Litter Box Habits approaching neutering-age

[Wick & Fable]

Hey everyone! I just have a quick question about litter box habits. Wick was born early Nov. 2016, so he’s almost 5mo old. He’s a runt, so he’s smaller and seems to develop a bit slower than the normal curve; he’s not ready to be neutered yet, but my vet is checking with each appointment (weekly examinations since January due to sickness).

For the past few days, Wick’s litter box habits have been pretty awful. Is this something which can be amended by returning to “training mode” (more rigorous eye-on-butt actions and moving him to the litter box), or is this something which should be expected of a rabbit reaching sexual maturity? I ask because if it’s something that’s getting more difficult to control (territorial marking), then I don’t want to continuously ‘punish’ him because he’s beginning to mark more outside his litter 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.

[Luna]

I don’t really know anything about marking because Luna is a doe, but do you think scattering around more of things with his scent on it (ie. blankets or towels he has laid on) would help? I would think that if he smells an area that already has his scent on it maybe he wouldn’t feel the need to scent (mark) it. Or maybe try a different kind/style of litter box?

[Sammy&Delilah]

Hey there,
I honestly believe that some of these signs to consult to growing into maturity. He may be smelling other pets or just stating this is his. As you said he is the runt so he developes slower. A lot of rabbits are ready at three to three and a half months depending on their back around story and health. Id have your vet take another look to see as they are professionals at this subject and can give you the real answer.
You don’t want to wait too long as spraying and more territorial acts will increase.

[Wick & Fable]

@ Luna — His litter box system seems to work pretty well (with exception of this week, haha). He has three that are large, include hay, and he’s established them as bathroom spots for quite a while now. I’ll try to scatter some clothes with his scent near the pee spots. I wanted to avoid putting his stuff everywhere because I don’t like floor clutter, but if it will reduce effort in cleaning up after him, I’m game! Thank you for the suggestion!

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.

[Limit]

Unfortunately, it’s normal. As gross as it is, he can’t help but feel the need to do it.

Can’t say much really but if there’s certain areas then I’d clean them up straight away with vinegar and water solution to get rid of his scent xx

[Wick & Fable]

@ Limit — Thanks for the confirmation. I’ll definitely go in with an air of understanding as it continue to happens approaching the faithful surgical day. The vinegar/water spray bottle has had a permanent place on the kitchen counter for the past few days now, haha. I guess it’ll be staying there for quite a while!

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.

[Limit]

Posted By Wick on 3/29/2017 3:32 PM
@ Limit — Thanks for the confirmation. I’ll definitely go in with an air of understanding as it continue to happens approaching the faithful surgical day. The vinegar/water spray bottle has had a permanent place on the kitchen counter for the past few days now, haha. I guess it’ll be staying there for quite a while!

That was the same for me! My previous boy before his neuter was terrible, constantly ran around after him to clean it up! Hopefully Wick’s not too bad

[Wick & Fable]

I’m glad I’m not the only one whose experienced this. I use towels to clean up after him, and the bag is filling up at a record rate since I’ve gotten him. I think this is more frustrating than when I first got him and he wasn’t litter box compliant…. He spoiled me by being great with litter box habits, and now that he’s not doing it anymore after just complying last week, it’s very inconvenient…. but he’s still adorable, so I can’t be mad at him for long.

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.

[Luna]

With that little face I couldn’t be mad for more than a few seconds lol. Fyi I found the ultimate bun-pee-stain remover! When Luna was spayed I packed a small towel with her and when I brought her home I didn’t notice the pee on the back half of the towel. That sat in the carrier unnoticed for about 3 weeks – gross, I know. So I sprayed some Spray N Wash Laundry Stain Remover on it, threw it in the wash, and it came out literally spotless.

[Author]

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