Or, some bunny parents use the plastic tray that goes at the bottom of dog crates as an extra large, super low, litter box. This is an especially good option for bunnies that have difficulty climbing into higher boxes due to arthritis or old age. Litter should cover at least half the box, although some people choose to line the entire box with litter, which works just as well.
Pelleted horse or cat bedding made from kiln-dried pine or aspen — such as Feline Pine-is another affordable option, but the bedding must be kiln-dried to remove harmful phenols and hydrocarbons. Alternatively, in some areas and seasons you can find wood stove pellet, which is also a great option and is very similar to Feline Pine. Many people use a combination of one or more types of litter! Other types of litter, such as clumping litter, deodorant crystals, corncob litter, or oat- and alfalfa-based litters are dangerous or toxic if ingested, so they should be avoided.
Softwood such as pine- or cedar-based litters or clay litter can be dangerous if inhaled, so avoid those types as well.
You will need to refill this daily, as bunnies need to have a constant fresh supply of hay. Not only will having hay in the litter box encourage your rabbit to get into the box, but it will also encourage them to eat their hay. Believe it or not, rabbits like to have something to munch on while doing their business! You should clean your bunnies litter box at least every other day with a safe, non-toxic cleaner such as white vinegar or baking soda. Rabbits usually take well to litter training, although some flexibility may be required by the owner.
Rabbits naturally pick one or more toilet areas, and owners can take advantage of this in litter training. First, a suitable litter is needed. Your rabbit will probably like to lay in the litter box and may even nibble on the litter, so something absorbent and safe is necessary.
Rabbit urine also has a strong odor, so something that absorbs odor is ideal. Do not use clay or clumping litters, or cedar or pine wood shavings. For litter pans, cat litter boxes work pretty well, although smaller pans such as cake pans may work for smaller rabbits. If your rabbit tends to back right up to the edge and deposit outside the box, some creativity may be required. A covered cat box is a good option or a dishpan that has higher sides can work as well a lower entry can be cut into one side.
The larger size of corner litter boxes might work well for smaller rabbits too, as these usually have fairly high backs. If your rabbit tends to tip the pan or kick the litter out, try a heavier litter. To start, confinement and supervision is the key.
If a rabbit is allowed to urinate and defecate wherever it likes from the beginning, it will be much harder to train. At first, keep your rabbit primarily in his or her cage , which should be fairly small at first, with a litter pan. Place a litter box in the cage, and note where you rabbit eliminates. He she may start using the box or may pick another corner of the cage as a toilet.
If this is the case, then move the litter box to the area your rabbit seems to prefer. Flexibility on litter box placement may be necessary both in and out of the cage. When rabbits reach the age of months, their hormones become active and they usually begin marking their territory.
By spaying or neutering your rabbit, he will be much more likely to use his litter box as well as much healthier and happier. Keep in mind the following as you choose your litter:. For a listing of safe litters, see the litter boxes and liver disease article. Place a handful of hay in each box. It is helpful to put several layers of newspaper or litter under the hay, to absorb urine so that your rabbit is not standing in the urine. Most newspapers today are using soy-based ink, which is safe for your rabbit, but check with your local newspaper to make sure first.
Change the hay frequently daily , since your rabbit will be eating it. This method helps encourage good litter habits as well as encourages hay consumption, since rabbits often eat and use the litter box at the same time. Clean litter boxes often, to encourage your rabbit to use them.
Use white vinegar to rinse boxes out—for tough stains, let vinegar soak in pans. Clean up accidents outside of the cage with white vinegar or club soda. To dispose of organic litters, they can be used as mulch, composted at home, or added to municipal green waste collection. Rabbit poops can be directly applied to plants as fertilizer.
Place the box in the corner of the enclosure that they go in. If it is on legs, build a ramp or stairs, or pile boxes to make steps—anything so he can come and go on his own. Protect the area. Frequently asked questions about litter training rabbits Why do I need to use hay? How much litter should I use? My bunny was litter trained but is forgetting good habits. What do I do? My bunny is going to the bathroom on my furniture.
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