Eating Lavender Litter

[Harlemshake]

So, I just recently got a bunny and I am now in the process of litter training him. He weighs about 2 pounds and is almost three months old and hasn’t been fixed yet. I got the soft granule kind of litter that is scented lavender but he keeps eating it! I know he shouldn’t eat it but it has effected him. He is eating his hay and pellets just fine and pooping normal. I don’t know what to do. He seems to like going on blankets and towels and furniture, not that is not an ideal situation. What should I do?

[Reeem]

They tend to like peeing on soft materials. As for the litter you should try a new unscented litter, or wood stove pellets or safe aspen wood shavings.

[Harlemshake]

Where would I get wood stove pellets?

[tobyluv]

You can get wood stove pellets at home supply stores, hardware stores or Tractor Supply. Make sure that the pellets are plain, without any additives. It’s always easier to litter box train a rabbit that has been spayed or neutered, so you might not be as successful with your rabbit since he hasn’t been neutered yet.

Here is a printout of what to use or not use in a rabbit’s litter box:

What To Use In Your Rabbit’s Litter Box

Remember that rabbits may sit in their litter boxes for extended periods, and that they nibble on everything, so it’s important to choose the right litter.
Do not use cedar or pine shavings. These contain dangerous aromatic oils that have been found to cause liver damage and respiratory problems. Don’t use CatWorks, a litter made from oat hulls, which when ingested has caused fatal zinc poisoning. Swheat Scoop Litter should not be used since rabbits will often ingest it. It is comprised of wheat, is very high in carbohydrates, and can cause obesity, excessive cecal production, diarrhea and other health issues. Don’t use clay litter. The dust causes respiratory problems, and if ingested, it is harmful to the digestive tract. Don’t use any clumping litters–if nibbled on, they are likely to cause obstructions in the intestinal tract. Also avoid corn cob litter. If eaten, it can cause a lethal intestinal blockage.
Recommended litters:
1. Newspaper, shredded or cut-up. It’s inexpensive and readily available, but it offers no odor control. If the newspaper is cut into larger pieces, urine may puddle at first until it is absorbed into the paper, which could cause your rabbit to have damp feet. It can be composted.
2. Paper pulp litter. It has low dust, good absorbency, and no hazards, though it also offers little odor control. It can be flushed or composted. Brands include Carefresh, Yesterday’s News, Cellu-Dri, and Eco Fresh.
3. Oat, alfalfa and wheat straw based pellets. Low dust, good absorbency, and no hazards, although they can cause bloating if too much is ingested. They can be flushed or composted. Brands include Critter Country, Cat Country, and Oxbow Eco-Straw.
4. Compressed sawdust (pine) pellets. Unlike pine shavings, these are safe, since they have no dangerous aromatic oils. They are economical, highly absorbent, and have good odor control. They may be composted. Brands include All Pet Pine, Feline Pine and Exquisicat.
5. Aspen bark, pellets or shredded. Highly absorbent, with good odor control. Pellets are economical , because it only takes a thin layer in the litter box. They may be composted. These larger pellets are good for long haired rabbits, since they don’t get stuck in their fur as easily as the small particle litters. Brands include Aspen Fresh, Gentle Touch and Aspen Supreme.
6. Straw or hay. Straw can be dusty and is not very absorbent, but has no hazards, unless it becomes moldy. Any of the grass hays can be used. Be sure to clean frequently, as your rabbit will also be eating the hay. It may be composted.
7. Wood stove pellets. These are compressed pine or hardwood pellets. Make sure that the pellets are plain and that they don’t contain accelerants. These are very economical. They come in large bags and are inexpensive. They can be found in home supply or tractor supply stores.
8. Horse stall pellets. They are compressed sawdust (pine), also very economical. Found in feed stores, home supply stores, or tractor supply stores. One brand is Equine Pine.

If you change to a new litter, your rabbit may hesitate to use it. Mix some of the new with the old, or put some of the dirty litter into the new litter. Daily cleaning of the dirty areas is best. Regularly dump out the whole contents of the box, and thoroughly clean with an organic cleaner or a natural cleaner, such as vinegar or baking soda.
Many of these litters are available in pet supply stores, grocery stores, or discount stores. Litter, food and other rabbit supplies can be ordered online from drsfostersmith.com, wag.com, bunnybytes.com, petfooddirect.com, binkybunny.com, leithpetwerks.com, or various other pet supply catalogs and websites.

[Reeem]

Im not really sure since i dont live in america , but i think you could get them in a hardware store.

[Reeem]

As you can see Tobyluv gave you all the info i would never think of giving and all the info you need 

[Cottontail]

It sounds like you may be using the same stuff as me: the Kaytee lavender granulated pellet “bedding”? It’s paper/wood pulp based and has little bits of dried lavender and rose hips in it.. and I did notice that my bunnies will route through the litter a bit to pick out the flowers, but luckily they’re not eating the paper. (I watched for a while with both to make sure) You could try a different scent or even a variety with no scent. I think Tobyluv pretty much covered the best alternatives. Mine stick with the granulated paper pellets because they’re spoiled rotten and don’t like to potty on harder things… they would much prefer my rug or bed if soft litter is not available. Good luck with yours!

[BarbaraC]

Home Depot and Lowes both sell the stove pellets but they may only be sold seasonally in your area. Check local feed stores. Anywhere that sell supplies for horses should carry these. There are also some made specifically for horses that are also safe for rabbits but I don’t know how expensive they are.

[Author]

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