SWheat Scoop?

[maddie24]

Right now I am using swheat school litter for my rabbits but just recently found out wheat is bad for rabbits and can cause blockage. I’m going to switch litter of course but don’t know which litter (there are so many!) I really want to find a scoop able litter, preferably not pelleted. It makes it hard to clean often wth it wasting all the litter in the box. I tried yesterday’s news but it wasn’t scoopable so I ended up throwing everything away every time I would clean the litter boxes. Is that really the only way to do things? I don’t want to make my bunnies sick with the wheat! I’d appreciate anyone’s insight to this.

[maddie24]

*SWheatp Scoop

[Theodorusrex]

Hi Maddie,

I used wood pellets as litter and find them really very good. I see that swheat scoop litter is clumping and that’s really not good for rabbits in case they might ingest some of it causing a blockage.
While you can’t ‘scoop’ out the wood pellets as they don’t clump – the area that the rabbit pees on turns into like a dust/mush kind of consistency which I scoop out daily and replace with fresh litter. I also try to remove the most of the rabbits pellets and top it up every few days then do a thorough clean where I throw out all the litter and wash out the litter pan etc.
I find the wood pellets very good and as a general rule they are very cheap to buy

[tobyluv]

Definitely switch from Swheat Scoop litter. It can cause problems. As Theodorusrex said, the wood pellets do turn into a mush that sticks together (although they are not a clumping litter) and it is easy to use a scoop to remove that wet litter every day.

Here is an article on litters to use and not use:

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 white vinegar.
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.

[maddie24]

Wow okay thank you so much for all of this!! I’m going to remove the swheat scoop immediately and try something else!

[Author]

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