territorial vs. normal poops

[caillou]

I’m having a hard time with Alfie’s litter training, I’ve chalked i.t up to him not being neutered yet, but i’m a bit worried that it’s not all territorial and some of it is just him pooping everywhere because there’s a LOT of i.t. How can you tell the difference between territorial poops and normal poops? I’ve read that the normal poops come out in piles and he does a lot of these poops in his litter boxes. I’ve read that you should put him in the litter box when he poops outside of i.t, but he poops so discreetly, it’s not like peeing, and he hates being held so it’s hard to grab him, esp when he poops while running around.

[Sirius&Luna]

Territorial poops tend to be in a line around a boundary – eg. if you’re bonding two rabbits and they’re living in separate cages next to each other, they’ll often poop along the wall that’s closest to the other.

In my experience, they’re also darker and shinier poops, as they’re coated with something smelly. They also stink, compared to normal rabbit poop which is pretty inoffensive.

Unfortunately you need to just keep picking them up and putting them in the litter box, territorial or not. With how many you say it is, I doubt its territorial, probably just not very good at using the litter tray for pooping yet.

To be honest, my litter trained bunnies still do a few stray poops out of the litter tray. I think when most people say bunnies are litter trained, they accept that poops often still end up around the place.

[Wick & Fable]

Think of training as strengthening the connection between pooping and the litter box, not stopping all outside poos. The reframe makes it seem less daunting.

You’ll need to take some time to do litter training sessions, in my opinion. Limit the space and sit in it, and every time you see an outside poo, hiss and bring him to the box, even if he doesn’t like it. Do it in sessions as to not overly stress him.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[caillou]

I figured it was a lack of training… I’m actually moving to a new apartment in a few days so I’ll be more adamant about litter training in his new home! I’m under no impression that it’ll be 100% perfect but I’m definitely hoping to cut the outside poops down

[DanaNM]

I’ve had good success with positive reinforcement with using the box. Make his box a very appealing place (lots of fresh hay and fluffy bedding), and the periodically guide him to it, and praise him (or use a clicker) and give a treat/pellet when he hops in.

Watch him like a hawk while he’s out, and try to periodically make him take “potty breaks”. If you see him go in on his own, praise him (or use a click) and give another treat!

This combined with moving poops (not him!) to the box and the other suggestions here should help!

Most rabbits poop the most while they eat hay, so making sure there isn’t hay (or even grass mats, etc) anywhere other than the box should help too, especially before he’s neutered.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Boymom4]

We refer to our unfixed rabbits as “aspiring astronomers” and their territorial pooping as “mapping the constilations.” Fixing will eventually put an end to the poop carpet he is trying to lay down. ?
It might still take about 6 or so weeks after surgery though.
Currently going through this with our unspayed doe…clock is ticking girl!!

[caillou]

The issue is that he does love his litter box and uses i.t often! He always pees in there and hangs out and eats hay and leaves giant poop piles. The issue is really just the stray poops that accumulate over time. I’ll definitely work on positive reinforcement and see if I can try to give him some forced potty breaks

[Author]

Messages