Bunny eating litter + Hay problems

[Cookie and Me]

Hi guys! This is my first post, and I just got my bunny earlier today, and I already have questions.

First of all, Cookie is eating her litter. I left her alone for a while, and I came back and caught her eating her litter. I didn’t know what to do since this is my first time owning rabbits, so I just took her out of the box.  Was that wrong?? Please tell me because I have no idea and I really want Cookie to be healthy.

Also, the place I got her from has been feeding her Timothy hay. I have alfalfa hay, and I just want to know if I should just give her alfalfa or what. Sorry for all the questions, I’m just really concerned about her.

Thanks!

[sarahthegemini]

Bunnies often have a nibble of new things so she might have been nibbling the litter to see if is actually edible/tasty. If she’s doing more than just the odd nibble, you’ll have to change her litter to something she doesn’t eat. What are you using?

Alfalfa hay is fine if she’s young. How old is she?

[Cookie and Me]

Sorry, I forgot to mention – I’m using Yesterday’s News. She’s 8 weeks old, so I’m pretty sure I need alfalfa.
Also, I have a regular cat litter pan, but if this eating problem keeps up, I was thinking of getting a grate for it. Do you think that is good?
Again, sorry for all these questions

[joea64]

Rabbits shouldn’t ingest litter in large amounts, but the occasional nibble won’t hurt if the litter is rabbit-safe. I use Carefresh recycled paper and bought a new 25.7-liter package (expands to 50 liters) yesterday. I put a layer of hay on top of the litter so that my buns have that to nibble on.

Alfalfa hay is the right sort of hay for baby and young rabbits, if Cookie is over 6 months old it’s time to start moving her on to timothy which is the staple food for adult buns. Many people mix in other grass hays such as orchard or oat for taste variety and to promote good chewing habits.

[bunnytherabbit]

I also use carefresh for my rabbit, I think she’s eating it, and she always faces the wrong way in her litter box, with her butt facing the hay.

She’s still new and quite skittish so she will get up if I come close to move her hay. Any advice would be deeply appreciated!

[Wick & Fable]

Hi bunnytherabbit! This is an old topic and you’re likely not to get answers from the user because of that. I recommend you create a new topic so active members can give their recommendations!

For a rabbit, there is no “wrong way” to face in the litterbox– they often push around hay and pee/poop on it all the time. That’s their nature!

I will lock this topic and again, definitely feel free to start your own!

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[sarahthegemini]

^ doesn’t have to be Timothy. Any grass hay is fine

[Cookie and Me]

Thanks

[Deleted User]

Nice advice!

[Wick & Fable]

You can get a litter screen to prevent eating litter (just a screen that sits on top of the litter if you’re using a litter that suits that)

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[joea64]

Posted By Wick on 10/30/2017 8:51 AM

You can get a litter screen to prevent eating litter (just a screen that sits on top of the litter if you’re using a litter that suits that)

I’ll have to get around to doing that one of those days. In addition to stopping buns from eating litter, isn’t it also supposed to help reduce soiling of their feet and paws?

[Wick & Fable]

Yes, if you keep the screen clean and maintain it well, it will help with that as well.

http://www.instagram.com/p/BaPzvpkFcN-/?taken-by=wick_theboogeyman

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Author]

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