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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum DIET & CARE EATING LITTER!!???

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    • Danika
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      29 posts Send Private Message

        Hi all. I recently switched to a new type of litter since the wood shavings were quite messy and stuck to my bun since she has long and thick fur (jersey wooly). So the supplier is DARO. It says cat litter, 100% natural. Toilet flushable. Super clumping/absorbing. Water soluble. It doesn’t say what the ingredients are. The litter is little green pellets with an apple fragrance. Narrower than food pellets. I am from SA, so I struggle to find all the good stuff you guys mention. I looked at this and thought it looked paper based and if its all natural it shouldn’t be harmful? I would NEVER buy any other type of cat litter for my bun.
        Anyway, so the thing is. The moment I put it in her litter box she started nibbling on it. I thought at first she was only tasting and would realise it was not for eating. But she went on eating it and now she sits in the litterbox and eats litter instead of her food which is right next to the box!! She has unlimited hay (don’t know which type – mountain hay?). She also has unlimited access to alfalfa (lucerne) hay, since she is only 2 months old. (I’ve had her since a very young age – 4 weeks since I rescued her from very bad circumstances). She gets a good handfull pellets each day. I believe they are timothy based. Not sure. She also gets greens twice a day. I am a first time bun owner and I read up A LOT. And I realised I shouldve waited with the fresh foods. But since she only had cabbage and pellets at her birth home I didn’t know they weren’t supposed to get veggies/greens at such a young age. Her digestion is fine however. Haven’t had problems. She just sometimes does not eat her cecos (I believe it’s because she gets enough nutrients through her diet).
        So, the question is – IS IT SAFE FOR HER TO EAT THE LITTER DESCRIBED ABOVE? I am terrified. Can’t find ingredients anywhere even on the web. What are your guys’ thoughts? Please…


      • Hazel
        Participant
        2587 posts Send Private Message

          Clumping litter should never be used for rabbits, if ingested it will clump in their digestive tract and can cause an obstruction. Besides that, rabbits love fruit, so it makes sense that she would eat this if it smells/tastes like apple. I would get rid of this litter immediately.

          Wood shavings can be problematic too, as you said they are messy and if they’re pine shavings, they are actually harmful. Aspen shavings are safe though.


        • Princessbunnies
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          5 posts Send Private Message

            It would probably better to get a litter without a scent because if it smells like fruit bunnies are going to want to eat it.I use cat litter to but you need to make sure it is non clumping as clumping is dangerous.They know it is their litter because they had it when they were at the rescue centre.The RSPCA actually recommended non clumping litter.The litter i use has a very natural scent.


          • Danika
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            29 posts Send Private Message

              Oh no……I removed all of it. Don’t know how much she’s gotten in. What should I do now? I removed her pellets for the night and I think I will jist leave the hay and water. So she can kind of ‘flush’ it out? How many would be lethal? I’m so worried now…..


            • tobyluv
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                It’s good that you have removed that clumping litter. It can be very dangerous for rabbits.

                Closely monitor your rabbit. Make sure that she is eating plenty of hay and drinking water. If she isn’t eating much or stops eating and pooping or looks lethargic or in discomfort, you will need to get her to a vet.

                I know that you are limited in your selection of litter due to your location, but this article that is handed out from the Sanctuary where I volunteer may be helpful.

                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 offers less odor control than some other litters. 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. Remove hay as it gets soiled, since your rabbit will also be eating it. 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.


              • joea64
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                1423 posts Send Private Message

                  Carefresh is a bit pricey, but I’ve found that it offers very good odor control especially if you make sure to change it out every two to three days. Being recycled paper, it’s also rabbit-safe; having a bun eat a whole lot of it is naturally contraindicated, but no harm will come to them from nibbling on the odd piece.


                • Danika
                  Participant
                  29 posts Send Private Message

                    Thank you tobyluv, that is very informative. I greatly appreciate it. I will keep to these tips when I next buy litter. Thank you thank you thank you. And thanx also joea64. Your guys’ advice helps a LOT.


                  • Boston's Mama
                    Participant
                    1452 posts Send Private Message

                      I use cat pine pellets litter for mine , he eats litter too so I use a rabbit foot rest mat ontop of the litter to stop him and it works great something like this
                      https://www.amazon.com/rabbit-plastic-wire-floored-comfortable-Black/dp/B01HYKA7GU

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                  Forum DIET & CARE EATING LITTER!!???