House Training an Indoor Rabbit

An Introduction to Litter Box Training a House Rabbit

Mar 4, 2009 Graidi Taylor-Rose

Rabbits can live very happily in the home, but as with dogs and cats, house training is very important.

Litter box training a bunny can take time, but with some practice and patience, it can be achieved and maintained.

Litter Box Placement

Initially, it is a good idea to set up a litter box in the cage. Observe whereabouts in their cage your bunny prefers to "go", if it is outside the box, move it to that area, your bunny should get used to hopping into the box whenever it needs to.

Upon the first adventure outside the cage, place several litter boxes all around the area, keeping a close eye on your bunny (this is very important, a close eye must be kept on your bunny at all times when it is outside the cage until it is fully trained). If you notice it is "going" or lifting its tail, utter a sharp "no" to it and gently usher it towards a box.

When your bunny successfully uses the box, praise it and give it a favourite treat. If your bunny will allow it, gently pet it and tell it what a good bunny it is (it may sound silly, but it's surprisingly effective!)

Litter Box Maintenance

Rabbits are surprisingly clean animals and having a clean litter box will encourage them to use it more often. Rabbit urine has a very strong odour, so it's important to change the litter daily and clean the box at least twice a week.

White vinegar is very effective for cleaning the boxes, with warm water, then ensure they are completely dried before the litter is replaced.

Going Outside the Box

While you are litter box training your rabbit, there are likely to be a few accidents. This is, of course, perfectly normal and should become less frequent as training progresses. As with the boxes, white vinegar is effective for cleaning up carpets with some water, "pills" can be vacuumed up or swept up and used as fertilizer for plants.

However, if after having used the box for a little while, your rabbit starts "going" outside the box, there could be a number of factors:

  • It could be due to a Urinary Tract Infection or bladder or kidney problem; if this is suspected, take the rabbit to a veterinarian as soon as possible
  • It could be because of stress or a shock, such as a move, or a loud bang.
  • It could be territorial, for example, if you are attempting to bond your bunny with a companion.

These are good tips to get started with your bunny, but for more details, visit the House Rabbit Society website.

The copyright of the article House Training an Indoor Rabbit in Pet Care is owned by Graidi Taylor-Rose. Permission to republish House Training an Indoor Rabbit in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Heidi in her cage, Tim Taylor-Rose Heidi in her cage
   
What do you think about this article?
NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.
post your comment
What is 9+10?

Comments

Dec 6, 2009 5:17 AM
Guest :
Hi well i liked this short helpful article I was looking for what to use in the litter box of a rabbit. I wasn't sure if you use cat litter or somthing different?
1 Comment: