Rabbit Litter Box Training

LITTER BOX TRAINING

It's a little known fact, but rabbits are easily trained to use a litter box, just as you would with a cat.

Start by placing a litterbox filled with litter in your rabbit's cage. Don't use clumping litter or cedar shavings, as they are both dangerous for rabbits. If the cage is too small for the box, then it is probably too small for your rabbit. Rabbits pick a favorite spot to relieve them selves, usually a corner. So it will be easier on you both if you can place the box there. Don't be worried if your bunny wants to lie in the box. This is fairly common in the beginning.

The key to training is the same for bunnies as it is for other animals. Be patient and consistent. In the beginning you have to be watching them at all times. Your rabbit will most likely learn to urinate in the box first, as rabbits have less control over their bowels than bladder. If bunny starts to have an accident outside the box you should say "no" in a sharp voice, or clap your hands loudly, and herd it back towards the box. Mature rabbits seem to learn quicker than the youngsters do, especially babies. Young bunnies take some time to catch on, so above all, have patience. Once your rabbit has learned that the box is the place to go, you can slowly inch the box so that it is more convenient for you. Sometimes it's a good idea to have two boxes, one inside the cage and one outside.

There are on rare occasions, rabbits that just don't seem to ever learn to use a box. Sometimes this is caused by urinary tract infections, by age or even emotional upset. One trick that works well is to place a strange rabbits droppings into your rabbits box. When your rabbit smells a new rabbit it will instinctively mark its territory.

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