Pros/cons of different types of litter?

[MaddieRabbits]

Hey everyone.

I was just wondering, what type of litter does everyone use for their buns? I’ve used carefresh, wood shavings, newspaper, homemade paper bedding, straw and probably others that I can’t remember. One thing I’ve never tried is wood pellets? I like the look of them very much however do bunnies eat them and if so is that bad for them or completely harmless?

I’m trying to think of what I might use for my new bunny when I get it. I already have 2 plastic containers of straw and wood shavings however the straw isn’t very absorbent at all and the shavings make an absolute mess.  What does everyone use/have previously used and what are your thoughts?

I don’t mind so much about the cost but I’m looking to know how absorbent, odorless, messy and efficient the types of bedding are and which are your favorites? 

[sarahthegemini]

Personally I think carefresh is brilliant stuff, nice and absorbant and soft on little rabbit feet. Only downside is the cost :$ Straw is nice and soft and very cheap but it absorbs nothing. I haven’t tried any other type as I found carefresh to be so good I haven’t strayed from it. Just wish it was cheaper!

[tobyluv]

You didn’t say what kind of wood shavings you have. Pine and cedar shavings should not be used for rabbits.

I use aspen wood pellets – Aspen Supreme, covered by a little bit of Carefresh Naturals to make it softer on my rabbits’ feet. I also sometimes use Oxbow Eco Straw pellets. The wood pellets do have a stronger scent than some other litters, in case that may bother you.

Here is an info sheet regarding litter that we have handed out at the sanctuary where I volunteer.

What To Use In Your Rabbit’s Litter Box

Remember that rabbits may sit in their litter boxes for extended periods, and that they nibble on everything, so it’s important to choose the right litter.
Do not use cedar or pine shavings. These contain dangerous aromatic oils that have been found to cause liver damage and respiratory problems. Swheat Scoop Litter should not be used since rabbits will often ingest it. It is comprised of wheat, is very high in carbohydrates, and can cause obesity, excessive cecal production, diarrhea and other health issues. Don’t use clay litter. The dust causes respiratory problems, and if ingested, it is harmful to the digestive tract. Don’t use any clumping litters–if nibbled on, they are likely to cause obstructions in the intestinal tract. Also avoid corn cob litter. If eaten, it can cause a lethal intestinal blockage.
Recommended litters:
1. Newspaper, shredded or cut-up. It’s inexpensive and readily available, but it offers no odor control. If the newspaper is cut into larger pieces, urine may puddle at first until it is absorbed into the paper, which could cause your rabbit to have damp feet. It can be composted.
2. Paper pulp litter. It has low dust, good absorbency, and no hazards, though it offers less odor control than some other litters. It can be flushed or composted. Brands include Carefresh, Yesterday’s News, Cellu-Dri, and Eco Fresh.
3. Oat, alfalfa and wheat straw based pellets. Low dust, good absorbency, and no hazards, although they can cause bloating if too much is ingested. They can be flushed or composted. Brands include Critter Country, Cat Country, and Oxbow Eco-Straw.
4. Compressed sawdust (pine) pellets. Unlike pine shavings, these are safe, since they have no dangerous aromatic oils. They are economical, highly absorbent, and have good odor control. They may be composted. Brands include All Pet Pine, Feline Pine and Exquisicat.
5. Aspen bark, pellets or shredded. Highly absorbent, with good odor control. Pellets are economical, because it only takes a thin layer in the litter box. They may be composted. These larger pellets are good for long haired rabbits, since they don’t get stuck in their fur as easily as the small particle litters. Brands include Aspen Fresh, Gentle Touch and Aspen Supreme.
6. Straw or hay. Straw can be dusty and is not very absorbent, but has no hazards, unless it becomes moldy. Any of the grass hays can be used. Be sure to clean frequently, as your rabbit will also be eating the hay. It may be composted.
7. Wood stove pellets. These are compressed pine or hardwood pellets. Make sure that the pellets are plain and that they don’t contain accelerants. These are very economical.. They can be found in home supply or tractor supply stores.
8. Horse stall pellets. They are compressed sawdust (pine), also very economical. Found in feed stores, home supply stores, or tractor supply stores. One brand is Equine Pine.

If you change to a new litter, your rabbit may hesitate to use it. Mix some of the new with the old, or put some of the dirty litter into the new litter. Daily cleaning of the dirty areas is best. Regularly dump out the whole contents of the box, and thoroughly clean with an organic cleaner or a natural cleaner, such as white vinegar.
Many of these litters are available in pet supply stores, grocery stores, or discount stores. Litter, food and other rabbit supplies can be ordered online from drsfostersmith.com, wag.com, bunnybytes.com, petfooddirect.com, binkybunny.com, leithpetwerks.com, or various other pet supply catalogs and websites.

[Azerane]

I use wood pellets, a horse stall brand. I just love them. Originally I used wood shavings because that’s what my previous rabbit was started on so it made litter training super easy. Then I switched to newspaper pellets which were ok and I used for a while, but decided to try out wood pellets and I love them. Fantastic odour control, easy to clean the box.

Yes, rabbits do sometimes eat them. I only had issues with eating when I first started using them with both my previous rabbit, and my current pair. They only ate a couple here and there, I think it’s more curiosity, the way rabbits test out what things are is to have a nibble. Eating a couple will not harm a bunny, but if either of my pair were to make a habit out of it I may consider changing the litter. However after the initial couple of days, none of my bunnies have eaten any more.

[MaddieRabbits]

I’m afraid I’m not entirely sure on what type of shavings they are however they were sold at a local country store in the pets section and I’ve never had any trouble with them so I know theyre safe.

Thank you for the info! This is extremely helpful. I do have horses myself and I really like the idea of the wood pellets. The smell isn’t too big of a deal to me as I’m not bothered and I can keep up to cleaning quite well. I’m thinking I might start the new bun on something such as wood shavings or carefresh to start off with the litter training as my previous rabbits have always worked well with them and then I might change to something such as the pellets.

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