New Bunny – Awful Condition

[AnnaW]

So i went and collected the lionhead this evening, from a lady who told me on arrival that she’d ‘bred him so didnt want him anymore’ and was ‘so matted they’d cut half his fur off’. That much is evident, i am disgusted by the state of bun, now called Barney. His fur is VERY matted, even bald in some patches, his feet are matted and clumped, with sore bits on them so i suspect he may have lived in a wire bottom cage. He is VERY friendly, has a temperament to die for but hasnt had anything to eat or drink yet – not even treats.

I’m not even sure what to do with the little guy, he has a large indoor cage with a litter tray, food bowl, plenty of hay, a waterbottle and a nice comfy bed – what shall i do about his fur? Is there anything i can feed him to chunk him out? He is skinny.

I despair of  humans.

Thanks for any help xxx

[Sarita]

I thought they didn’t want him because they couldn’t cope with his fur – didn’t know they bred him too. Well, he’s cute.

You don’t want to chunk him up – fat does not mean healthy, it just means fat and if he’s a lionhead or an angora, they are thin under all that fur.

I would immediately make an appt. with your vet to have a thorough exam and see if they can possibly demat him as well.

I think just getting him on a proper diet is important – don’t overfeed him though.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Poor baby it’s good he is in a much better, responsible home. I’m sure he will fill out more with time now that he is in better hands. Poor guy

[AnnaW]

i will do. He has been guzzling water, and is now eating some kibble – he hasnt touched his hay yet which worries me. My old bun didnt eat hay and it made him ill!! Advice to get him eating it please? x

[Deleted User]

Do you have an established vet from the time when you previously had your bun? I would call them and see what they have to say about his sore spots. I would honestly take him to the vet to just get an assessment on his overall condition. They may give you some ointment or point you in the direction of what they would like you to use to help the sores heal. If the mats are really bad I would just see if you could have them safely and carefully shave them off.

As for the sore hocks. If I remember correctly some of the members on here have used BagBalm to help. They, also, mentioned that a vet should take a look at the sore hocks to make sure that if they opened up it wasn’t infected.

Your poor bun! I feel for poor little Barney. Don’t forget to slowly increase his food amount so that it doesn’t mess with his belly while you’re trying to bulk him up.

I can’t remember if you said if Barney was fixed or not. I would, also, look into getting that done. But I would wait until Barney is looking & feeling better.

[NewBunnyOwner123]

Well you just got,him home. Just keep an eye on him, he may go for his hay in a bit.

[AnnaW]

He hasnt been done as they used him for breeding, urgh!!! Hoping he’ll go for his hay, i’ve offered him some leafy vegetables but so far all he’s done is drink and eat some of his kibble. I’m not sure that he’s ever had hay or veg in his life!

[AnnaW]

He ate the mixed salad!! In a flash it was gone! Now, for the hay

[NewBunnyOwner123]

I’m sure the hay is next lol he’s making his funds of the sudden abundance of food! Yummy! He is so lucky to have you. He probably thinks he died and went to heaven

[MoveDiagonally]

So glad he’s in a better home.

I agree with Sarita and Skipper’s Mom definitely a vet trip and assessment is needed for this poor guy. I would be careful about upsetting his tummy with too many new things at this point. I would focus on getting him to eat his pellets and hay before throwing in too many veggies if he’s not used to them.

[Monkeybun]

Agreed. No mixed salads just yet. Let him adjust, then introduce one veggie at a time, one per week.

[AnnaW]

Yeah i only gave him a very small portion of leafy greens – i was in panic mode trying to get him to eat something! Praying he eats some hay during the night :/ Yes I agree to a vet’s assessment, i have recently moved out of the county i was in when i had Biscuit, so will have to find a rabbit savvy vet! Thanks guys

[AnnaW]

[Beka27]

He’s such a cutie! I can’t wait to see pics of him in tip-top condition! Just remember, he didn’t get like this overnight… it will take time for his luster to come back. A high quality diet is going to work wonders for his fur, as well as frequent grooming. I agree to get him into a vet sooner rather than later to have him evaluated.

[Roberta]

I agree with every body. A high quality diet, good hay and good quality pellet (one with a slightly higher protein content is good for long haired buns) an leafy greens introduce slowly.
You referred to kibble, is that his pellets ?
You vet may be able to direct you to a good groomer, I found an excellent one through my local rabbit rescue. My Piglet is a french Angora and his fur had become dreadfully matted after several failed attempts at grooming by two vets I took him to. Peta shaved and clipped him here at home without an anesthetic without distress and he was a happy handsome boy again.

[AnnaW]

Yes I’d like to go and get him checked out, and for a vet to tell me what should be done with his fur! I cut out a few of the big matts that were irritating him, but the worst place seems to be his feet as they are matted but sore so he doesn’t want me touching them. Definitely agree with the high quality diet, I can hear him chomping on hay

[LittlePuffyTail]

He’s so super adorable! So glad he has a good home now!

[AnnaW]

He is pretty damn cute! Me too, just couldnt have left the little guy – he’s so small and fluffy and cute!!

[Author]

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