Dirty Bun bum?

[ladycrumbs]

Hi all,

 

My lionhead bun, also known as Lady Crumbs (she’s a diva), has a dirty bottom…I think? It had poo on it about a week ago and it looks like she cleaned it well, but it’s still dingy and her fur looks matted? I cannot pick her up at ALL, so the bath is out of the question unless I can get a pair of hawk-handling gloves (lol) … I’m bringing her to the vet next week for a checkup and a nail trim, will they be able to clean her bum or tell me if she’s okay? I’m terrified of that fly attack they can get from dirty bums.

 

Also, her poo is a mix…its mostly little droppings but sometimes it’s soft and it ruins her bedding. I WAS feeding her mainly pellets and this mixed rabbit food (never listening to petco associates again) but I’m now in the process of switching her to leafy greens and veggies, with 1/3 cup of pellets, and as always, unlimited hay and water. Is it only sometimes soft because of the change?

 

Sorry for all the questions. She’s my first rabbit and I’m worrying over her like a new mom.

[RabbitPam]

The soft poo could be due to the lousy food, and the switch which doesn’t always agree with a bunny at first. Or, she’s not eating all of her cecals and she is sitting in some of them, causing her to have a dirty bum. You can try to give her a half bath: put one inch of warm water in a set tub or sink. hold her wrapped in a towel, and sort of dip her back end into a set tub or sink with unscented soap or shampoo handy. You are better off not using the towel, but if you can’t get a good grip on her, don’t try it just yet until she’s a bit older and more secure with you.

I don’t think next week is too long to wait for the vet to do it for the first time. Call the vet and tell them you need it done, because they need to be ready.

Also, you can sprinkle some (unscented) corn starch, the stuff we keep in the kitchen, on her bum and back legs. It will soak up moisture, then the dried poo can be brushed off, or wiped, or just gently plucked off. It may come off more easily when she washes herself, too. It’s not a food, but it’s safe for bunnies to lick. She may need a little fur trim at the vet if she doesn’t handle a bath well. I often did a Butt Bath with the middle, front paws and head all remaining dry. But Spockie cooperated more than Sammy, who hasn’t needed one.

[ladycrumbs]

Awesome, thanks!

[LolaBuns]

My Lola has this problem too! Is it bad if she doesn’t eat all her cecals? Would I use regular cornstarch like I use for baking?

[Author]

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