Odor management in litter box

[Sir Ollivander]

I’ve had my bun for two years. He’s a good boy. Always uses his litter box. But over these two years, I’ve noticed that no matter how many times I clean his litter box, his room still smells. He was also getting yellow footprints on my carpet and I noticed his hind legs/bum were very discolored and matted. I’ve had four different litter boxes and I feel like I’ve tried every budget conscious, bunny-safe, pellet litter out there. In the end, I decided to suspend a wire grate in his litter box. He is a rather large Holland Lop so the litter boxes made for bunnies are really way too small for him. He instead uses a nice large cat litter box. I engineered my own grate using a wire cooling rack meant for baking and various pieces from the hardware store. I know bunnies should never have a cage with wire flooring because if they stand on it for too long, it can give them sores. Lots of bunnies like to spend time in their litter box eating their hay and napping, but Ollie isn’t that kinda guy so I feel like standing on wire for the short amount of time he spends on the toilet will be okay. He’s got pretty thick fur down there protecting his delicate skin. I am wondering if since my bunny is separated from his litter and in no way can reach through and dig in it or eat it, is it okay to use clumping litter with him? I know the dust from non-pellet litters can be harmful to their respiratory systems and clumping litter will cause stomach problems if eaten. But I am confident this wire grate keeps him from ever coming into contact with the litter. So does it really matter what kind I use? I almost feel stupid for asking this because I know it’s normally a huge no-no, but with his unique set up, I’m thinking it just might be okay and if it is, it could solve some serious odor issues.

[DanaNM]

There really shouldn’t be a lot of odor or pee staining with any litter if you clean the litter box regularly. How often do you clean it? Is it possible he has a medical issue and is urinating on himself?

I use pine pellets with a layer of hay on top, and dump the whole thing every other day, and there really isn’t any odor to speak of.

Litter box grates are fine to use, just put a layer of fluffy hay on top to make it easier on his feet. Even with the grate, do not use clumping litter. The dust would still be an issue, and even a small amount ingested could cause problems.

. . . 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.  

[Wick & Fable]

I agree with Dana that a rabbit smelling and being dirty is unusual if the rabbit is healthy and the litterbox is being cleaned regularly. I am also curious about your routine and cleaning method.

Also, is he neutered? Unfixed rabbits can leave more fragrant droppings due to oils from marking.

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.

[poopscoop12]

Pour baking soda into a bowl and leave it in the room to absorb the smell in the room, and open the windows. I found that helped getting rid of the stench. I use a pack every 2 months.

I found the grate (plastic) made my bun dirtier (just didn’t work for me) coz she doesn’t eat alot of her cecotropes, so I’d pick them up if I see them in the morning otherwise she will smoosh it and it will get stuck in the grid holes and then on her bum/legs causing matting which she can’t clean. She always had a yellow stained bum/feet since I got her and I had to give her a bumbath every 3-4 weeks.

I removed the grate coz it looked like it was hurting her her feet but actually found that removing the grate made her cleaner. Her bum is alot cleaner now, and her feet is just mildy yellow. I haven’t felt the need to have to clean her yet 🙂

I use pine pellets and sprinkle hay on top. I use the uneaten hay every now and then to cover the poop of the day to help mask the smell.
When it was just her, I cleaned the litterbox once every week, now with 2 buns, I clean it every 5 days (even though they use 2 different boxes).

What was the reasoning behind wanting to use clumping litter? Is clumping litter that much cheaper? I find pine pellets quite cheap already? a 15kg (33lbs) bag lasted me 5 months and was $14AUD ($9USD)

[Beau Bunny]

I’d make sure there is no underlying health issue first, and then try carefresh paper litter on top of a pee pad. Clean at least every 2 days.. An essential oils plug in in the room won’t hurt either as long as it’s well out of his reach.

[Author]

Messages