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Rabbits poop, a lot. But luckily for us, they love finding one or two places (usually corners) to go to the toilet on a regular basis. This makes the act of litter training a rabbit very easy.
Rabbits are naturally clean animals and will often choose a specific spot to go to the bathroom. This is why litter training is a relatively easy task when it comes to rabbits.
Before we start, it’s very important to know that your rabbit will have little ‘accidents’ and spray a lot until they are neutered/spayed. This will likely solve 90% of problems when you try to litter train a rabbit.
Litter training takes time, patience, and consistency. With that in mind, let’s dive into the process of litter training your rabbit.
If you haven’t already, check out our buyer’s guide for having a rabbit, as this will cover most of this topic. However, many of these items can be subsidized or ignored if you have other methods of cleaning your rabbit’s toilet.
Here’s a quick list of everything you need for litter training:
The first step in litter training your rabbit is to choose the right litter box. Different types of litter boxes are available, but choosing one big enough for your rabbit to sit in comfortably is important.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a litter box that is at least twice the size of your rabbit. Additionally, it is best to choose a litter box with low sides for easy entry and exit.
We highly recommend using a cat litter box, not a standard rabbit litter box sold in most pet shops (The Triangle ones).
Rabbits are especially picky creatures, and this can take time for them to get used to the new litter box. However, in most cases, this will eventually resolve itself and your rabbit will love its new spacious litter box.
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The type of litter you should use for your rabbit depends on your rabbit’s individual needs and preferences.
However, it is generally recommended to use natural, biodegradable litter made from paper, untreated wood, or hay. These types of litter are typically safe and digestible if your rabbit ingests them, and they also tend to be absorbent and good at controlling odors.
With that said if your rabbit does eat their litter, you should take them to a veterinarian to ensure they have no blockages in its gut.
Avoiding clay or clumping litter is important, as these can harm your rabbit if ingested. Additionally, choosing an unscented litter is a good idea, as rabbits have sensitive noses and may be bothered by strong fragrances. Clay & clumping litter can lead to GI Stasis and sometimes death.
If you’re unsure which type of litter to choose, you can try offering your rabbit a few options to see which one they prefer. It’s also a good idea to consult your veterinarian for recommendations on the best type of pet litter for your rabbit.
It’s very important to pick the right litter as you don’t want to harm your rabbit. Whilst most cat litters are fine it’s easy to make a mistake and pick the wrong one.
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Setting up your rabbit’s litter box can take less than 5 minutes if you have everything to hand, simply follow these steps:
Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to force your rabbit to go to the loo in a certain location. Your rabbits will likely show you where they want to go to the toilet by pooping and peeing on your fresh clean carpet.
Once you know their favorite places, simply place litter trays there, and you’ll find they pick it up quicker than you’d expect.
Usually, a rabbit will pick a corner of the room, or somewhere they feel protected and covered, in some cases you can teach your rabbit to use a specific toilet by moving their loose droppings into the toilet and keeping their hay in the toilet only.
Introducing your rabbit to the litter box is the next step in litter training. Start by placing your rabbit in the litter box, and let them explore.
Place a few of their droppings in the litter box to give them the idea that this is where they should go to the bathroom. Repeat this process several times a day, especially after meals or naps.
Here are some additional tips for introducing your rabbit to the litter box:
Remember, litter training can take time and patience, so be sure to reward your rabbit with treats and praise when they use the litter box correctly. With consistency and positive reinforcement, your rabbit will learn to use the litter box quickly.
Accidents are bound to happen; if you have an indoor rabbit with carpets, make sure you have a solution of half a cup of water and half a cup of vinegar handy, as this can be used to remove urine stains.
Encouraging good litter box habits is an essential part of litter training your rabbit. Here are some tips to help encourage good litter box habits:
By following these tips, you can encourage good litter box habits and help your rabbit become fully litter trained. Remember to be patient and consistent, and reward your rabbit for good behavior.
Dealing with accidents is a natural part of the litter training process. If your rabbit goes to the bathroom outside the litter box, do not punish them.
Instead, Clean up the mess with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent of urine or feces, as rabbits are more likely to go to the bathroom in the same spot if they can smell their waste.
It is also important to note that rabbits can be territorial, so accidents may happen if your rabbit feels threatened or uncomfortable in their living space.
Here are some additional tips for dealing with accidents without reiterating the same points above:
By remaining patient and consistent, and by using positive reinforcement, you can help your rabbit become fully litter trained.
The time it takes to litter train a rabbit can vary depending on a number of factors, including the age of the rabbit, the consistency of the training, and the rabbit’s individual personality and preferences.
Some rabbits may take to litter training quickly and be fully trained in just a few days or a week, while others may take several weeks or even a few months to become fully litter trained.
Yes, it’s normal for rabbits to dig in their litter box. In fact, rabbits are natural diggers and enjoy digging and burrowing.
Providing your rabbit with a box filled with hay or other soft materials can help satisfy their natural digging instincts and provide them with a comfortable place to rest. Just be sure to keep the hay or other materials clean and dry to prevent mold and other health issues.
You can enrich this behavior in other ways like a digging box which can be made at no cost.
No, it is not normal for rabbits to eat their litter. Ingesting litter can be dangerous for rabbits and may cause gastrointestinal blockages or other health issues.
If you notice that your rabbit is eating their litter, it’s important to take action to prevent this behavior. Start by providing a clean, comfortable litter box filled with appropriate litter, such as paper-based or wood-based litter. Avoid using clumping clay litter or other types of litter that may be harmful if ingested.
It’s normal for rabbits to leave a few droppings outside of their designated litter area when they are exploring their surroundings. This behavior is a natural part of their instinct to mark their territory and can also be a way for them to communicate with other rabbits or animals.
To help reduce the likelihood of your rabbit leaving droppings outside their litter area, try providing multiple litter boxes in different areas of their living space. This will give your rabbit more opportunities to use the litter box and may help reduce the urge to mark their territory outside the designated area.
To stop your rabbit from peeing on the bed or couch, start by litter training your rabbit and providing them with a designated litter box.
If your rabbit continues to pee outside of the litter box, try restricting their access to the bed or couch until they are fully litter trained.
You can also use positive reinforcement and rewards to encourage good litter box habits. If the behavior persists, consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
It’s never too late to toilet train your rabbit, sometimes accidents happen and you’ll need to retrain your rabbit, rabbits are incredibly smart creatures and just need some assistance with patterns and relearning.
If you’ve recently moved furniture or their toilet you may find they go to the old toilet out of habit, simply give them a push away from that area and try to show them the new toilet with a pellet as a treat.
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