Bed litter box!?

[Heath]

My fiance requested I post this, as he appears to be at his wit’s end with Heathcliff.

Heathcliff, for many days, was perfectly litter trained. He would happily pee in his litter box or, if he felt like it, in his cage. Neither is a big deal; we clean both, and both are appropriate places. Then, he began to get on the bed. My fiance and I would routinely return from a date to find the bed entirely covered in poo. We didn’t think this was a big deal as, a) Heath probably wasn’t used to the place b) Heath isn’t neutured, and c) he was marking his spots. So, we did what we were supposed to do, and put the poo in the litter box.

As the days have gone by, Heath has continued to poo on the bed. We always put the poo in the litter box. Heath has started giving us the stink eye when we do this. He’ll position himself in a way that clearly indicates that he is displeased. When my fiance got home this evening, he found a nice puddle of bunny wee right in the middle of the bed. Heathcliff has done this once before, prior to his litter training, and hasn’t done it sense. The litter box is right next to the bed, so him not being able to wait isn’t an issue. He’s never marked before, so we don’t think that’s it either.

So what’s going on? Any ideas? It’s expensive to keep washing sheets….

[Gravehearted]

there have been a number of posts about bunnies pooping on the bed. rabbits are extremely territorial – particularly when they haven’t been neutered. the bed is likely highly scented like you and your fiancee, hence why he keeps marking the area.

honestly, my best suggestion is to make the bed a bunny free zone. you could also buy a cheapy shower curtain to put down on top of your sheets.

also – if he’s old enough get him neutered!  it may help, but it’s a very good idea for his health and happiness.

[JK]

I would definitely close off the bedroom  from Heath!  Where is his cage or room?

[Heath]

Posted By knowltons4 on 03/24/2008 7:12 AM

I would definitely close off the bedroom  from Heath!  Where is his cage or room?

See, that’s the problem: his room is the bedroom. He can’t live in the living room, as my fiance’s roommate is ridiculously loud and messy, and the couch area is covered in crumbs/computer wires. He could stay in the bathroom, as he seems to love it in there, but I feel bad doing that since it doesn’t get much natural light. He could come back and stay in my dorm/apartment, but my floors are linolium, and that seemed to loose the amusement factor real quick for Heath.

Right now, he’s in the bathroom with his litterbox and his cage, as he peed on the bed AGAIN this morning, right in front of my fiance.

We’re absolutely getting him neutured (we both feel that it’d be irresponsible not to), but until that happens (about a week), laundry is getting expensive! Plus, there’s a month lag time for hormones. So, right now, we’ll go with the shower curtain idea, as that seems to be best right now, and see if the neuturing helps.

[JK]

Oh I see!  Could you block off the bed somehow?  Maybe put things around the edge that would discourage him from getting on the bed? I have hardwood floors and have put down some grass mats for traction.  You could get some cheap throw rugs for your linoleum or try the grass mats.

[Gravehearted]

I am very glad to hear you’re planning to have him neutered. I can’t promise it’s going to help for sure, but it often does.

I think based on the other factors you shared, the bedroom seems like the right place for him. Buns love to feel like they’re part of the action and being with their people, so the bathroom wouldn’t likely be as much fun for him. I’d agree with knowltons – is there a way to block off the bed with an x-pen, maybe? You can try the shower curtain too!

[Author]

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