Willow Tunnel and Seagrass Mat: Build a Small Pet Hideaway

Quick answer

Place a willow tunnel on top of a seagrass mat in a quiet corner of the enclosure, leaving both ends of the tunnel open and the mat edges flat. This gives your rabbit or guinea pig a chewable hiding spot and a soft resting layer in one compact setup.

How to set up the hideaway, step by step

1. Clear and level the floor: Remove bedding, toys, and loose hay from the chosen corner, then smooth the surface so the mat lies flat. Common mistake: placing the mat over a bump or thick bedding, which makes the tunnel wobble and discourages entry. Press down on the mat corners; if they lift, the floor is not level enough.
2. Lay the seagrass mat first: Unroll or unfold the mat and position it so the tunnel will sit fully on top, with a few inches of mat extending beyond each tunnel opening. Check that no edge curls upward where your pet will step. A mat that extends past the tunnel ends gives your pet a soft landing zone and protects the floor from loose willow pieces.
3. Place the willow tunnel on the mat: Set the tunnel lengthwise or at a slight angle, keeping both openings unobstructed. Do not push one end against a wall or corner, because a blocked exit can make a small pet feel trapped. Common mistake: wedging the tunnel so tightly that it cannot be nudged or rotated. Stand back and confirm you can see through both ends of the tunnel.
4. Add a small amount of familiar bedding or hay: Tuck a handful of your pet's usual hay or bedding inside the tunnel and scatter a little on the mat. This links the new setup to familiar smells. Avoid filling the tunnel completely, which defeats the purpose of a hideout. Use only material your pet already eats or sleeps on; a new substrate inside the tunnel can delay exploration.
5. Introduce your pet and observe from a distance: Place your rabbit or guinea pig near the setup and let it approach on its own. Watch for chewing on the willow, resting on the mat, or repeated entry and exit. If your pet ignores the tunnel for a full day, try moving the setup to a quieter corner rather than forcing it inside. A pet that sits on top of the tunnel instead of inside may need a wider or lower hideout; this tunnel suits pets that fit comfortably through its openings.
6. Check daily and clean weekly: Each day, remove soiled hay and rotate the tunnel slightly so wear is even. Once a week, lift the mat, shake it out, and wipe the floor underneath. Spot-clean the mat with a damp cloth and let it dry fully before returning it. Common mistake: soaking the seagrass mat, which can weaken the fibers. Replace the mat when it becomes frayed or persistently damp, and remove the tunnel if chewed edges turn sharp.

Product facts

• Tiny Paws Willow Tunnel: Made from thin, air-dried, unpeeled willow sticks woven into a tunnel. The woven willow gives your pet a chewable structure, so the hideout doubles as enrichment rather than just cover.

  

• Tiny Paws Hide-Away Seagrass Mat: Made from 100% natural seagrass and designed as a multi-purpose enrichment mat. You can use it as a soft resting spot, a natural floor layer, or part of a foraging setup under the tunnel.