Post-move litter re-training

[NickandOliver]

I’ve recently moved apartments, but unlike last time, my Oliver isn’t readjustimg to the new place and using his litter box. Last time, it took nearly a month, but now it’s been nearly two months and he shows no signs of re-adjusting. Before, he peed in the box nearly 100% of the time, and poos were maybe 75% all in the box. Aside from the new apartment, everything is the same with his set-up. Any ideas? Would be grateful for any discussion.

 

[Jocee]

Is the Buns food near the litter box? I find my rabbit uses her litter area much better when the hay, grass, and pellet are either right beside it or on a little shelf just above it. As rabbits often poop while they eat, I figured this would help my Bun, and it did. So I thought I would share it as an idea

 

[NickandOliver]

Hello! Thank you for replying. Yes, he has two food dishes (one for pellets and one for veg) and a bowl of water very near his litter box. In addition, he has a hanging hay feeder that's resting on the wide of his litter box, too. He'll get in his box while eating hay, and oddly, whenever I am cooking! But, he won't use it to go to the bathroom like he used to. I can't work it out!

 

[Jocee]

Well, I hope you and your Bun are doing okay, and I hope you find some answers.

Is he using his litter box at all, or is he pooing and peeing in a completely different area?

 

[NickandOliver]

Hello again.... he is doing both, and he waits until I get up from the couch, or when I'm working, and he goes where I sit. I can't tell if he's being territorial, or affectionate. From what I read, it can be either, or!

 

[Jocee]

yes, I read somewhere too, that it can be a sign of territorial, or affection.

Very difficult situation.

I asked that question above because I was going to suggest that if your Bun is pooing and peeing in a totally different area of the enclosure/room, other than the litter box, to move the litter box to where he is pooing and peeing, but it seems he is going all over the place, so that wouldn't help much.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Our avatar Nikki took about 4 months to adjust/accept our new house when we moved here from Central CA. After that she was fine and the other 7 were no problem at all.

 

[Blue eyes]

How is his area setup? (A photo would be most helpful.) I typically recommend that a rabbit newly moved to a new place be confined for at least a couple weeks before being allowed a larger area. This helps them establish their 'new' potty area.

It sounds like he needs some confined time to establish a potty area.

 

[NickandOliver]

Yea, I’ve ordered him a new hutch that will arrive next week, and I agree. Some time confined will likely help. He adjusted last time after about a month, but now that this isn’t happening this time, some reconditioning might be in order!

 

[JBun]

It does sound like you may need to reduce and restrict his area until litter habits are reestablished. You may need to add in some extra litter boxes. Really, as many as it takes, including filling up his floor space in his restricted area if needed.

https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/litter-training.html
From your previous thread (sorry I missed your response), couches are tricky things with rabbits. Couches and beds really absorb our scent, more than anywhere else, so some rabbits can't resist adding theirs. And some rabbits can't resist peeing on soft things.

A few things to try. Get your couch professionally cleaned so as much scent is removed (may or may not work). Try putting a blanket up there with your buns scent already all over it. Put a litter box up there. Try catching your bun pre urination and usher directly to the litter box and/or a place for a 'timeout' (you're claiming the couch as yours essentially). Cover the couch with a waterproof cover. Block access, or immediately remove your bun from the couch when he tries to get up there, then sit on and 'claim' that exact spot (how rabbits claim space).

https://bunnyproof.com/stop-bunny-peeing-couch.html
https://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-behavior/top-bunny/
Lastly, if your bun is peeing in random places, dribbling urine, has thickened urine, blood in the urine, or straining to urinate, this is a likely medical issue and you should immediately get your bun checked by a knowledgeable rabbit vet.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Urine
https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Veterinary_emergencies
https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Choosing_a_rabbit_veterinarian
https://rabbit.org/veterinarians/