More hay??

[Max2021]

Hello all, I need some advice… Max is 15.5 lbs, mixed breed. His principal litter box, located in his stay pen, is an extra large hooded box (it’s a cat litter box). I purchased it before we adopted him. I think I should’ve gone with the large one but I wasn’t sure how big he would get. Anyways, I fill half up with bedding and the other half with hay. Max likes to move around a lot  which mixes the hay with the bedding; it also tends to flatten the hay and bedding.  He urinates in the same spot, in the back corner of the box. Since the box is big, most of the  hay doesn’t get wet. I’ve been adding a lot of fresh hay every morning but I’m not sure if that’s really necessary? Will he pick out the hay that’s already mixed in the bedding? I’m just trying to get a gauge on how much should be in there since they should have an unlimited  amount of fresh hay. Thank you!,

 

[LBJ10]

It depends on the rabbit. Some are very picky when it comes to “good” hay and “bad” hay. It isn’t uncommon for them to pee on it, spread it all around, throw it on the floor, etc. while looking for that perfect piece. Your best bet would probably be to just top off the hay regularly. Hay that is spread around might still be eaten, but there is something about new hay that makes bunnies want to eat more of it.

[Max2021]

Yes! Max searches through his hay! I imagined he was looking for the perfect strand to eat! Now I know that’s what he is actually doing! LOL!  What bun wouldn’t like fresh hay?! I’ll continue to top it off… thank you!!!

[DanaNM]

It can be hard to tell, so I like to have a hay rack (hung over the box) in addition to the hay that’s in the box so I know for sure they always have some fresh.

. . . 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.  

[Max2021]

That’s a really good idea- having a rack in addition to putting hay in the box!! Thank you!

[Wick & Fable]

Unrelated to your question, but just wanted to point out depending on how often you change the box, hooded litterboxes can trap ammonia and be dangerous for rabbits as a result.

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.

[Max2021]

Oh my goodness,  I had absolutely no idea.  Woah.  Thanks so much for letting me know!! Thankfully, it’s a simple fix- remove the hood!  Thanks again!!

[Author]

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