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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum BEHAVIOR Litter problems

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    • babybunsmum
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        Hi!  I’m having an issue with my newly bonded twins Ms. Hip and Mr. Hop’s litter habits.  Any insight / advice appreciated.

        A bit of background in a nutshell… I adopted the siblings this January when they were 7 mos old.  They were born at the shelter and kept separate since they were altered.  I don’t know when exactly they were altered within their 7 months (seems early no?) except to say there were no physical signs of surgery.  They were in a room separated from other animals in the shelter and their cages were stacked on top of each other.  

        When I first brought them home they each had their own space that was 2 x 3 NIC panels big.  They immediately used their litters for peeing.  Only once each did they pee out of their litters and it was when I was emptying and cleaning them.  When I got back they had each left a puddle in the spot their litter should be.  Lol.  How dare I take their litters?!?!  I did have to secure Hop’s litter bin because he would try to toss it about.

        Neither had very tidy poop habits.  I assumed this was territorial even tho they’re both fixed.  I would sweep up poops and put them in their litter often figuring it would ease eventually and once they were bonded. Easter day marked their first day together bonded and they are now in a shared 2 x 4 NIC panel enclosure with a larger shared litter.  They roam free when I’m home and awake, so 6-10pm weekdays and at least double that on weekends.

        Finally onto the problem at hand.  Now that they’re together they share a large common hay/litter.  One night before I topped up the hay Hip decided to turn it into his personal diggy box.  He got in there and started to dig out the trampled hay and poops and flung them ALL OVER.  Bum.  I said “Hey hey hey!!” and went over to clean it up.  When I sat back down he immediately repeated.  I cleaned it up again and topped up the hay which stopped the digging.  I also observed him tossing their water dish when it was nearly empty.

        I started topping up both hay and water twice a day thinking this would satisfy him.  No dice.  And they always have a cardboard project on the go.

        The last 2 mornings i was greeted with the ENTIRE contents of their litter/hay, save the urine soaked newspaper at the bottom, spread evenly throughout their enclosure.  There was a puddle of pee next to their litter yesterday morning and this morning it was obvious that some bun had peed in the scattered hay / poop outside the litter.  Why not since it looked like a giant litter?  

        I’m 99.9% certain this is Mr. Hop’s doing.  Is he bored?  Frustrated?  Any ideas? 




      • babybunsmum
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          I should add… They each have had a blankie since living here. I thought they’d like to lay on and straighten and arrange it… Some bun has been peeing on their blankies and I don’t think they did this before they were living together.


        • Gina.Jenny
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            In my experience, more buns means more litter trays. I have six for four buns, each the kind of cheap plastic box meant to store stuff under beds. I line each with a sheet of newspaper, half a puppy training pad, and half fill with hay. One of my boys cant be neutered on health grounds, but has got the idea of using the hay boxes from the other three anyway, so far at least. So, more boxes, and bigger boxes might help?


          • tobyluv
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            3310 posts Send Private Message

              To keep all the contents of their litter box being dug out, you can buy a screen for a litter box. They sell them here in the BB store. They are out of stock right now, but you can ask to be notified when they are back in stock. You can either just buy the screen or you can buy the litter box with the screen. https://store.binkybunny.com/rabbit-supplies-c17.aspx. They are probably sold in other stores or websites too.


            • jerseygirl
              Moderator
              22338 posts Send Private Message

                Omg! I haven’t read all your post yet, just got excited to “see” you! Hi!!
                And that pic of the buns in the green box is adorable.

                Okay, I’ll be sensible now and go back to read.


              • jerseygirl
                Moderator
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                  So happy you have 2 REW’s

                  Mr Hops behaviour does remind me of my foster boys when they hit puberty. They were obsessed with digging out the tray and seemed competitive about it.

                  It sounds as if he’s having a very active period early in the morning. Not uncommon. This is when my single bun in my bedroom starts acting up. Giving him new hay or morning pellets helps. Maybe you could add one of those toy balls stuffed with hay at night time? Or use twist ties to secure to wire hanging baskets together, filled with hay and some goodies.

                  Are you having some doubts about their desexing? Are there ear tattoos? Were you given certificates of desexings?

                  Are one or both using the litter box more as a bed then a toilet?

                  ETA: How are their habits out of the pen?


                • Azerane
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                    I can’t say I have much in the way of advice that hasn’t already been said, but I just love that picture of them snuggled together in the box.


                  • babybunsmum
                    Participant
                    3896 posts Send Private Message

                      Hey there jerseygirl… nice to “see” ya!!

                      This is the first time I have ever adopted bunnies that were already de-sexed and I didn’t even think to ask for a certificate. I guess I was happy to know I didn’t have that expense, plus I trust the shelter.  Really what I was wondering is how long residual hormonal behavior can last and if that may be a factor?

                      Out of the pen they leave a few poops about.  No more than 3 or 4 since they’ve been bonded and are out at the same time.  Pre-bond they left a handful around the pens while out but that has stopped already.  Mr. Hop likes to nap in the litter for sure.  ETA: Good ideas about changing the type / number / size of litter box.  WIll keep my eyes open for options!!

                      Also, he’s the one who tries to shake the door open.  When they’re out and about they both tear around with bunny 500s and crazy binky fests.  I haven’t had a young bun for 7 years much less 2 of them so I’m adjusting to their youthful exuberance.  Lol.  I def have to up my game providing bunny activities.  I will stuff their balls with hay tonight as a start.  

                      Thanks all!!  Operation distraction engaged.  

                      Here is a fuzzy pic of Ms. Hip and I…

                       


                    • jerseygirl
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                        Haha cute! Funny how they like to be up high.

                        She’s little! The litter box pic makes them seem bigger.

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                    Forum BEHAVIOR Litter problems