How To Litter Train A Rabbit
Updated: May 23
Litter training your rabbit is important for to ensuring a clean home and a happy rabbit! By following these steps, with a little patience and consistent, you can teach your rabbit to successfully use a litter box.
Step 1: Choose the right litter box.
The box should be big enough for your rabbit to comfortably turn around in. Bunnies seem to prefer a box that is on the ground as it is easier to hop into.
I highly recommend having a grate on your litter box (See above photo). They are wonderful at keeping your bunny clean as well as ensuring all the litter stays in the box and not on your floor.
See below for a link for DIY plans.
Step 2: Choose the right litter.
This may require some trial and error. Some bunnies prefer soft and absorbent litters, such as paper-based or wood shavings while others do well with natural clay litter.
Some use hay as it entices the bunny hang around in the box for a while. :-)
Whichever works best for your and your bunny - place about an inch of litter into your chosen box.
Step 3: Choose a location for your litter box.
I highly recommend placing the box near where your bunny eats. Ideally your bun should be able to eat and use the litter box at the same time.
If you don't want a litterbox in your mail living area - Most bunnies do well with a quiet, secluded spot away from all day commotion.
I do recommend having 1 in your bunnies main living space as well as another if your bunny will free range in a different area for any amount of time.
Step 4: Introduce your rabbit to the litterbox.
Place your rabbit in the litter box and use incentives for him to visit often. Again, placing it near his food is recommended - this is a great place to hang your hay rack. As the extra that falls down lands in the litter box! :-)
Step 5: Watch your rabbits behavior
Keep a close eye on your bunny the first few days - if you notice they are repeatedly going to the bathroom elsewhere its time to troubleshoot.
If the bun is repeatedly having accidents outside the box but is always in the same spot, I recommend moving the box there if that is possible. Bunnies can be territorial but they are also clean - it just may be that your bunny has chosen that location as his/her bathroom.
If however, the issue is that your bunny is going in random places - then patience and redirection is required. It can be helpful to get some of your bunnies scent in the litterbox - If you pick up the accident with paper towel, place that into the litterbox under some litter. Then it smells a bit more familiar.
6. Keep the litterbox clean.
Bunnies are clean animals - its important to clean the litter box once a day and change the litter weekly (at a minimum). This will help you sweet bunny to stay healthy and your home to stay clean.
Again, it is important to remember not to expect overnight results, as litter training takes time and patience - to have multiple litter boxes in different locations to avoid territorial behavior and to choose a durable box.
With the right tools and a little patience, you'll have a litter-trained rabbit in no time. Please reach out if you have questions or see our "What do I need for a pet Bunny" post for our favorite litter items.
#Rabbit #Littertraining #rabbitcare #petcare #MoraAngora #EnglishAngora