How to Litter Box train a pet rabbit
It is actually very simple to litter box train a pet rabbit. It is best to start with a young rabbit (8-12 weeks old), but it is possible to train a mature rabbit as well. If you keep in mind that a rabbit is not a cat or a dog, than you will be more prepared to take on this endevor.
The following items will be helpful with training your rabbit:
-litter box (ones made specifically for rabbits are available at most large pet stores)
-dust pan and small broom -paper towels -indoor rabbit cage
-pine shavings or cat litter -tobasco sauce or bitter apple spray
-tape or tacks -spray bottle with water Allow your new rabbit to become accustomed to its new home (cage).
Do not over handle or bother the bunny for the first couple of days. Watch closely to see which corner of the cage your rabbit chooses as its "favorite". Most rabbits will choose one spot in their cage to urinate. This spot will soon have your rabbits scent and it will return to this same spot to relieve itself. Now that your rabbit is comfortable with its new home, you can place its litter box in its "favorite" corner of the cage. Allow him some time to get used to the box and wait to see if he uses it.
Once your bunny has used his litter box and seems comfortable with it, you may begin to remove the bunny from the cage for short periods of time (15-30 minutes) for excercise and play. The person that is going to be the primary care giver should be the one to play with, feed and care for the bunny for the first few weeks. This allows the bunny to build trust in this person. This is NOT the time to invite all of the neighborhood kids over to see the new family pet. If the bunny is treated nicely, it will learn that this home is safe and he will soon love to enjoy his excursions out of the cage.
Now is the time to enjoy some fun on the floor with the family. Everyone down on the floor at bunny eye level. Look around at your home from your bunnies perspective. Do you see any possible danger? This is the time to use the tape and/or tacks. All electrical chords should be taped/tacked up high off the floor. Rabbits love to chew and these chords can be hazardous. Are there any plants that could be placed up on a shelf or table rather than on the floor? Are there any open doors to rooms that you do not feel would be safe for your rabbit? Are there any other pets that have access to your bunny that may cause them harm? This is also the time to use the tabasco sauce and/or bitter apple. Rabbits can also be attracted to wood. I suggest rubbing a little of this on the legs of chairs, couches and any other tempting spots. This will usually deter him from snacking on your favorite peice of furniture.
You may now allow your bunny to spend more time out of her cage. Watch her carefully! These first few times out of the cage are crucial to successful training. If you see your bunny begin to sit and lift her tail, hurry her back to her cage and place her in the litter box. The rabbit can not be expected to not leave fecal droppings here and there. They do not have the same bowel control that a dog or cat might have. This is when your dust pan and broom come in handy. Clean up any droppings that you may find right away. This discourages your rabbit from using this new spot as a toilet. If your rabbit does urinate on a spot, spray it with the bitter apple. This will discourage her from returning to that same area. Do not leave her unsupervised. If you have to leave, place her back in her cage for safety and successful training. After a couple of successful weeks, you should be able to allow your bunny to come and go from its cage by leaving the door open. You should still be prepared to watch the rabbit. If he decides to chew on your favorite end table, spray him with the water. As much as possible, do not allow him to catch you spraying. He will see you as punishment. NEVER hit the rabbit as punishment for undesirable behaviors. This will only make him aggressive and defensive. You may never be able to leave your rabbit out of its cage unsupervised for long periods of time. It depends on the personality of the rabbit.
There are many benefits to having a house trained bunny. A rabbit that is inside with the family is more apt to be played with, loved and cared for. Your home is climate controlled. You can more easily spend time with your new addition to your family. Enjoy your furry friend.