New hay = super stinky litterbox

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 7sd replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 8 years ago by Wick & Fable.

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- 04/04/2018 at 11:35 AM
  Knittybun
  Participant
  15 posts
  We recently adopted a baby New Zealand cross, after losing our two rabbits last year (stasis and old age). Knowing he would be eating a lot more, I found a company that would deliver farm hay (a variety of types and mixtures to choose from, and very good reviews) directly to my city home, at a much better value then buying the hay at the pet store. I’m a farm girl myself so this just made sense. He loved the hay, and happily munched away, but not long after the switch, we started to notice a major change in the smell of the litter box. It’s kind of sour, and much stronger and more unpleasant then any smell we’ve dealt with in 10yrs of living with rabbits in close quarters. Is there anything we can add to the hay or his water to improve the smell of his waste? We are using wood stove pellets as litter, which were doing a great job of odor control before the hay change. We’ve tried mixing in some carefresh to see if it would help, but no luck.
- 04/04/2018 at 11:45 AM
  sarahthegemini
  Participant
  5584 posts
  I’d be surprised if the hay was the culprit. How old is he? You said he’s a baby so I’m wondering if he’s entering puberty and having stinky pee as a result?
- 04/04/2018 at 1:17 PM
  Knittybun
  Participant
  15 posts
  He just turned 4 months, but the smell started almost 2 months ago.
- 04/04/2018 at 1:17 PM
  Knittybun
  Participant
  15 posts
  He just turned 4 months, but the smell started almost 2 months ago.
- 04/04/2018 at 1:21 PM
  Deleted User
  Participant
  22064 posts
  I definitely think its the hormones. Some bunnies can hit puberty around 7-8 weeks, which means the smell would have started around that time too.
- 04/04/2018 at 2:34 PM
  Knittybun
  Participant
  15 posts
  That never occurred to me. I guess I was focused on the possible neuter date of 6 months the vet recommended and forgot they mature so much earlier then that. Should it get better after neutering?
- 04/04/2018 at 2:41 PM
  Deleted User
  Participant
  22064 posts
  It’ll get loads better after neutering. I never even smell them unless I leave the litter box for longer than I should xD My boys were both neutered at 4 months.
- 04/04/2018 at 2:55 PM
  Wick & Fable
  Moderator
  5835 posts
  Apple cider vinegar with the mother (a splash of it) in the water bowl will help eliminate some urine smell.
  
  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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