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litterbox training

22 11:14:55

Question
I rescued an abused rabbit about six years ago and had no problem at all litterbox training him and he has not even been neutered.  Not that long ago our family was extended when I adopted a female for him as a companion.  The problem is that I cannot litterbox train her.  She will go right in front of the box but not in it.  She is spayed and she has a great relationship with him so I can't figure out what the problem is.  Please Help!  

Answer
Hi Melanie,

first, thanks for your work with abandoned rabbits.  I am sure he has been a source of great love and joy for you.

Generally it is not good to put an unaltered male in with a spayed female.  His sex drive is much higher than hers and this can lead to issues and fighting between the two.  She may go into 'false pregnancy' and if you know pregnant female rabbits, they want nothing to do with males when pregnant and get more territorial, etc - even with false pregnancies.

Further, the male may actually be a little more possessive of his litterbox and may not know how to share that part of his house with her.  You will need to place a litterpan out for her, preferably where she is going now, in front of the other pan.  He will get used to the idea of her going to the bathroom in his area in general, and they may start using both pans.  He may become more accepting of her using his pan.  But even if the problem is not him sharing, at least you will have a pan where she likes to go and thus, begin her using a litterpan.

I would also suggest discussing it with your vet about neutering your boy.  I know he's a little older but it may make life even more nicer between the two bunnies.  Your vet may know of medical reasons why or why not to do this with your particular boy.

Write anytime.  Lee