Litter Training a Rabbit
When I tell people that I live with a free-roaming house rabbit, they are intrigued. When I tell them rabbits can be litter trained, they are even more surprised. A rabbit that uses their litter box regularly makes a great indoor companion. Litter training is relatively simple, but every rabbit's situation is unique. The methods you use for training, the types and locations of boxes you choose, and the type of litter used will all depend on your particular needs.
Rabbits can be litter trained at any age, but adults are easier to work with than babies because their attention span increases as they grow older. When they reach the age of 4-6 months, their hormones become active and they begin marking their territory with urine and feces. Spaying or neutering will increase the likelihood of using the box. Training takes time and patience, but is well worth the investment.
The great thing about rabbits is that they are instinctually tidy housekeepers. Rabbits tend to prefer corners, and will use the same spot over and over again. They are very habitual and routine-oriented animals. When training a rabbit, it is important to listen to their needs, too. If they insist on using one spot, you will need to accommodate them.
Start with a box in the corner of the cage, and one or more boxes in the running space. Litter pans made for cats, plastic dishwashing tubs, and glass baking pans can all be used. Boxes now come in every shape, size and pattern you can imagine. Start simple until you determine your rabbit's needs.
If bunny urinates in a corner of the cage outside the box, move the box to that corner until she gets it right. A handful of hay in the box makes it inviting. Don't be concerned if your bunny sleeps or lounges in the litter box; this is normal. After she first uses the box, praise her and give her a treat. Once she's mastered the box in the cage, open the door and allow her into the running space. Watch her closely. If she heads to a corner where there's no box and lifts up her tail, shout "no" or clap your hands. Gently steer her back to her cage or into one of the boxes in the room. Be gentle; you don't want to make the cage or the litter box seem like punishment. Once she uses the box in her room a few times, you're well on your way. You can gradually increase her space, but if the area becomes very big, be sure to include more litter boxes. As bunny masters the litter box, you can begin removing the early training boxes.
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