Litter Training a Rabbit
Litter boxes have traditionally been considered the domain of cats, but rabbits are quickly encroaching on this territory. The litter training may take some work to begin with, but the benefits are well with the effort. A litter trained rabbit means less mess in the cage and thus easier cleaning.
How to Litter Train a Rabbit
When it comes to choosing the locations of the litter boxes, let your rabbit decide. Rabbits tend to pick one or more spots where they consistently urinate and drop most of their pills. Observe the rabbit to find these spots and place litter boxes there. Even a well-trained rabbit will deposit some pills outside of its litter box, though, as a means of marking territory. If the rabbit's cage is to small for a small litter box in addition to its food, water, and toys, then it's too small for the rabbit as well and you should get a bigger cage.
When the rabbit gets accustomed to using its cage's litter box, then place litter boxes in the corners of its running space and let it out. If your rabbit uses the litter box lavish it with praise and treats. If you can tell its going to use a spot where there is not a box, say quot;no" once in a scolding voice and herd it back to the cage. Never pick up the rabbit and put it in the cage or it will feel like it's going to prison rather than going home.
The Number of Litter Boxes
You can use as many litter boxes as you need to keep your rabbit from using the floor; and the bigger the area you allow the rabbit to roam, the more litter boxes it will take. You don't want to increase the area to quickly, however, or the rabbit will be overwhelmed and won't use the litter boxes. Once it gains experience you can slowly remove some of the boxes.
During the training process you must give the rabbit your undivided attention whenever its out of the cage.
Other Considerations
Generally speaking, rabbits have better litter habits if they are spayed or neutered. Also, older rabbits train more easily than a younger ones. The age advantage is an incentive to adopt an adult rabbit from a rescue or shelter.
Be careful about what litters you use with your rabbit, though. Many litters are dangerous, even fatal, for rabbits. To find out what is safe and what isn't, read our article What Litter Is Safe for Rabbits?
