How to Litter train Rabbits?

[Lops4Life!]

Hey! I’m new here and I can’t wait to get to know your buns better ❤️
Ive been trying to litter train my rabbits for over a year (Yes, I’ve struggled) 😂 and they just knock the bedding out/chew it/ don’t poo in it. What are some tips for them to be trained better/for it to not move around by them flinging it? Thanks, Mommy of Teddy and  Daisy <3 🐰

[Hazel]

Welcome! 🙂

Are your bunnies spayed/neutered? How big is their litterbox? Rabbits like to go while they eat, so placing their hay in or above the litterbox can help a lot.

[Lops4Life!]

Hey Hazel  :))

Thanks for your advice! My rabbits are both spayed/neutered, and my litter box is the cat-sized one (not cornered). Is this correct? I’ll try the hay tomorrow 🙂

[Hazel]

Yes, medium sized cat litter boxes usually work well. 🙂  I have one for my 3 pounder, it is about 3-4 times his size. If your rabbits are larger than average or if they tend to go in the litter box at the same time, it might be a good idea to get a second (or larger) box.

What kind of litter are you using?

[Lops4Life!]

Yeah, I think the litter box size is a good size, but maybe one that has taller sides (so they can’t knock it over?).
I am currently using Carefresh for the litter, although it is also used for bedding.

do you recommend a different litter? What one does your rabbit use? He is very adorable, by the way. 🐰❤️

[Hazel]

Thank you! 🙂  If you’re talking about my avatar, he’s one of my bridge bunnies. Yours are cuties as well! 😀

I was thinking maybe they didn’t like to step on the litter but Carefresh is plenty soft, so that shouldn’t be an issue. I use horse stall pellets, feed stores like Tractor Supply sell them for around $6 for a 40 lbs bag. It works great and is a lot cheaper than getting litter from pet stores, maybe something to look into if you want to save a little money. I do put a thin layer of hay on top though, because my guy doesn’t like to step on the hard pellets. 🙄

You mentioned using Carefresh for bedding. Having bedding anywhere in the cage other than in the litter box can be confusing to them, they might start to look at the whole cage as one big litter box. Generally rabbits enjoy peeing on soft surfaces, so getting rid of the extra bedding can help. Don’t worry about their comfort, a lot of them actually prefer to lay on bare flooring. Once they’re litter box trained you can always put a fleece blanket in the cage if you want.

[Lops4Life!]

Thanks!! I can totally see that now! Won’t a fleece blanket be too hot in the summer? I usually use them in the winter  but they get so mucky and it’s a pain to get the hay off to wash  😂

[Hazel]

They don’t need one, but it’s an option if you feel like they need something more comfortable (but like I said, they probably won’t care). Some rabbits have issues with sore hocks and in those cases it can be important to have something soft to cover the floor with.

I agree, getting the hay and fur off is such a pain! 😆

[Lops4Life!]

Thanks! I will try a high sided litterbox  today and put some hay in there…fingers crossed they might go in there 🤞🤞

[Lops4Life!]

Hey! Just an update for you!
So I put it in this morning and put a few of their poops in there..it worked really well! Yes, there are some stray poops still but what do you expect! 😂 Thanks Hazel :))

[Hazel]

Glad to hear it! Most buns will drop a stray poop sometimes, it happens to the best of them 😆

[Lops4Life!]

Thanks Hazel for all ur help! Can I friend request you?

[Hazel]

You’re welcome! 🙂  I got your friend request, I’m still getting an error when I try to accept it though. 🙁

[Lops4Life!]

Oh okay! Hopefully it works sometime 🙂

[Wick & Fable]

What a great conversation! Unfortunately, we will be disabling the Friend feature; however, you are always free to start a private message conversation between you two through the website’s messaging system.

 

It sounds like you’re on the right track. I will add that different rabbits have different levels of proficiency… as in, some are just bad at it, haha. One of my rabbits is flawless and only poops/pees on the carpet when I’ve moved the litter box to clean it and she goes there out of habit, so I’m more disappointed with myself than her! My other rabbit continuously pees in all corners and wall/floor intersections, especially if I upset him. He also sometimes leaves poop piles about… I’ve actually had him longer and since he was 8 weeks old, so you’d think he’d be the best, but alas, he is not!

 

 

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.

[Hazel]

Wick: I feel your pain, Oscar isn’t the greatest with his litter habits either. 😆

That’s too bad about the friend feature.

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