Why have my rabbits suddenly started peeing all over the floor instead of in their litter tray?

[sanschocolat]

Does anyone have any ideas please? Would be v. grateful for any advice/suggestions!

Two female 3 yr old long-haired lops ...

Don't understand it. They live in an enclosure down in our basement (has natural light) with permanent access to outdoor walled garden. Enclosure is basically 3/4 of a room, with metal fencing, indoor hutch, wicker runs, big box structures they can bounce on and off, litter tray, water bowl etc etc

They have always happily and accurately peed and pooed in enormous cat litter tray which has this in it plus a bit of hay. Never been a problem since we've had them.

Now for some reason, they are peeing (and sometimes) pooing indiscriminately over the whole surface area of their enclosure. It really is a to clear up!

Dh thinks it is because I put too much hay on the floor for them (it's cold stone) but I don't think this is the case because I've always done this and it's never been a problem before!

Any ideas anyone? Thanks!

anyone?

Are they neutered? Has their litter tray been moved or anything about it been changed? I would try sticking another litter tray in there.

Usually the peeing and pooping everywhere is a way of marking territory. Has something in the room changed which could have upset them?

Hi FernieB They are not neutered and I know this is a contentious issue!

I know they are in danger of uterine cancer if we don't get them "done" - but I haven't yet come across a vet here (Belgium) who does this operation routinely despite quite a bit of research - and so haven't felt comfortable risking it. I don't know if I have made the right decision.

The only thing that has changed recently is that, owing to a prowling cat and poor weather, they have been staying indoors more than usual and although they do get on well generally, they do start getting a bit more antsy with one another if they are "confined" (their own choice to stay in) for long periods of time.

Do you think their age/sexual maturity is significant? They are just coming up to 3 yrs.

I used to live in mainland Europe and had a female bunny who wasn't neutered for the same reasons. She was very territorial and aggressive towards strangers and very possessive of me . Sadly she did die of cancer but had had a great life. I had an unneutered female bun as a kid and she lived to be 10! So it can go either way.

It probably is a bit territorial especially if they are having to be around each other more than usual. They're each trying to mark their areas. Try another litter tray so they can have one each. Hopefully when the weather gets better they'll settle down again.

Thanks very much *FernieB - very much appreciate the advice and here's hoping for a 10 yr lifespan for my girls too - in the meantime, I'll try adding another litter tray.

All best to "CurrantBun" (hope I have that right and I'm not mixing you up with someone else!!)

Yes Current Bun is my boy. He's sulking at the moment as he was accidentally shut in the conservatory this evening.

Hope your girls settle down again soon.

Thanks again FernieB!

I'll let you know how it goes ...