Help! My bunny wont stop peeing and pooping in front of the enclosure door!

[Binkythehollandlop]

So my bunny was perfectly using his litter box up until he reached 4 months. Now he keeps on pooping and peeing in front of his cage door, no matter how many times I change the door. He seems to do this every time I have to put him in his cage.  Could this be a statement because he’s frustrated that he has to go back to his x-pen or has he reached sexual maturity? PS. I use those litter box with plastic grid, I even tried removing the grid thinking it was that, but still not using it like before. What could this be?

[DanaNM]

It sounds like he is hitting puberty so should be neutered soon. Once he’s neutered his box habits should return. 🙂  He likely sees the area right outside as the edge of his territory, so he’s marking it to make sure everyone knows it’s his turf 😉

You might try adding a litter box just outside the cage in the meantime. He also might be afraid to go into his cage to use his box if every time he goes in he gets locked in (not saying this is the case, just thinking of possible reasons). But I’m thinking hormones are the main driver.

. . . 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.  

[Bam]

I agree with Dana. Poops along some sort of border between areas are territorial markings. Baby buns aren’t territorial, so this is a pretty clear sign that your bun has hit puberty. You may be able to see (or feel) his testicles now, or pretty soon. When the testicles have dropped, he can be neutered. (Keep in mind that rabbits can “suck in” their testicles, so they may not be visible at all times).

[Binkythehollandlop]

Thanks for the suggestion guys! I definitely agree this is related to his hormones. I placed a litter box next to the door since that’s now his preferred corner, lol. It’s a such a weird placement but definitely less messy. I made an appointment to get him neutered next month on the 2. I’m a little nervous as I’ve read so many stories about bunnies dying during the surgery. He’ll be 5months on the 28 of this month. I hope this is a optimal age to get him neutered as many vets suggest to wait 6 months.

[DanaNM]

As long as his testicles have dropped he can be neutered! And try not to worry too much, even though I always worry too anytime one of my buns has to go under anesthesia. There are many many more neuters that have no complications, it’s just that you hear more about when there is a problem.

. . . 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.  

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