6 Best Small Animal Corral Panels For Rabbit Protection That Stop Burrowing
Protect your yard from burrowing rabbits. This guide reviews the 6 best small animal corral panels that feature built-in stakes to stop digging.
There’s nothing more frustrating than building a new enclosure for your rabbits, only to find a freshly dug escape tunnel the next morning. Rabbits are born to dig, and most standard exercise pens do little to stop this powerful instinct. This guide will help you choose the right corral panels and, more importantly, show you how to install them correctly to create a truly secure, burrow-proof space.
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Why Standard Pens Fail Against Rabbit Digging
Most small animal pens are designed to be barriers, not fortresses. They sit directly on the ground, creating a clear visual and physical boundary that works fine for many pets. Rabbits, however, see that fence line as a starting point.
A determined rabbit can excavate enough soil to squeeze under a standard panel in a surprisingly short amount of time. They instinctively dig at the base of obstacles. Without any underground protection, the pen’s bottom edge is a wide-open invitation to tunnel. This not only risks an escape but also creates an entry point for predators like weasels or raccoons who can easily widen the gap.
MidWest Wire Pen: Versatile & Secure Choice
The MidWest Wire Pen is a go-to for many small animal keepers, and for good reason. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and can be configured into multiple shapes to fit your space. The black E-coat finish holds up reasonably well to the elements, and the step-through door is a back-saver for daily feeding and cleaning.
While it’s a solid choice for containment, it offers zero built-in protection against digging. Think of it as a great starting point. Its versatility makes it easy to modify, and the panel bottoms are perfect for attaching a wire apron, which is the real key to stopping burrowing. It’s a reliable frame waiting for you to add the essential security feature.
Yaheetech Heavy-Duty Pen for Persistent Diggers
If you have rabbits that like to test their enclosures by pushing, leaning, or chewing, the Yaheetech heavy-duty models are a smart upgrade. These pens use a thicker gauge wire and more robust construction, making them feel much more substantial. They are less likely to bend or warp if a rabbit decides to charge the fence line.
Don’t mistake "heavy-duty" for "burrow-proof." The added weight and strength are all above ground. A heavier pen is slightly harder for a rabbit to shift, but it does nothing to prevent them from digging underneath it. This is the right choice for containing a strong, boisterous rabbit, but you still need to address the ground-level threat separately.
Prevue Pet Products Pen: Taller Protection
Some rabbit breeds are surprisingly athletic jumpers. For breeds like the Flemish Giant or Checkered Giant, a standard 24-inch pen is more of a suggestion than a barrier. Prevue Pet Products offers panels in various heights, often up to 48 inches, providing essential vertical security.
Choosing a taller pen is critical for preventing escapes over the top. However, a tall fence is completely undermined if the rabbit can simply dig under it. It’s a perfect example of how you have to think about security in three dimensions: high enough to prevent jumping, strong enough to prevent pushing, and secured at the base to prevent digging. This pen solves the first part of that equation excellently.
FXW Outdoor Pen: Modular for Custom Layouts
The biggest advantage of the FXW pen system is its modularity. You can easily connect multiple sets to create large, sprawling runs or fit an enclosure into an awkward, non-rectangular space in your yard. This flexibility is invaluable when you’re working with existing garden beds or structures.
The connection system, which typically uses metal rods dropped through interlocking loops, is simple and effective. This makes it easy to change the layout or expand it later. The tradeoff for this flexibility is that every connection point is a potential weak spot. You must ensure the rods are driven securely into the ground to keep the panels tight and stable before you add your burrow-proofing.
AmazonBasics Pen With Stakes for Added Security
Many pen kits, like the popular AmazonBasics version, come with a set of ground stakes. These are a great feature for adding stability. The stakes help anchor the base of the pen, preventing a rabbit (or the wind) from pushing it around or lifting a corner.
It’s crucial to understand what these stakes do and don’t do. They secure the panel to the surface of the ground; they do not stop digging. A rabbit will simply dig right next to the stake. Use the stakes for their intended purpose—stabilizing the structure—but don’t mistake them for a burrowing deterrent.
Producer’s Pride Pen: A Solid, Affordable Option
If you have a local farm supply store, don’t overlook their house brands like Producer’s Pride. These pens are often sold as "rabbit pens" or "utility pet pens" and are built with practicality in mind. They are typically made of sturdy, galvanized steel that stands up to weather better than some of the coated wire options.
These pens are no-frills workhorses. They might not have a fancy step-through door, and the finish might be more industrial, but they are tough and often more affordable. They provide a strong, reliable frame that is perfect for building a permanent, burrow-proof enclosure. For a long-term outdoor setup, their durability is a major asset.
Installing a Wire Apron to Stop All Burrowing
Here is the single most important step to making any of these pens escape-proof. A wire apron, or "L-footer," is a horizontal barrier at the base of your fence that physically stops digging. No matter which panel you choose, this is the non-negotiable addition for rabbit security.
To build one, get a roll of sturdy wire mesh, like 1/2-inch hardware cloth. Lay it on the ground, and place your pen on top of it so that at least 12 inches of mesh extends outside the enclosure. Secure the pen panels to the mesh every few inches using metal J-clips or heavy-duty zip ties. When a rabbit tries to dig at the fence line, its paws hit the wire mesh, and it can’t get through. This simple, effective technique is the true solution to stopping burrowers.
Ultimately, the best corral panel is the one that fits your space, budget, and the size of your rabbit. But remember, the panel itself is just the wall. True security comes from installing a wire apron at the base to defeat digging, turning any good pen into a great, escape-proof home.
