Wood shavings can be dangerous for rabbits. Softwood shavings, such as pine or cedar, should be avoided for use as litter.

When you open a container of pine or cedar shavings you will instantly smell the aromatic nature of the litter. That smell is where the the problem lies. The odor is from the natural volatile chemicals in the wood called phenols. This odor, and the phenols that cause it, are not found to the same amount in hardwood shavings, thus hardwood shavings, aspen being one of the most common, are considered a much safer litter material and can be recommended for rabbits and other small animals.

As an alternative to wood shavings, newspaper pellet type litters, or even wood pellets (like the type used in wood stoves) can be safely used instead and are environmentally friendly. There are also a number of paper or cardboard type litters commercially available. Clay cat litters should be avoided as they are dusty and can lead to respiratory issues.

Your bunny should enjoy using their litter box! To encourage this we recommend putting a big handful of hay in one end of the litter box on top of the litter. This will give them a reason to get into the box and use the litter. It will also help encourage them to eat lots of hay which is an important component of a healthy diet.

Selecting the right litter, and litter box, will depend on what your rabbit likes to use, as well as what’s available in your area. If you have any great products you’d like to recommend, or litter box tips, please share with us!

References:

https://rabbit.org/care/shavings.html

https://www.sandiegorabbits.org/lb.php