Bedding and litter for rabbits

In this blog I am going to explain the importance of using the appropriate bedding and litter for your rabbit. Often when buying a rabbit at a pet store they offer food and bedding either discounted or included in the cost of getting your single rabbit (see previous blogs on appropriate housing, bonding bunnies and the importance of a nutritious diet.) Most of the time the bedding offered will be wood shavings.

The RWAF states that wood shavings are often eaten by rabbits and are indigestible, partially blocking the gut. They recommend straw bedding for rabbits because if it is eaten then it is not an issue as straw is still digestible, and also straw provides insulation and warmth which is essential for your rabbit whether they live indoors or outdoors as rabbits quickly acclimatise to their environment.

Furthermore, scented wood shavings such as pine or cedar contain high levels of irritant resins that can cause lung damage or liver toxicity to rabbits. Even wood shavings that aren’t pine or cedar based can cause respiratory irritation and complications with rabbits especially if they become wet; which they often will even if your rabbit is litter trained. For tips on litter training your rabbit visit the RWAF, RSPCA or PETA websites. Litter training your rabbit is great whether you keep your rabbit indoors or outside as it prevents unwanted accidents around the house and makes cleaning out your rabbits hutch and living area much easier.

Choosing the appropriate litter for your rabbit is also equally important. Do not buy scented, clumping or crystal litter for your rabbits; rabbits often nibble on their bedding and litter and if the material you are using is not natural then this can prove fatal. Furthermore, rabbits often like to dig in their litter to satisfy their natural urge to burrow; this is fine if it is a natural based litter, however if it is a clumping or perfumed litter this can cause sever respiratory complications for your rabbit. The recommended litter to use for rabbits is wood based litter, this does not only have to be rabbit litter which can often be more expensive or difficult to source in smaller pet shops, so wood based cat litter is perfectly safe for rabbits and we actually use this for our own buns and they are very happy and healthy with it.

Coming soon – I will be writing about different common and uncommon illnesses in rabbits including signs and symptoms and when to seek veterinary advice.