6 Best Shallow Plastic Tote Brooders For Rabbits That Prevent Common Issues

You’ve seen it happen. A doe kindles a beautiful litter, but a few days later, you find chilled kits scattered outside the nest box. Or worse, the whole nest is soaked and unsanitary because the box couldn’t drain properly. The right nest box isn’t just a container; it’s the single most important piece of equipment for ensuring kit survival in those critical first weeks. Shifting from traditional wood to a simple plastic tote can solve more problems than you might think.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Why Shallow Totes Make Ideal Rabbit Nest Boxes

Plastic totes beat traditional wood boxes hands down for sanitation. Wood is porous. It absorbs urine and moisture, creating a permanent breeding ground for bacteria and mold that even aggressive cleaning can’t fully eliminate. A plastic tote, on the other hand, can be scrubbed, bleached, and dried completely between litters, effectively resetting the clock on potential pathogens.

The "shallow" part is just as important as the "plastic" part. A box that’s too deep forces the doe to leap in and out, risking injury to the kits below. But a box that’s too shallow allows newborn kits, who are blind and deaf, to easily squirm out and get lost in a corner of the cage. A shallow underbed-style tote strikes the perfect balance, with sides high enough to contain the litter but low enough for the doe to step in and out with care.

This simple switch addresses two of the biggest causes of kit mortality: chilling and contamination. It also saves you a tremendous amount of work. Instead of trying to salvage a chewed, stained wooden box, you just wash out the tote and it’s ready for the next doe. It’s a practical solution that puts the health of the litter first.

Sterilite 28 Qt. Underbed Box for Easy Access

The Sterilite 28 Qt. is a fantastic starting point because its low profile is incredibly forgiving. The sides are just high enough to keep a young litter contained without presenting a major obstacle for the doe. This is especially valuable for first-time mothers who may be clumsy or hesitant about entering a new nest box. Easy access reduces the chance she’ll accidentally trample or crush kits while getting her footing.

This tote is also ubiquitous and affordable. You can find it almost anywhere, making it easy to standardize your setup without a special order. The plastic is flexible, which can be a double-edged sword. It won’t crack easily if dropped in the cold, but a heavy doe might bow the sides slightly when she hops in.

Think of this as your go-to for smaller breeds like Mini Rex or Dutch, or for any doe you’re not sure about. Its primary advantage is minimizing the barrier between the doe and her kits. After you cut your doorway, the entry height is minimal, which is exactly what you want for a smooth transition into motherhood.

Rubbermaid Cleverstore 30 Qt. for Clear Viewing

The biggest advantage of the Rubbermaid Cleverstore is immediately obvious: it’s crystal clear. This feature is a game-changer for anyone who wants to monitor a new litter without constantly disturbing the doe and her carefully built nest. You can do a quick head count or check for movement from a distance, reducing stress for everyone.

Unlike many totes that taper toward the bottom, the Cleverstore has remarkably straight sides. This maximizes the usable floor space, giving a growing litter more room to spread out. More space means less competition, less soiling of the nest, and a lower risk of kits being smothered.

The transparency does have a potential tradeoff. Some does are more private and may feel exposed in a clear box. This is easily managed. Simply place the box in a darker corner of the cage or wrap the outside with cardboard for the first week. The ability to perform non-invasive wellness checks far outweighs this minor consideration.

HDX 7-Gallon Flip-Top for Secure Lid Access

This tote offers a unique approach due to its attached flip-top lid. While you’ll remove the lid for use as a nest box, the rugged construction of the tote itself is what makes it a contender. HDX plastic is known for being less brittle and more impact-resistant, making it a solid choice for unheated barns or sheds where temperature swings can wreck cheaper plastics.

The 7-gallon size (approximately 28 quarts) is a good all-around dimension for medium-sized breeds like Californians or New Zealands. It provides enough room for a standard litter without taking up excessive cage space. The rim is typically reinforced to support the hinged lid, which adds rigidity and prevents the sides from flexing under the doe’s weight.

Consider this the workhorse option. It’s not fancy, but it’s built to withstand the daily abuse of a working rabbitry. The durability means you’ll be replacing it far less often, saving you money and hassle in the long run. Its solid, opaque color also provides a dark, secure environment that many does prefer for kindling.

IRIS USA 44 Qt. Underbed Box for Large Litters

When you’re dealing with larger breeds or does known for throwing huge litters, space is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. The IRIS 44 Qt. underbed box provides the generous footprint required for breeds like Flemish Giants or Checkered Giants. Overcrowding is a primary cause of mortality in large litters, as kits can be easily trampled or smothered.

This tote gives a litter of 10 or 12 kits the room they need to grow and reposition themselves without piling on top of each other. The larger surface area also helps dissipate moisture and keeps the nesting material from becoming compacted and soiled too quickly. This means a drier, healthier environment for the kits.

Of course, the larger size means it won’t fit in every cage. Measure your cage floor and door before buying. The key is that it maintains the critical "underbed" shallow depth. You get the width and length needed for a big litter without creating a deep bucket that the doe can’t safely navigate.

Ziploc WeatherShield 26.5 Qt. for Dry Bedding

Don’t let the "WeatherShield" name fool you; the gasket is not the main feature here. The real benefit of this tote is the incredibly strong and rigid rim that’s built to accommodate the gasket and latches. This reinforcement prevents the sides from bowing or collapsing when the doe jumps in and out, which is a common failure point on cheaper totes.

A rigid rim does one thing exceptionally well: it keeps the bedding inside the box. When a doe pushes against a flimsy side, nesting material spills out into the cage, leaving kits on a cold plastic floor. The Ziploc tote’s sturdy construction ensures the nest she carefully built stays intact, keeping the litter warm and secure.

This tote is an investment in prevention. By maintaining the integrity of the nest, you drastically reduce the risk of chilled kits. The high-quality, clear plastic also provides excellent visibility, combining the best features of durability and monitoring into one solid package.

Hefty 40 Qt. Latching Box for Durability

If you’re tired of replacing cracked and broken nest boxes every season, the Hefty 40 Qt. is your solution. These totes are engineered for storage and transport, meaning they are built from a thicker, more resilient plastic that can handle repeated use and abuse. This is the box you buy once and use for years.

While you’ll remove the lid, the integrated latching points on the tote’s body add significant structural reinforcement to the corners and rim. This makes the box exceptionally resistant to warping and cracking, even with heavy does using it daily. It’s a prime choice for outdoor setups where equipment is exposed to the elements.

The tradeoff for this durability is often a slightly higher price and a bit more weight. However, the cost is easily justified when you consider its lifespan. For a serious hobby farmer who values reliable, long-lasting equipment, the Hefty tote is a practical and economical choice over the long term.

Modifying Your Tote for Safety and Ventilation

A stock tote is a good start, but two modifications are non-negotiable for rabbit safety. First, you must cut a doorway for the doe. A "U" shaped opening, about 6 inches wide and cut down to about 1-2 inches from the floor, allows her to step out easily instead of jumping. This simple cut is the number one way to prevent her from accidentally dragging nursing kits out of the nest on her belly.

After cutting the plastic, the edges will be sharp. You must smooth these edges down. Use a file, sandpaper, or carefully wave a lighter or propane torch flame across the edge to melt it smooth. A sharp plastic edge can slice a doe’s underside or injure a kit, so this step is absolutely critical for safety.

Finally, drill a few small (1/4 inch) drainage holes in the bottom of the tote. Even with the best bedding, urine will eventually soak through. These holes allow moisture to drain away, keeping the nesting material drier and warmer. A dry nest is a healthy nest, and this five-minute job can make all the difference in preventing hypothermia and unsanitary conditions.

Ultimately, the perfect plastic tote brooder isn’t about a specific brand, but about matching the right features to your needs. Consider your breed’s size, your climate, and how much you value visibility versus durability. By choosing wisely and making a few simple modifications, you can provide a safe, clean, and effective environment that gives every litter the best possible start.