An easy way to collect rabbit urine is to line a litter box with plastic wrap. The rabbit will urinate on the plastic wrap, then you can use a syringe to collect a sample. You can also place a container under the rabbit’s hind end while it urinates.
Have you been tasked with collecting your rabbit’s urine for a lab test? Or maybe you’ve heard that rabbit urine is great for gardens and now you’re interested in collecting. But how on earth do you do that?
It’s not as difficult as you might think!
If you’re not sure how to go about collecting your rabbit’s urine, don’t worry! We’ll walk you through the process and tell you everything you need to know.
What You'll Learn
4 Methods to Collect Rabbit Urine
There are several methods you can use to collect rabbit urine. Some are more invasive than others, so we recommend starting with the less invasive ones so you don’t cause stress to your rabbit.
Here are four great methods to collect rabbit urine that actually work!
Place Plastic Wrap Over Litter Box
This is probably the easiest method for collecting rabbit urine. All you have to do is line the top of your rabbit’s litter box with plastic wrap. Your rabbit will urinate on the plastic wrap, then you can use a syringe to collect a sample.
Most rabbits will have no issue urinating on the plastic wrap. However, some rabbits may become confused and refuse to urinate.
If that’s the case, the second method may be best for you.
Fill Litter Box With Fish Tank Gravel Then Pour Urine Out
If your rabbit is having trouble urinating on the plastic wrap, you can try this method.
Fill your rabbit’s litter box with fish tank gravel or small stones. Make sure the gravel is deep enough that your rabbit can’t see the bottom of the litter box.
Your rabbit will urinate on the gravel, then you can pour the urine out into a container. The great thing about this method is that the fish tank gravel will not absorb the urine.
Holding a Container Under The Rabbit While it Urinates
If you need to collect a large amount of urine, this method may be best for you. All you have to do is hold a container under your rabbit’s hind end while it urinates.
Some rabbits may be resistant to this method, so you may need to hold your rabbit in your lap while you do it. You can also try placing your rabbit on a table or counter so you don’t have to hold it. The downside is the fact that this is a bit of an invasive method and may cause stress to your rabbit.
Manually Express (Last Resort)
This method should only be used as a last resort because it is very invasive. You will need to manually express your rabbit’s bladder in order to collect the urine.
We do not recommend this method unless you are a trained professional or your rabbit’s life depends on it.
Safety Tips When Collecting Rabbit Urine
Rabbit urine may contain harmful bacteria, so it’s important to take some safety precautions when collecting it.
Always Wear Gloves and a Mask
You should always wear gloves and a mask when handling rabbit urine. This will protect you from bacteria and other harmful substances.
Wash Your Hands Before and After
It’s important to wash your hands before and after you collect rabbit urine. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria.
Clean Any Surfaces That Came Into Contact With The Urine
Any surfaces that came into contact with the urine should be cleaned with a disinfectant. This includes counter tops and tile.
Use a Syringe When Possible
If you can, use a syringe to collect the urine. This will minimize the amount of contact you have with the urine.
Why Would You Want to Collect Rabbit Urine?
There are several reasons why you might want to collect rabbit urine. Some people use it as fertilizer, while others use it for pest control or medical purposes.
Rabbit Urine as Fertilizer
Rabbit urine makes an excellent fertilizer. It is high in nitrogen and other nutrients that plants need to grow.
Rabbit urine can also help to improve the drainage of your soil. This is especially beneficial if you live in an area with clay soil.
To use rabbit urine as fertilizer, simply dilute it with water and pour it around the base of your plants.
Pest Control
Rabbit urine can also be used for pest control. The ammonia in rabbit urine is a natural repellent for many pests, including rats, mice, and snakes.
To use rabbit urine for pest control, simply pour it around the perimeter of your home. You can also put it in a spray bottle and use it to repel pests from your garden.
Your Vet Asked For a Sample
If your rabbit is sick, your vet may ask you to collect a urine sample. This will help them diagnose the problem and determine the best course of treatment.
How to Store Rabbit Urine
If you’ve gone through the trouble of collecting rabbit urine, you want to ensure you store it properly to make it last as long as possible.
Here are a few tips when storing rabbit urine.
Use An Airtight Container
Rabbit urine should be stored in an airtight container. This will prevent it from drying out and preserve the nutrients.You can use a glass jar or plastic container with a tight fitting lid.
Keep It In The Fridge or Freezer
If you’re not going to use the rabbit urine right away, it’s best to store it in the fridge or freezer. This will prevent the urine from going bad.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Rabbit urine should be stored in a cool, dark place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight, as this can cause the nutrients to degrade.
When stored properly, rabbit urine can last for several months.
Label The Container
When storing rabbit urine, always label the container with the date it was collected. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored.
Not Pleasant, But Sometimes Necessary
Collecting rabbit urine may not be the most pleasant task, but it can be beneficial for your plants or garden. You may also need to collect it because the vet asked for a sample. Regardless of why you need to collect rabbit urine, always take safety precautions and store it properly to make it last.
