Who doesn’t like a well-made bed? We do, and our rabbit companions do, too! Aside from providing comfort, bedding plays a bigger role in your bunny’s health and well-being than you might think.
Do rabbits need bedding? They do, but not for creating burrows like pet hamsters, rats, or mice do. For rabbits, bedding can mean many things.
• What you use to line their litter box so your rabbit has a targeted spot to go potty
• The substrate for their cage
• A comfy spot to relax and sleep
The right bedding for your bunny can depend on the type of housing you offer. Some rabbit parents set up a rabbit hutch or cage enclosure, some a rabbit-safe playpen, and others allow their rabbits the run of a rabbit-proofed room. Here’s a breakdown of what “bedding” can mean for your bunny.
Bedding For Hutches Or Wire Surfaces
Bunnies have big ears, of course, but they also have big feet! And those feet can be surprisingly delicate. Rabbit hutches and cage enclosures need flat, softer areas so that the rabbit’s feet are not subjected to the constant wear and tear of being on a wire surface, which can lead to the painful condition pododermatitis, or “sore hocks.”
Instead of foot pads on their feet, rabbits have thick fur. If their feet become irritated or inflamed, they can develop pressure sores that can become infected or lead to abscesses. If your rabbit’s enclosure has a wire bottom or is a hard surface, provide a rubber mat, a boxed area filled with layers of hay, or another soft surface for them to lounge on.
For rabbits housed outdoors in a hutch, bedding also enhances warmth. Rabbits use it to keep warm, so a box filled with fresh straw, hay, or other rabbit-safe bedding is helpful. Check the bedding frequently to ensure your rabbit isn’t sitting on wet or soiled surfaces, and switch out and replenish bedding as needed to keep it fresh. (Note: Indoor housing is most recommended for pet rabbits, as it offers protection from predators, pests, and weather extremes. Plus, an indoor rabbit is more likely to receive consistent social interaction.)
Bedding For Litter Boxes
Pet rabbits can be litter-boxed trained. Just like cats, our rabbit friends can take to a litter box with some basic training and a little enticement. This promotes better hygiene for all. Many bedding options are available that help absorb moisture and reduce odors.
Paper-based bedding made from recycled paper compressed into a pellet form is a top recommendation from many pet rabbit advocates. This type of bedding is highly absorbent and dust-free, which makes it less likely to irritate a rabbit’s respiratory system.
Another type of bedding highly recommended for rabbit litter boxes is aspen shavings, as they are soft and absorbent. Aspen bedding is also free of potentially harmful aromatic oils found in other wood shavings like pine and cedar, which should be avoided.
A great way to litter-box train your rabbit is to line the box with generous amounts of fresh hay to nibble on (adding a favorite treat can also help). You can either fill the entire box with hay or top off whichever bedding you’re using for the base, such as aspen shavings or paper-pellets. Similarly, straw can also be used in the litter box, and it offers insulation to help keep your rabbit warm. Since hay and straw are less absorbent, these must be changed and replenished frequently.
Keep in mind, that rabbits and cats are different when it comes to the litter box. Clumping cat litter/clay litter should never be used in a rabbit’s litter box. Rabbits often eat their litter, and clay or clumping litter can lead to a digestive blockage if eaten. Rabbits also have delicate respiratory systems so dusty litter, including sawdust bedding, should be avoided. Corn cob bedding can cause intestinal blockage if eaten, and it is more susceptible to mold growth; it, too, belongs on the bedding no-no list.
Bedding For Comfort And Warmth
Imagine trying to sleep with no blankets, comforter, or pillow. Rabbits, too, like to feel cozy when they sleep or nap. If your rabbit has a playpen-type setup on your tile or wood floor, place a fleece blanket or soft-lined hidey hut for them to snuggle into.
Any rabbit housed in a hutch or enclosure with wire flooring needs soft bedding to provide respite from the wear and tear on their feet caused by the hard surface. Bedding also provides warmth and for a comfortable place to sleep.
And you don’t have to stick to one bedding type; chances are, your rabbit will appreciate a variety of options. And don’t be surprised if your rabbit redecorates by moving their bedding around. Rabbits seem to know exactly where their perfect lounge spot should go.
In the wild, rabbits put a lot of thought into designing their warrens or nests. They create designated potty areas, sleep areas, and nurseries. In our homes, our bunnies appreciate if we provide an equally thought-out environment.
