Is hay for litterbox safe?

[Losgunna86]

I have a question about our 2 bun buns litter box. They’re new to the family, we have only had them since Saturday. But they’re already doing a good job of mainly using the box. They’re 8 week old Flemish Giant/New Zeland mixes.

We have just been using hay in their litterbox. We have cheap access to hay thanks to our neighbors parents who farm. I would like to continue using the hay in their litterbox just because it’s pretty cheap for us as opposed to the store bought stuff people use in litter boxes.

My concern is I have seen them munching on the hay inside the litterbox when they use it for their business. I’m worried that the hay that has been in contact with their urine/poop could make them sick if they eat it.

What should I do? I guess if I have to get store bought litter filler I will. We’re down to one income because of COVID so just trying to save money wherever we can.

Thoughts? Meet Chocolate and Sprinkles! (LOL the kids named them) here they are enjoying a treat together!

[DanaNM]

Hay is super safe and very normal for them to munch on while they do their business. They are good at selecting the clean pieces. In fact the rescue I volunteer at only uses hay in the boxes, they clean them daily and they get a nice new fluffly layer every day. If you have a cheap source of hay and clean the boxes daily this seems like a great way to go.

I am more concerned with all that fruit in that picture though! I’m guessing that was your plate and you were just sharing a bite, but just wanted to make sure you knew since I know you are a new bunny mom. 🙂   Buns should very rarely get fruit (and only a tiny tiny piece), and babies especially have sensitive tummies. It’s best to focus only on hay and young rabbit pellets at that age to develop good hay eating habits and a good gut flora. Consider giving fruit to a bunny as like giving ice cream to a baby!

. . . 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.  

[Losgunna86]

Wonderful to hear that hay is ok to use! I clean it out  and rinse out every day anyway so that’s good!

Yeah that was my 2 human kids plate of snacks LOL they shared a strawberry for each bun!

Thank you so much, I had a bunny growing up, but I didn’t know what I know now that’s for sure! He still lived to the ripe old age of 12 or more if memory serves me right! But I definitely am doing things MUCH more differently this time around. I appreciate any and all input!

Thank you! ❤

[Hazel]

Agreed, hay in the litterbox is fine. If you ever want to try out actual litter, feed stores usually sell pine pellets for horse stalls. I get mine at Tractor Supply. It’s about $6 for a 40 lbs bag.

[pinkiemarie]

Just make sure you add fresh hay a few times per day so they always have clean pieces. They won’t eat the dirty ones and to be honest it’s normal avg healthy for rabbits to eat some “special” poops every day so for them, it’s fine. I wouldn’t choose to eat out if my toilet myself but hey, I’m not a bunny! You could also get one of those little hanging hay feeders (read reviews though I think sine sound unsafe) or a separate little bucket or basket to set right next to the box that might stay cleaner.

[Losgunna86]

@Hazel, I didn’t realize it would be so cheap! I think we will give that a try! Thanks for the info.

@PinkieMarie, we actually do have one of those hanging hay feeders. They love it and use it all the time.

[Hazel]

Yeah it’s a steal! I use it for all my litterboxes (cats, rabbit and ferret). It’s great! 🙂

[Hazel]

I always put a thin layer of hay on top of the pellets to make it softer, otherwise Oscar won’t use it. He likes to be comfortable. 🙄

[Losgunna86]

Oh wow! We may just give it a try for our cats too!!

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