Litter Box Training Tips
Did you know that rabbits can be litter-box trained? They can! In fact, it is very common for house rabbits to develop strong litter box habits when they have easy, consistent access to a litterbox filled with comfortable, absorbent bedding and fresh grass hay. Some factors in your rabbit’s health and environment can affect their litter box use, like whether they are spayed or neutered, getting used to a new home, sharing space with another rabbit, changes in their mobility, etc.
Setting Up a Rabbit’s Litter Box
We recommend using CareFresh, Oxbow Pure Comfort, or a similar bedding and fresh hay to prepare your bunny’s litter box. Select a rabbit-safe paper pet bedding that does not contain any pine or cedar products or fragrances, and is also environmentally friendly. Fresh hay is the main staple of your rabbit’s diet (85 percent) and it entices rabbit to use the litter box.
First, fill a clean box with approximately 1 inch of clean bedding, like CareFresh or Oxbow Pure Comfort, fully covering the bottom. Other rabbit-safe litters such as Yesterday’s News or Critter Country work just as well. It’s important to avoid any clay-based litter or paper bedding with additives (like baking soda).
Next, add a generous layer of hay. Each day, rabbits usually need a bundle of hay that’s the size of their body when lightly compressed. Spread some hay over the litter.
Finally, add more to the “kitchen” end of the box at least once a day until it’s time to clean the box in 2-3 days.
Litter Box Options for Rabbits with Limited Mobility and Disability
If you have a rabbit who has a disability or is older and cannot easily access a typical litter box, special low-entry or custom-made boxes can be just the thing to help your rabbit retain their litter box skills.
A Simple Cut-Down Litter Box
The easiest solution can often be just cutting-down the side of an ordinary, rectangular litter box. Be sure to cover the cut edges with cord cover, a heavy tape, or something to prevent bunny from being cut or scraped. This allows rabbits to access the litter box more easily when they are stiff and sore, or have mobility problems.
Low-Entry Cat/Dog Litter Box
Litter boxes with a lowered entry on one side are made for dogs and senior cats, but work well for disabled rabbits.
Table Top Potting Containers
These new containers work just like a low-entry litter box and have been helpful to those with older rabbits or bunnies who need a lower entry to step into the box instead of hop over a tall side. These are available to purchase at gardening stories and on Amazon. Remember to shop through smile.amazon.com and choose San Diego Companion Rabbit Society as your nonprofit organization to benefit from your purchases.
For housing setup and ideas for bunnies with disabilities and other special needs, visit http://www.specialbunny.org/special-needs-housing and http://www.disabledrabbits.com/litter-boxes.html.
You might also want to join the Disabled Rabbits group on Facebook.
Keep a Fresh Litter Box
Change bunny’s box at least every two to three days to ensure a clean, fresh box. If you have bonded bunnies sharing a box, every other day is a good routine. This will prevent bunny from heading to cleaner places to eliminate. If your bunny does not soil their box completely within a 24-hour period, simply add another large handful of hay to the “kitchen” end, to replenish their supply. But don't go for more than 2-3 days before giving bunny a fresh litter box.
To clean, dump the entire contents of the box into your compost container or regular trash. Rabbit litter is completely biodegradable and makes excellent compost! Spray or pour in a 1:1 mixture of plain white vinegar and water. Let it sit for about a minute, scrub, rinse, and wipe clean. If there is urine build-up, use a scrubby sponge. Dry before refilling with betting and clean hay.
