Bunny only going to the toilet outside

[Sabine]

I posted before and got no reply but I am just curious if I am alone with a bunny that behaves like a well trained dog. My bun Oskar won't wee or poop in his hutch although he has two litter trays which he only digs out. He can hold on for over 24 hours and more.
It sounds as if it is quite convenient but it is actually a worry. When I let him out in the morning he dashes into one corner of the run and sits there for a few minutes relieving himself (no grass is growing there anymore)
I am just really worried what will happen when I go away for a few days in the new year and the buns will have to stay in as I can't trust anyone to let them out and CATCH THEM AGAIN. Will he start weeing all over the place and have to stay in a terrible mess for those days. I have someone to change litter trays but can't see them cleaning the hutch. Has anyone else a bun like Oskar?

 

[tonyshuman]

What about growing grass in a litterbox for him to use inside? Once he's used to peeing on that, you can just dump out the grass and he'll hopefully still pee in the box.

 

[Sabine]

Funnily enough, David, my partner, suggested that and the only problem I have with that is all the wet turf flaked all over the hutch. I somehow think he hates his hutch soiled. The few times he had to stay in for the day he will try and pee through the doors to the outside. I am half tempeted to instruct the caregivers to put a harness on him and walk him ibnto the run for a few minutes so he can have a pee. all my other bunnies are great with their litter trays but Oskar just won't use one.

 

[Sabine]

I think I have resigned myself to bringing Oskar out every morning no matter what the weather so he can do his pees. I was thinking it would be foolish not to encourage the habit as it saves so much cleaning

 

[tonyshuman]

Sounds fine, I guess. He just thinks he's a puppy! With a harness, he should be safe with the pet-sitter.

 

[Sabine]

That's what I was thinking. Maybe I should get him used to walking down the road with me saying hi to all the other dog owners:biggrin2:
They think I'm barking as it is....