Status on Rusty

Question
Pam,

I just wanted to let you know that Rusty is the most wonderful bunny you have ever been around.  He has learned that if the fridge door opens and hears the veggie tray that he can get a snack.  

Rusty is a true lap bunny and wants to be loved on, and when you laught at him he cuts up.  He doesn't chew on anything (unlike our rabbits that passed) he never hides and would rather be socilizing with us, and laying on the floor in the room with us.  

I need some help litter training him, he seems not to want to urinate in his pen--instead wants to go into a corner when he gets out.  It is like he is waiting to take him out before he goes.

Regards,
Janita  

Answer
Hi Janita

I am so happy to hear that Rusty is doing well.  As for litter box training sometimes when boys aren't neutered it is very difficult.  I know he is still young and that can also make it difficult.

When I have a rabbit that won't litter train I make him stay in his cage for a few days.  As much as I hate to do it, it keeps them from going on the floor.  I always keep the litter box in the same spot and if he pee's on the bedding I will scoop some of it up and put it in the litter box and then clean out the cage completely so that there is no scent of urine anywhere else in the cage.  Generally after a few days they figure out that they are supposed to use the litter pan.  Occasionally I will have a rabbit that seems like he is not going to litter train and then one day I will notice a small wet spot in the litter box.  I get very excited and think YEAH!!! I don't know how but it is just like one day they figure it out.

I know that you had other bunnies and I know that having an indoor bunny is a new thing for you.  I really think that if you get Rusty neutered you will be surprised at how much better behaved he will be.  He sounds like a perfect little angel right now other than his bad litter habits but he may still turn into a terror when he hits sexual maturity.  It is just something to be aware of.  If he is not using his box now then he may possibly start spraying once he hits maturity.  I would hate to see that happen because I know that he would probably have to go back outside.  I imagine that your son must be pretty attached to him by now.

I just wanted to give you something to think about.  I am in no way lecturing or telling you what to do.  I know that Rusty is a very lucky rabbit and I know that you and your family are very caring people.  After what happened to you I can't imagine that any rabbit that lives with you would ever be neglected in anyway.  I just wanted to give you some options that may help his bad habits.  The House Rabbit Society would tell you that you had to get him neutered or he would not use his litter box at all.  I do have bucks in my home that are not neutered and that have perfect litter habits.  I feel that I am very fortunate though.  I have had a few rabbits over the years that would not litter train at all and once I got them neutered they were perfect.

If you don't already have a good vet you can try looking at the HRS web-site.  They do have a list of vets but there aren't to many on there.  

http://www.rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

I like to tell people to look through there phone book and call all the vet hospitals.  Ask if they treat exotic pets.  Make sure that they treat them often and are well versed in the proper care of rabbits.  Occasionally you can find an SPCA or similar type animal shelter that will offer spay/neuter clinics.  Some of them have vets that will do rabbits and others don't.  If the vet isn't qualified in exotic pets I wouldn't risk it.  Another good thing to do is find the best veterinary college near you.  They often have spay/neuter clinics also and if you are lucky you will get some of the top instructors working on your animals.  Mind you they will be teaching students but they are always there.  We are very lucky here because we live close to one of the nations best veterinary schools.  We can get a rabbit neutered for around $50 and that is where are local HRS people have all their rescue rabbits neutered also.

Sorry I rambled on and on.  I hope that Rusty does better.  Just keep the litter box in his cage and hopefully he will figure it out.  Make sure if you notice any droppings or urine in the cage that you put it in the litter box and clean the cage as soon as you can.

Good luck and give Rusty a big nose kiss from me

Sincerely

Pam