Tips for litter training

[xsparkleworksx]

My bunny has a tray I use outside of his hutch that I put hay on. He will poo on here but only because he is eating - he actually doesn't know that the tray is out for him to be used as a toilet because he literally does dropping and wee everywhere.

I took him to my parents house this weekend and my carpet got some ..abuse! My mum is understanding of this that he is young but I really need some tips on how to train him to use the toilet in the tray as he is beginning to be a very messy bunny. Should I get a smaller litter tray and also use it in the hutch as he doesn't have a litter tray in his hutch.

 

[Kizza]

How big is his hutch? if it isnt large enough to put a litter tray in then it probably isnt large enough to house your bunny in.

It is best to have the tray in one corner of the hutch. The hay is a good idea as they like to chew when they go, but the tray will have to be large enough for him to sit in.

Keep the tray in the same spot all the time as moving it around might be confusing for him. Put some 'bunny safe' cat litter in the bottom under the hay to absorb any mess but make sure he doesnt eat it.

Put some of his droppings in the tray also so he can smell it and know that this is where he has to go, most bunnies are good and like to go in the same spot to keep it neat.

Keep an eye on any habits he has and if he is going in a particular corner put the tray there

 

[LakeCondo]

I'd modify Kirrie's advice a little: put a new litter box in any spot that he "goes" in, then after awhile remove the first one if he doesn't use it. Take both of them along next time you go visiting.

PS -- In just 3 posts we've covered 3 continents.

 

[funnybunnymummy]

All of the above, except I'd add a few things:

Regular cat litter is definitely not bunny safe. Pelleted pine and paper litters are 100% safe. And corn or wheat based litters are safe so long as the bunny doesn't eat them.

Figure out which corner of his cage he pees in (bunnies almost always want to pee in a corner), then place the litter box in that spot. You really need a litter box in his cage if you're going to litter train him.

Along with picking up poop and putting it into the litter box, whenever your bunny pees outside his litter box, soak the pee up with some tissue and then put that in the box. Clean any pee spots with a 50:50 vinegar and water solution.

Also, if you catch him backing into a corner to go pee, pick him up right away and put him in his litter box.

When it's time, get him neutered. Neutering really helps improve litter habits.

Hope that helps!

Rue

 

[Nancy McClelland]

:yeahthat: