Why is my rabbit peeing around the house?

[Nessa6056]

Hi everyone, I have a 5 month old Flemish giant, while in his enclosure (remains open at all times except while we are sleeping) he does all his business in his litter box, never has an accident outside it unless it’s too dirty in the box which doesn’t really happen. When he free roams we have another litter box in the living room that he uses aswell, for some reason he constantly poops all over the carpet that’s in the living room where his litter box is, and he constantly pees on the couch and in the corner outside of his box, I don’t understand why! He doesn’t pee or poo on the hardwood floor, only the carpet and couch. When he goes I immediately clean it up, put the poops or paper towel with pee in his litter box but he still continues to do it. We’ve had him since he was 2 months old. Please someone help me!

[Louiethebunny]

Sounds like a case of bunny puberty, 5 months is a normal time to expect these hormonal behaviors.

[DanaNM]

Agree, sounds like it’s time for him to be neutered! That should help a lot.

Also, couches and beds tend to be problem areas for bunnies peeing. The softness and strong smell of humans trigger them to mark. Covering the area with a shower curtain with a blanket on top sometimes does the trick (or one of those blankets with nylon on one side), or you’ll have to block access.

. . . 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.  

[Nessa6056]

We had him neutered in November so we’re good there. I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing and put a blanket over the problem areas and see if that helps until he breaks out of it. For the area rug, it’s a pretty thick high pile rug, are all rugs and issue or would it be better to get a lower pile rug instead? We have thin mats in his enclosure as well as all around the house and he doesn’t do anything on them.

[DanaNM]

Oh gotcha! Yeah it could be that specific rug is tempting because it’s softer and fluffy.

I’ve also had good success cleaning areas they tend to mark with pet-safe enzyme cleaner. I’ve used the nature’s miracle carpet shampoo a lot and my buns seem less inclined to re-mark those spots.

 

. . . 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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