrows and tunnels. Deep digging is often difficult in a standard wire cage, but with a digging box for pet rats, you can encourage this natural behavior. The result: noticeably more activity, curiosity, and challenge.

At DRD Rodent Shop®, you'll find everything you need to set up a digging box practically and safely: from suitable boxes to diggable, rat-friendly bedding and materials for a natural design. Specialists since 2011 .

Are rats ground dwellers?

Pet rats are descended from the brown rat, a species that spends a lot of time both on and underground. Digging, tunneling, sniffing, and foraging are therefore completely natural behaviors. A digging box is an easy way to simulate this at home, even if your rats live in a cage.

Natural digging pit, play pit or bio-pit: which one is right for you?

Not every bucket is the same. In this category, we distinguish three practical "styles," depending on your purpose:

Natural digging box: a box with a diggable substrate (e.g., coconut/humus) and optionally rat-safe (fresh) plants. The plants in this category are specially grown for animals and are free of unwanted additives such as fertilizers and chemicals.

Bio-Bin (Bioactive): Similar to a natural digging pit, but with more live plants and bioactivity, you're working more with balance, moisture, and (micro)life in the soil.

Play Dig Box: Primarily designed for playing, sniffing, and searching (think of a "ball pit" idea, but rat-proof), filled with playful, lightweight materials like cardboard pieces or sizzle. Sprinkle in some treats for an instant foraging challenge.

What kind of substrate is suitable for a rat digging pit?

Always choose a material that is both easy to dig and creates minimal dust . Avoid dusty sand (such as chinchilla sand and similar "powdery" varieties). Rats have sensitive respiratory systems; dust can cause unnecessary irritation. The products in this category have been selected because they are suitable for use in a digging bucket or (bio)bin.

How to make a natural digging pit: practical start (expert-proof)

For a natural or bioactive tank, a mix of structures works best: a solid base that allows burrows to "dig" and an airy component for a pleasant digging effect.

A commonly used structure is:

Base: a deep layer of coconut fiber (or humus )
Mix: add coconut flakes for structure (e.g. approximately 1/3 flakes, 2/3 fiber/humus)
Left: coconut fiber and humus

Note: If you want rats to actually burrow, choose a tank with sufficient length and depth (for example, a sturdy plastic tank, glass tank, or terrarium). A shallow play tank is perfect for foraging and rooting, but less suitable if you want a "tunnel effect."

“Fluffy effect”: why mixing works better

Mixing digging substrates (e.g., coconut/humus with coconut chips and perhaps some moss) creates a more airy structure. This makes digging more enjoyable and helps keep burrows in place. As a top layer, you can choose, for example, coconut mix or a natural litter layer. Sprinkle in some treats, and you'll instantly turn digging into a rewarding search game.

Tip: A natural topsoil such as forest litter is ideal for rooting.

Bio-bin with fresh plants: what can you expect?

Many rats find a natural habitat filled with plants incredibly interesting. They'll sniff, root around, and sometimes nibble on leaves (especially if they're tasty or provide extra moisture). You can also germinate seeds: young shoots are often readily eaten and are a nice, fresh addition.

When using a (bio) container, take moisture balance into account: occasional light spraying helps keep plants and bio-activity going.

“Bugs” in a compost bin: is that okay?

A bioactive tank can contain small scavengers that help process waste and support the soil ecosystem. This can take some getting used to, but it's part of the bioactive principle. It's important to set up the tank properly, monitor the humidity, and ensure a stable balance.

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Whether you choose a play pit , a natural pit , or a bio-based pit , you'll find the right products here to set it up safely and successfully. Choose your materials, build in layers, and give your rats something new to explore every day.