Best rabbit bedding?

[JacksonPearce]

I have two older rescue rabbits and want to use their manure in my compost/as fertilizer. I've been giving them hay as their primary bedding source, but it takes a while to break down and makes the compost a little hard to handle when I'm using it in smaller pots. Anyone have an idea for bedding that might work better for composting needs? I used the paper-based bedding when they were indoors, which worked great, but it seems like it would become a soggy mess outside even in their covered hutch.

 

[cassie]

I have two older rescue rabbits and want to use their manure in my compost/as fertilizer. I've been giving them hay as their primary bedding source, but it takes a while to break down and makes the compost a little hard to handle when I'm using it in smaller pots. Anyone have an idea for bedding that might work better for composting needs? I used the paper-based bedding when they were indoors, which worked great, but it seems like it would become a soggy mess outside even in their covered hutch.

Your rabbits would probably be healthier on wire floors.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I kept my rabbits on wire (1/2 x 1, welded wire, smooth side up), hung a screen under it. Collected their poop and urine went thru. Worked great ... Sold the poop, sold the meat, sold the fur.

 

[JacksonPearce]

Your rabbits would probably be healthier on wire floors.

Hm, these are my first rabbits, so I’m willing to learn, but...I feel like quite a few sources say that the wire is hard on their feet. Thoughts?

 

[cassie]

Hm, these are my first rabbits, so I’m willing to learn, but...I feel like quite a few sources say that the wire is hard on their feet. Thoughts?

Not if you have the proper kids of wire. Rabbits in commercial rabbitries are all on wire. I had my rabbits on wire and everyone I knew that had rabbits did the same. I never had any trouble. If you are concerned about it you can always give the rabbit a board to sit on.

 

[Kessel23]

I have also kept rabbits on wire. It works well. I got a doe with sore hocks this summer and had it heal while she was on wire. I give them a board in there away from the food that they can lay on. I also raise them on the dirt ground but you are not going to be doing much poop collecting with that method.

 

[llombardo]

I use flax bedding. It's soft, absorbent and I believe compostable. For the most part they use a litter box

 

[JacksonPearce]

Thanks, rabbit keepers! What kind of wire is the “right” wire, in your opinion?

 

[llombardo]

mine have chewed through hardware cloth.

 

[JacksonPearce]

I did some internet searching and saw this, which I think seems like a great idea-- I have more confidence in it being gentle on their feet! https://www.instructables.com/id/Kid-Friendly-Rabbit-Hotel/