Changing litter box

[Megabunny]

I recently adopted a large rabbit from the shelter. She is wonderfully litter trained. I can totally wash the litter pan each day and put a new one in while the other(s) dry. My old rabbit used to refuse the litter if I didn’t put some of the old droppings in. I have another couple of rabbits that I’ll be trying to litter train and I’m just wondering what’s normal to expect…being able to totally clean the pan or is it likely they will insist on some old droppings? I’ll have to work with whatever they decide, I guess, but I’m just wondering what the majority of people find they have to do. Thanks.

[NuggetBuns]

Wow, you clean it everyday? That’s awesome for your rabbit! We usually spot clean throughout the week by scooping out the droppings and then wash everything out once a week.

I think every rabbit is different, some need old droppings to remind them that’s their bathroom and some just like to poop in the same spot where the box should be. But if you’re just starting to train the other rabbits, you should watch where they like to do their business (usually in a fav corner or against the wall) and then put a litterbox there. And then try adding some old poo if they’re not getting it. Adding hay on one side also helps a lot.

[MoveDiagonally]

I dump the boxes every other day and fully wash them, with vinegar, once a week. None of my rabbits require old droppings/litter in their boxes to maintain habits. But as Nuggetbuns mentioned, every rabbit is different.

[Megabunny]

Thanks, folks! Guess I’m a bit carried away with the litter box. Good to hear what others do, as I’m off work for the summer, but once work  (and winter) hit, I’m sure I’ll be looking for a bit easier routine. That helps a lot. I know it’s a simple thing, but sometimes just nice to do a sanity check!! I did just get  much bigger litter boxes for Jane, who didn’t fit too well in the other ones, and she’s staying much cleaner, and I actually looked after 24 hours and thought I didn’t have to do anything til tomorrow and felt lazy. Guess it’s all good.

Thanks again!

M.B.

[justwildbeat]

Wow, everyday~ Makes me look lazy as I change the litter every 2 – 3 day since it’s a big box. Luckily my current and previous buns didn’t need old droppings as reminders. For your other rabbits, it wouldn’t hurt to leave a clump of old litter while they’re learning. Once their litter habits are better you can stop.

[Chronicambitions]

Everybun is different. One of my bunnies will hop into the clean litter box and poop in it even though its in a different spot and doesn’t have any hay or litter in it.

[Author]

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