Litter Boxes and Litter

There are a lot of different “litter boxes” that are advertised for rabbits and they are never large enough. I recommend using a “cat” sized litter box. There are large corner litter boxes and large rectangular boxes on the market that are big enough and work really well. You can also use a plastic bin. Like a storage bin, with or without the lid depending on the side. Cut an entrance hole in the side. I recommend not using the lid.

Place the litter box with litter in your rabbit’s space. Create a kitchen space within their area. This is where you place their hay in a hay rack or in their box and their food dish. You really want everything in the same place. Bunnies prefer to use the bathroom, pee and poop in one spot, typically where they eat. You can put water in a separate area however to keep is fresh and free of hay and food.

There are many options for litter; paper, or wood pellet based litter is best. Look for something that is odor absorbing, all urine has an unpleasant smell. Place a thin layer at the bottom of the litter pan. Don’t fill the pan too high. Never use clay litter as this is harmful to rabbits if they breath or ingest it.

Sometimes bunnies pee over the side of the litter box so having a rubber or absorbent mat under works well. We use high sided litter boxes so prevent nearly all accidents.

Introducing Litter Box Training

Our bunnies are introduced to litter boxes immediately. When they leave the nest they have access to their mama’s litter box. We continue litter box training until they are adopted.

Litter box training takes time! Young bunnies are still learning. It’s important to be consistent when they come to your home. Initially you want to limit their space in order to get them use to being able to manage their space. As you notice they are being consistent in their litter box habits you can offer them more space. If you free roam your bunny, make sure they always have access to their litter box.

If you notice they are having set, backs you can go back to limiting their space while unsupervised and go from there. Some people have multiple litter boxes in order to have successful access and use.

Get creative! Here are some great examples of making it work for your bun.

Accidents & Urine Marking

If your bunny is marking or having a lot of accidents outside the litter box it’s likely due to them marking their territory. This is often solves by having your rabbit spayed or neutered.

This is also common when bunnies are in a new environment or unfixed and around other unfixed rabbits. It’s completely normal. You can clean urine with a product made for cats/dogs that is an enzyme cleaner. You can also use hot soapy water on walls, doors and similar.