Fixing Litter Box Habits After Head Tilt

[alcyone]

I’m worried I may need to “retrain” Marley when it comes to his litter box. He’s stopped using it unless I physically put him on it since he’s had head tilt and his balance has been off. I totally understand why he’s done this, and I would never want him to get on the litter box if he felt unsafe doing so, but once I’m sure his balance is completely back, which I think will be very soon, I’d like to get him back to using his litter box.

I’m not sure if he’ll start using it again on his own or not, but I’m worried he might be afraid to. What are some ways that I could encourage him to start using it again? I was just reading that some people said to put no bedding in their cage, is this a good idea? I currently use Yesterday’s News in his litter box and Carefresh bedding in his cage. He tends to pee right beside the litter box when peeing outside of it.

Also, I’d like to set up a litter box for while he’s out of his cage rather than having to keep putting him back in his cage on his litter box every so often. As long as I’m awake, he’s out of his cage. I’ve tried setting his litter box out while he’s out, but he won’t use it anymore. He did when he was younger, but now it has to be in his cage. For reference, he has the jumbo scatterless lock n litter box. It’s a corner litter box with a grate. Do you guys have any suggestions for a better type of litter box to use while he’s out, and how to encourage him to use it? Thanks in advance!

[DanaNM]

I’ve seen some boxes with one really low side, so it’s easier for buns with mobility issues to get in and out. It sounds like he still wants to use that corner, but maybe can’t get in there?

Something like this might work for him (reviews say ppl use it for elderly bunnies): https://www.amazon.com/Marchioro-Kiosk-Feeding-Medium-Beige/dp/B004HSUKME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506137870&sr=8-1&keywords=planting+tray+table+top

I think for now you should keep putting some sort of bedding in his cage (or puppy pee pads), to make sure he’s not laying in his own pee if he can’t make it in to his box. Normally that would hinder the retraining, but given his health I think keeping him clean is the priority.

You might also try putting carefresh in the litter tray, and then puppy pads (assuming he doesn’t chew them) or the pelleted litter in the cage. I know some bunnies really like to toilet on soft stuff, so he might be using the carefresh instead of the litter box for that reason….

I’m not sure about retraining him since he’s been ill. I think normally ppl recommend restricting his space, and then gradually increasing it. If he tends to pick a corner in your home to use instead, probably easiest to add another box.

. . . 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.  

[alcyone]

That looks like something that could work, thank you! Yeah, I’m not too concerned about it for the time being. I definitely want to keep him clean and comfortable, so this is working okay until he’s completely better. I’m just thinking ahead haha! Hopefully he’ll just hop right back up there on his own when the time is right, but if not, I kind of just want to be prepared and have a starting point for getting his litter habits back on the right track. Thanks so much for the tips!

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