Litterbox Training - The Basics
Most bunnies adopted from LionheadRex are litter box trained. However, no matter how well trained, when moved to a new home, there will be a period of adjustment while your bunny adjusts to his new surroundings. In general, the litter box training tips listed here can apply to both previously litter box trained rabbits and ones new to the process. The difference is, obviously, the time and ease with which your bunny will take to your litter box. Each bunny is unique and will go at his or her own pace, so don't get in a hurry. It might take a couple of weeks, or it might just take a day to remind her what she's supposed to do. Here's some quick information, tips, and tricks:
- Most bunnies like to munch on hay while they do their business, so hay in the litter box is very helpful in training and reinforcing good habits.
- They also might like to sleep in the litter box (partly because there is hay there), and it is safe for them to do so unless it is very dirty.
- The litter box should be cleaned relatively often (weekly), but at a minimum when it starts to smell of ammonia or is full of droppings.
- Sometimes bunnies like to have their litter box emptied immediately after use, while others think that you're telling them not to go in there if you clean it immediately. Usually the latter is true - they think if you clean it immediately, you don't want them to go there.
- Start with a box, preferably rectangular. Lay newspaper, kitty litter, or wood shavings in the bottom, and put hay on top.
- Here's what you should know about the different types of litter box materials:
- We preferably use organic farm hay from top to bottom, because it is the least toxic.
- Newspaper: generally OK, but the ink can be toxic, so try not to let bunny eat it.
- Wood savings: exercise some caution, because some wood shavings can be toxic . Heat treated pine is generally the cheapest, most available, and most popular selection. As a rule of thumb, stay away from any wood shavings that have an aroma
- Kitty litter: Most kitty litter is okay for bunnies, but DO NOT let them eat it! If you notice your bunny eating its kitty litter, switch to hay, newspaper, or wood shavings immediately.
- We preferably use organic farm hay from top to bottom, because it is the least toxic.
How to Litterbox Train Your Bunny
Start by putting the litter box in the area that your bunny usually inhabits. Usually, you'll be able to notice a corner or spot that your rabbit uses most of the time. If there is, great! Put the litter box there, and wait until she gets used to using that, and gradually move it to where you want the litter box to be.
If she just goes wherever she wants, the first thing you need to do is limit her free range to a cage or a small room like a bathroom. When limited to a smaller space like this, you might start to see patterns of where she poops/urinates. Now you would start placing litter boxes, especially where you see she likes to go. You might have to have multiple boxes until she understands what they are. Then gradually remove them until she is down to one. You can now let her out.
You should keep a close eye on her, especially at first. If you notice her raising her tail or displaying normal signs somewhere that is not her litter box, make some kind of sharp noise. You could sharply say "NO," you could clap your hands, anything you want to say or do, just give her a clear signal. DO NOT hit her. The only thing you will accomplish with that is to make her aggressive and mean.
If she keeps leaving droppings in places other than the litter box, it can be helpful for her to pick those up and drop them inside the litter box.
If you have any other questions or problems, visit our contact page and leave us a message.
If she just goes wherever she wants, the first thing you need to do is limit her free range to a cage or a small room like a bathroom. When limited to a smaller space like this, you might start to see patterns of where she poops/urinates. Now you would start placing litter boxes, especially where you see she likes to go. You might have to have multiple boxes until she understands what they are. Then gradually remove them until she is down to one. You can now let her out.
You should keep a close eye on her, especially at first. If you notice her raising her tail or displaying normal signs somewhere that is not her litter box, make some kind of sharp noise. You could sharply say "NO," you could clap your hands, anything you want to say or do, just give her a clear signal. DO NOT hit her. The only thing you will accomplish with that is to make her aggressive and mean.
If she keeps leaving droppings in places other than the litter box, it can be helpful for her to pick those up and drop them inside the litter box.
If you have any other questions or problems, visit our contact page and leave us a message.
|
|
© 2021