I have had my rabbit for just under a year now. When I first got him I used to get him out of his hutch everyday and put him in his run which I used to move around the garden. He had a litter tray in the hutch which he used no problem.

After a couple of months it became apparent that he did not like me picking him up and started becoming aggressive. I was advised to attach the run to the hutch so he could come and go as he pleases. I did this but he then stopped using his litter tray and used the corner of his run. I put his litter tray there but he just refuses to use it. He just pushes it out of the way and does his business in the corner.

Cleaning it everyday does not bother me but the urine smell does. I disinfect the area but the fresh smell only lasts for a short while. The real problem is now that the nice weather is here I am finding it hard to enjoy the garden for the smell.

when you put his litter tray down - is it completely clean?

if it is, i would try, if you can, scraping up all of his mess first - into the tray until he starts using it regularly - and even then, leave a little bit of his dirt in there so he knows to go there

with the smell - is it possible to put a small pile of wood shavings, or a wood based cat litter in that area - these would absorb his urine and possibly help with the scent situation

what are you using to clean the area?

Thanks for the reply. I tried both ways. I put it down completely clean first and then tried putting some of his droppings in but it made no difference. I also tried putting a small amount of hay in there too.

I use a pet disinfection for use in cages on the area which is pleasant smelling enough until he urinates again.

I never thought of putting any shavings directly onto that spot. That would be ideal if it worked and a lot easier to clean. I will give it a try and see what happens.

Have you had any luck yet? Just to be cautious, make sure your bun isn't hurt or anything. One of my buns used to do the same thing and we noticed that he'd hurt his leg. Once it healed, he was back to using his tray.

Having said this, my 3 other buns just won't use a tray. I have absolutely no idea what to do. It drives me crazy because they don't even go in one spot.