A brush pile located in a closely grazed pasture is of little value to rabbits. Here, rabbits are exposed to predators while going to and from such a pile. In most cases they will not use it in winter when they need it most. Old culverts, soil pipes and discarded farm equipment, placed in tall grass or weeds close to permanent cover, make attractive sites for rabbits. Brush placed over the top will improve their usefulness.
Rabbits nest in grassy locations such as pastures, ditch banks, pond dams, orchards and even lawns.
The importance of well-drained sites to protect the nest lining materials from becoming dampened cannot be overlooked. On flat land, heavy rains during the breeding season fill the nest depression and either drown the young or force them from the nest. Terraces, when well grassed, make good nesting sites. The chance for survival of the young will be increased by placing these nesting areas near permanent cover and some bare ground. This allows the young rabbits to escape dense, dew-covered vegetation, which tends to be a deadly combination during the early period of growth.