Last Updated on March 17, 2023 by Marjon Ramos
The size of your rabbit’s litter box would depend on your rabbit’s weight and size, as well as the dimensions of their cage. There are many types of litter boxes for different purposes, but the minimum size should be 16′′ in length x 11.8′′ in width for a small adult rabbit.
The important thing to remember is that your rabbit should be able to comfortably sit in its litter box.
Additionally, get a litter box that has a hay feeder attached to it. Rabbits poop as they eat, so you won’t have a hard time litter training them.
Now that I’ve given you the gist of the article, read on as I explain in more detail how big your rabbit’s litter box should be:
Table of Contents
How big should a rabbit litter box be?
The size of your rabbit’s litter box should be big enough for your rabbit to comfortably stand in it. It should also be big enough to fit inside their hutch or cage.
You should also add to the equation your rabbit’s fully grown size if your rabbit is still young to avoid buying a litter box again.
Here’s a great video on the comparison of litter boxes for your rabbit to help you determine what’s right for him:
What type of litter box should you get for your rabbit?
For you to decide what litter box you should get for your rabbit, let me first show you your choices:
Litter box with hay rack
Rabbits like to poop while eating. This litter box is your best bet if you want to have an easier time litter training your rabbit.
It’s also big enough for small-to medium-sized breeds.
The downside to this type of litter box would be that the wood soaks up the pee of your rabbit. Make sure that your rabbit is neutered to avoid hormone-related behaviors like spraying.
Enclosed litter box
Rabbits love to hide in dark holes. Enclosed litter boxes have the benefit that they mimic a borrow that rabbits used to hide in.
Rabbit experts suggest that the best way to care for a pet rabbit is to mimic its environment in the wild.
The downside of this type of litter box is that every time a rabbit hops out, some of the poop and litter will flicker out.
Make sure to get one like in this photo to prevent this problem:
Corner litter box
This litter box is mostly used to put inside the rabbit’s cage. Because of its small size, it’s perfect to be included in your rabbit’s hutch.
The downside to this type of litter box is the mess. Rabbits would likely dig through their litter when doing their business. This litter box doesn’t have a wall to catch it.
Cage with wire flooring
Cages with wire flooring act as a combination between a cage and a litter box. They usually have a removable tray at the bottom for easier cleaning.
The problem with this type of setup is the possibility of your rabbit developing sore hocks. This type of cage is very painful to stand on because rabbits don’t have protection on their feet like dogs or cats.
If you’re planning on buying a cage with wire flooring, put a lot of bedding down to protect your rabbit’s feet.
Low litter box for disabled rabbits
If your rabbit has problems with its legs and is having a hard time hopping and standing, consider getting a litter box like this one:
Summary
The size of the litter box depends on the size of your rabbit, but the minimum size is 16′′ L x 11.8′′ W for a small adult rabbit.
The type of litter box is also important when choosing one. There are five types of litter boxes available on the market; each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Rabbits usually poop while they eat. If you want to have an easier time litter training your rabbit, get a litter box with a hay rack.
Another great option is the enclosed litter box. This mimics a borrow wild rabbits used to hide.
If you’re short on space, getting a corner litter box is a great option. The downside is that if your rabbit likes to dig in their litter box, a corner litter box doesn’t have a wall to catch it.
You can also get a low litter box if your rabbit has problems with their legs, making it harder for them to hop on most tall litter boxes.
And finally, avoid cages with wire flooring; this hurts the rabbit’s feet and could cause sore hocks.
Cite this article:
Sources and further reading
- Buseth, Marit Emilie., and Richard A. Saunders. Rabbit Behaviour, Health, and Care. CABI, 2014.
- Lebas, F. The Rabbit: Husbandry, Health, and Production. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1997.
- Patry, Karen, et al. The Rabbit-Raising Problem Solver: Your Questions Answered about Housing, Feeding, Behavior, Health Care, Breeding, and Kindling. Storey Publishing, 2014.
Image credit – “Fresh Litter Box and Fresh Hay” by Mike Procario is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
