
Rabbits are very easy to litter train, but it all requires patience and dedication. Just like cats, rabbits usually use one corner of their cage as a toilet which makes it easy to litter train them. So, how long does it take to litter train a rabbit?
Rabbits normally take between 8 to 15 days for them to be fully litter trained. Start by providing a suitable bunny loo that is filled with litter. Litter can be anything such as wood shavings, paper pellets, hay, natural fiber, or straw.
Training should begin immediately after introducing your new pet to your house. You will notice that your rabbit will be shy and will be hiding during the first days, but that will stop, and your bunny will start to explore its new environment. only change the litter tray if it is very dirty.
Place the litter tray in one corner of the cage because if you keep changing it, your rabbit will get confused. During the first weeks, your rabbit will slowly explore its surroundings and once they know where the litter tray corner is, that will be a win situation.
Older rabbits are easy to train, however, even baby rabbits can also learn how to use the litter tray. If you have a group of rabbits, it can be much easier to train them because if one is well trained, it will teach the rest.
Training unaltered rabbits can sometimes be very difficult because they tend to mark their territory with urine. It is always good to spay all house rabbits because they will make your work easier. Make sure to only remove the litter tray instead of cleaning the whole cage.
Which Litter Tray Should I Buy?
Always ensure that you get a tray that is big enough that can fully accommodate your rabbit. It should be comfortable and spacious. You can buy lidded trays from your pet store, but a cat litter tray can also work well with rabbits. For large rabbits, you can also use an under-bed storage box.
Which Litter Should You Not Use?
Not all litter is good for your rabbit. Others can be harmful to your rabbit if swallowed. You should never use cat litter clumping because if your rabbit swallows it, it can cause internal blockage or even diarrhea which is not something you want.
Softwood is also another litter that you should never use especially if it is from pine shavings. Most people still use softwood in their rabbit’s hutches, but recent studies have shown that it can cause liver disease especially in small rabbits. Only use the recommended litter meant for rabbits.
How Can I Litter Train My Rabbit?
Start by containing your rabbit in its cage with the litter tray for a day or two. Make sure that the tray has enough hay that the rabbit can eat. This will make the rabbit spend more time in the tray and your rabbit will get used to it.
Rabbits normally love to eat from their tray and others will even sleep in the tray. Once you are sure that your rabbit is used to the tray, you can now start monitoring how it uses it. Always look out for accidents and never punish your bunny if they pee outside the tray.
Just clean up the mess using paper towels and then place it in the tray. If you have house rabbits, it is always good to place multiple litter trays around the house and let your rabbits choose which one they want to use. After a few days, your rabbit will start to use one tray.
After the first week, you will notice that your rabbit is using one tray to pee and the other for eating. This whole process needs time and patience. Some rabbits will prefer to mark their territory by placing pellets of droppings around their tray. Simply sweep the dropping and place it in the tray.
How Do I Clean Up the Mess?
Rabbits’ urine can sometimes have a very strong smell especially the unneutered males. Accidents can occur anytime in the rabbit’s cage, and it is only fair to clean the mess before your rabbit gets confused and starts using the whole cage as a toilet.
White vinegar is the best when it comes to cleaning up any mess around the cage. The diluted vinegar is good because it will dissolve all the ammonia contained in the rabbit’s urine. Wear a pair of gloves when cleaning up the rabbit’s mess.
What Can I Do If My Rabbit Does Not Use the Litter Tray?
Some rabbits take a short time to learn and start using the litter tray, but others take a long time. If you notice that your bunny is not using its tray, it can be because of the location of the tray. If you place the tray in a noisy area, your rabbit will never use that tray.
Rabbits do not like to be interrupted when they are in their litter tray. The best thing to do is to place the tray in an area where your rabbit will be free and comfortable. Another reason why your rabbit does not want to use the tray is that it is too small.
Just like any other pet, rabbits like to be comfortable in their litter tray. If your rabbit is ill or feels threatened, it will not use the litter tray. If you introduce a new pet in the house, your rabbit can feel threatened, and it will not come out of its sleeping area.
Always make sure to check if your rabbit is healthy or not. A rabbit that is ill will litter anywhere because it cannot walk to the litter tray. Make sure to visit a specialist if you notice that your rabbit is not eating and litters everywhere.
Not all rabbits are the same and the breed you choose will also determine how long it takes to litter train it. Before introducing a new rabbit, make sure to consult with an expert first. This means you will know what to do if they start littering all over the place.
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