Litter training…. Pee Pads?!?

[Joey]

My bun is still a baby technically, but I think I am going to have to make some sort of change to his current set up if I want to be successful in litter training. I have only had him for a week and he is my first bun.
 He currently is in a ex pen.  Someone suggested that I put pee pads on the floor of the pen for bun. I have a cheap rug placed under the pads as well ( I have carpet in his room).  He has a litter box that I have placed timothy hay in.   I have not been able to decide on a litter other than hay because there are so many options. I am not sure where to even start! (Suggestions?)   I think having only the hay will end up causing a problem when I begin to train him.  He pees all over the ex pen,instead of in one general area.  He really does not pee in the litter box.  I think that leads back to there only being hay in there. Any suggestions would be great!

[tobyluv]

Since he is still a baby, your bunny wouldn’t have been neutered yet. It can be difficult to litter train rabbits before they are spayed or neutered, although it can be done. But you may have to wait until after his neuter for complete success.

Although hay racks aren’t always a good way for rabbits to access the hay, you might have more luck if you hang a hay rack over the litter box, instead of putting the hay in the litter box. When he pees all over, do you soak it up with a paper towel, then place that paper towel in the litter box? You should also put stray poops in the litter box.

Here is an article on litter that we hand out at the Rabbit 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. 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 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.

[Joey]

Thanks for all the info!!! Really helpful!!!!☺

[Author]

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