Hi and welcome to Binky Bunny! It’s wonderful that you were able to rescue this rabbit and give him a loving home. Some rabbits, due to their backgrounds, can be very wary of life outside of the cage. It’s good to go slow and to limit his range at first. If there are areas where you don’t want him going, as in under your bed, you may have to block them off or just not let him go in those rooms yet. You will need to bunny proof any rooms he is in. Most rabbits are bad chewers. Electric wires are some of their favorite things. You can get wraps for them or put them up or block them off somehow. They may also chew on furniture, rugs, baseboards, books, etc., so watch out for that. I think that time and patience will allow your rabbit to feel at ease in your house. Even though he is in a large cage, you may want to get an x-pen for him. Those are roomier than cages, and allow you easier access to the rabbit.
Some rabbits don’t care that much for toys or chew things, or might prefer paper towel cardboard rolls, plain or stuffed with hay. You have to be careful with what materials you use around rabbits, since most will chew on things. Fleece blankets are safer than towels because they don’t have the long strings in them that towels can have. A towel would be fine in a carrier on a trip to the vet, but for everyday use or use in the cage, fleece is better.
You could have a box for him to use as a hidey hole when he is out in your house. Then he might choose that rather than under your bed. Rabbits prefer boxes with 2 exits, so that they don’t feel trapped. The best boxes are those from a store that might have held produce, if you can get those. They are strong and don’t have tape on them. Turn them upside down, then cut an arch shape out on each end. It’s fun for bunnies to run through and to feel safe in if they need that.
Regarding litter, I think that turkey feed would be very bad, as it likely contains corn and you don’t want your rabbit eating that. Here is an article about litter that we have at the Sanctuary where I volunteer:
What To Use In Your Rabbit’s Litter Box
Remember that rabbits may sit in their litter boxes for extended periods, and that they nibble on everything, so it’s important to choose the right litter.
Do not use cedar or pine shavings. These contain dangerous aromatic oils that have been found to cause liver damage and respiratory problems. Don’t use CatWorks, a litter made from oat hulls, which when ingested has caused fatal zinc poisoning. Swheat Scoop Litter should not be used since rabbits will often ingest it. It is comprised of wheat, is very high in carbohydrates, and can cause obesity, excessive cecal production, diarrhea and other health issues. Don’t use clay litter. The dust causes respiratory problems, and if ingested, it is harmful to the digestive tract. Don’t use any clumping litters–if nibbled on, they are likely to cause obstructions in the intestinal tract. Also avoid corn cob litter. If eaten, it can cause a lethal intestinal blockage.
Recommended litters:
1. Newspaper, shredded or cut-up. It’s inexpensive and readily available, but it offers no odor control. If the newspaper is cut into larger pieces, urine may puddle at first until it is absorbed into the paper, which could cause your rabbit to have damp feet. It can be composted.
2. Paper pulp litter. It has low dust, good absorbency, and no hazards, though it also offers little odor control. It can be flushed or composted. Brands include Carefresh, Yesterday’s News, Cellu-Dri, and Eco Fresh.
3. Oat, alfalfa and wheat straw based pellets. Low dust, good absorbency, and no hazards, although they can cause bloating if too much is ingested. They can be flushed or composted. Brands include Critter Country, Cat Country, and Oxbow Eco-Straw.
4. Compressed sawdust (pine) pellets. Unlike pine shavings, these are safe, since they have no dangerous aromatic oils. They are economical, highly absorbent, and have good odor control. They may be composted. Brands include All Pet Pine, Feline Pine and Exquisicat.
5. Aspen bark, pellets or shredded. Highly absorbent, with good odor control. Pellets are economical , because it only takes a thin layer in the litter box. They may be composted. These larger pellets are good for long haired rabbits, since they don’t get stuck in their fur as easily as the small particle litters. Brands include Aspen Fresh, Gentle Touch and Aspen Supreme.
6. Straw or hay. Straw can be dusty and is not very absorbent, but has no hazards, unless it becomes moldy. Any of the grass hays can be used. Be sure to clean frequently, as your rabbit will also be eating the hay. It may be composted.
7. Wood stove pellets. These are compressed pine or hardwood pellets. Make sure that the pellets are plain and that they don’t contain accelerants. These are very economical. They come in large bags and are inexpensive. They can be found in home supply or tractor supply stores.
8. Horse stall pellets. They are compressed sawdust (pine), also very economical. Found in feed stores, home supply stores, or tractor supply stores. One brand is Equine Pine.
If you change to a new litter, your rabbit may hesitate to use it. Mix some of the new with the old, or put some of the dirty litter into the new litter. Daily cleaning of the dirty areas is best. Regularly dump out the whole contents of the box, and thoroughly clean with an organic cleaner or a natural cleaner, such as vinegar or baking soda.
Many of these litters are available in pet supply stores, grocery stores, or discount stores. Litter, food and other rabbit supplies can be ordered online from drsfostersmith.com, wag.com, bunnybytes.com, petfooddirect.com, binkybunny.com, leithpetwerks.com, or various other pet supply catalogs and websites.
Feel free to ask any other questions that you have. Binky Bunny members are always helpful.
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