How to Stop Rabbit From Digging in Litter Box (2023)

FAQs

Why is my rabbit digging his litter box? ›

Some rabbits will enjoy digging into their litter box, making a big stinky mess all around it. Most rabbits behave this way due to boredom. If they are being kept in a cage that's too small or don't have enough enrichment activities they resort to digging at the only thing that's left to them.

You can try applying a bitter apple spray (available at most pet stores) on inappropriate items that your rabbit likes to chew. Many rabbits don't mind the taste, though—some even seem to like it—so this may be worth a try but isn't usually effective.

We recommend using CareFresh (a rabbit-safe pet bedding that does not contain any pine or cedar products) and fresh hay to prepare your bunny's litter box. Spread one inch of clean CareFresh covering the bottom of the pan, then add a big handful of hay. Remember to use rabbit-safe litters in your bunny's box.

Beyond instinct, digging might just be an expression of your bunny's thoughts. Curiosity, boredom, stress, fear, wanting attention, seeking a cozy spot to lounge in — any of these and more could be some of the less common reasons why a rabbit digs.

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All rabbits eat their feces as it is an important part of the digestive process. Rabbits' digestive systems can't extract all the nutrients from food the first time it is digested. During the digestion process, soft pellets called cecotropes are formed. These contain valuable nutrients, such as protein and fiber.

Invented by a pharmacist in 1960, Bitter Apple spray leaves an unpleasant yet harmless taste on your rabbit's fur to discourage licking, chewing and biting. Keeps rabbits from licking wounds and hot-spots, so they have a chance to heal properly.

Cardboard, hay, and paper make excellent flooring for a cage or hutch. You probably already have some in your home right now. Wood bedding, marmoleum, and fleece work well, too.

If you don't want to buy a product, put 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water into a spray bottle and spritz it on the cage. This might be a strong enough scent to stop your rabbit. The bitter spray will fade after a few days, so spray the cage again if you notice your rabbit starts chewing it again.

How often should you change rabbit litter? ›

Regardless of the amount of paper you use in the litter box, most of the time you will need to change the box every two days or so. Paper pulp pellets will need to be changed less often than newspaper. Recommended by many veterinarians, especially when learning how to litter train a rabbit.

Rabbits often pass stool when they are eating and placing some hay in the litter box can help with litter box training. First, place some rabbit safe litter on the bottom of the litter box and pile up the hay. They will not eat soiled hay, so you need not worry about sanitation.

Some are more trainable than others. But usually, rabbits can be litter-trained in 1-2 weeks on average. Rabbits are creatures of habit and will defecate and urinate in the same spot every time to mark their territory.

Health problems, boredom, or a lack of enrichment commonly lead to destructive behaviors. This is most likely to happen if you have a lone rabbit, no toys, no wood to chew on, and no place to dig. Negative behaviors can be controlled by offering enough stimulation, play, and chewing materials.

Offering them digging space in an open area or giving them a sand-box is a good idea. Allowing them to burrow in this way is good for relieving their stress, keeping them busy and active.

Most rabbits love to be cuddled and stroked when approached in the right way. Few like being held or carried as being so high up from the ground makes them feel insecure, however, many will happily sit on your lap or snuggle up next to you for a cuddle.

At a minimum, you should spend at least an hour with your rabbit every day. However, 3-5 hours (or even more) are ideal. You do not have to be giving your rabbit undivided attention during this time, but instead, make yourself available to interact with them if they want to.

The total amount of fresh food that you may give to your rabbit daily (once your bunny has been gradually introduced to it), is a minimum of 1 heaping cup (loosely packed), per 5 pound of body weight, given two times a day.

In general, male rabbits are touted as being easier pets for rabbit beginners. They will usually get into less trouble and show fewer aggressive tendencies than female rabbits. This is especially true of rabbits who have been neutered.

Your rabbit will quickly pick up simple instructions like “no,” but try not to sound too angry when you give these commands. Once “no” has been mastered, you might be able to move on to more complex instructions such as “don't do that,” and “come here,” as well as telling them when they need to jump off your lap.

Can I spray my rabbit with water? ›

Yes, you can spray your rabbit with water in order to discipline them or to help them cool off. It is not recommended that you drench your rabbit; one spritz of water will get their attention just fine, there's no need to do it more than once at a time. If you are trying to cool them down the go for the ears.

Generally, your pet rabbit will have a short-term memory which can only last for about 5 minutes. But when it comes to important information or someone they are affectionate towards, then that memory can last for a longer time.

No clay cat litter! Rabbits are nibblers and clay litter can cause blockages in bunny's tummy if she eats it. Also avoid corn, wheat, alfalfa and oat based litters as bunny too commonly ingests them. A cat litterbox works great.

Is Rabbit Poop Harmful? While rabbits can carry parasites like tapeworm and roundworm, their waste is not known to transmit any diseases to humans.

Hard waste feces (what is found on the floor of the cage) which have a high fiber content, are produced for approximately the first four hours after the rabbit eats its food and the cecotropes are produced during the next four hours (therefore not only at night).

Rabbits have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find accessible food sources. You can take advantage of this trait by using scents they dislike, such as garlic, vinegar, chili powder, predator urine, sulfur, blood meal, chives, lavender, geraniums, and wax begonias.

Edible deterrents.

If your rabbit chews the carpet, some rabbits will dislike the taste of bitter sprays for pets, hot pepper sauce or flakes, vinegar, or rubbed-in Ivory soap, but they can be a hit and miss. Some bunnies will not care or even love the taste.

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So, why is my rabbit kicking his litter out? The quick and easy answer is that rabbits are surprisingly clean and tidy animals, and will aggressively remove soiled bedding or litter from their space. In short, your bunny is telling you that they need their litter changed.

Rabbit's will often turn their water or food bowls over because they are bored and want to play with something. A lightweight plastic water dish or food bowl is easily picked up with their teeth and tossed. It is something to do.

How do you enrich a rabbit's life? ›

In general rabbit enrichment includes: providing a large enclosure with objects to climb on, hide, sleep in and an area to dig or burrow. Toys to encourage natural behaviours and for chewing, plus social companionship are crucial to their wellbeing. Regular exercise and routine.

Objects to play with or throw - such as untreated straw, wicker, sea-grass mats and baskets, balls and plastic flower pots. Solid plastic baby toys such as 'key rings', rattles, stacking cups and some robust cat and parrot toys can make good rabbit toys.

Clay-based and clumping litters which are often used with cats are not recommended for rabbits. Rabbits are more likely to ingest the litter, which can lead to intestinal blockages. For rabbits, use litter made from aspen shavings or recycled paper.

If you want to feed fresh vegetables in a bowl, a wide/shallow dish or plate works best. The downside with bowls is they make everything very easy for your rabbit; the food is in exactly the same spot and requires no effort to obtain.

From wild rabbits to domestic rabbits, these mammals share a way of expressing themselves and behaving. Thus, rabbits, whether male or female, naturally mark their territory.

Flop: when a rabbit tips over or throws themselves onto their side. Often mistaken for dead. Generally a sign that the rabbit is very happy and relaxed and trusts you. Can also be used as a mild insult with rabbits that are not good friends.

Unwanted Cardboard boxes and newspaper always make fun toys. Cut rabbit sized holes in two sides of a large cardboard box, then at the bottom fill with scrunched up newspaper, hay or anything rummage-worthy. Your rabbit can burrow through, searching for perhaps a few treats amongst it all. A rabbit-style lucky dip!

Bunnies must chew to keep their teeth healthy. Offer Floppy lots of fun playthings to keep her amused. Many household items can be upcycled into great, inexpensive, bunny toys. Stuff fresh hay or herbs into a paper bag, or crumple up pieces of paper and toss them to your adorable pal.

Things such as tubes, boxes, Cottontail Cottage, Little Tykes toys, cardboard house, and other things can be used to create a fun, safe and stimulating environment for a bunny to exercise, play, hop, leap and dance.

Yes, rabbits can know their owners from face features, smell, and even from your voice. These creatures can be great friends. They remember you for a long time, even without seeing your face for years.

What do bunnies need in their cage? ›