Won’t hardware cloth hurt my bunny’s feet? (DIY litter screen)

[Yoda Sr.]

Hey guys! Mr. Yoda has been going through *so* much litter that I decided to do a revamp of our litter routine. Now, instead of CareFresh, he’s using equine pellets under a homemade litter screen. I got the idea of using hardware cloth from this thread, and I’m using this brand of cloth. 

However, the hardware cloth seems similar to a wire flooring, so I was wondering if this could potentially cause sore hocks. Even the process of cutting the cloth hurt my hands a little bit! On the other hand, the litter screens sold by binky bunny seem to be made out of the same material, so it seems like it should be safe. 

I’d love to hear people’s experiences using hardware cloth as a litter screen, and if it caused any problems for their buns’ feet! Yoda is a 2.3 pound Holland Lop, if it matters. In the meantime, I’m putting a layer of hay over the hardware cloth, but that seems to defeat the purpose of reducing the amount of waste hay/litter. 

[Bam]

The thing with wire flooring is that the bun spends its life on it. That means friction 24/7. In a litterbox the bun does its business and then perhaps it lounges there for a bit. But all in all, time spent in the litterbox is comparatively short.

[Wick & Fable]

Haven’t used that one specifically. I use plastic knitting mesh which has can have a more sense grid and is smoother if you’re concerned!

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.

[Deleted User]

I would try to find something similar to what Wick describes. I tried using a hardware cloth screen and I ended up taking it out after only a day or so because it just really didn’t seem comfortable. Also, that stuff can be sharp and jagged on the edges where you cut it, and if your bun digs at it and lifts it he could cut himself.

[Yoda Sr.]

Thanks for the advice guys! I ended up purchasing plastic canvas from Joann, and that seems to be working much better.

[Muj Mom N Bun]

As a crafter… I was wondering if anyone has tried using plastic canvas!

[LBJ10]

My boys use the litter screen from the BB store. It’s made out of wire cloth. It sits directly on top of the litter, so they are pretty much on a solid surface while in the litter box (unlike standing on a wire care floor). We’ve never had any issues. The litter screen is simply there because Leopold, after 7 years, decided it would be really fun to dig all of the litter out of the litter box.

[Author]

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