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BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum DIET & CARE Grooming new bunnies

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    • Lixian
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        My two Satin/Jersey Wooley bunnies are shedding a lot. They’ve been here for about three weeks now and I really do want to brush them since it’s becoming a mess. However, whenever I try to get near them or pick them up they run about the cage and thump. I’ve placed the brush in the cage for them to sniff and held it in my hand in one place for them to know it’s not going to attack them. Appeasing them with treats does not work and in the end I get the bunny butt T-T. They’ve made the connection I am the food giver but they’re not warming up. Cleaning the cage has also been a problem as they don’t come out no matter what I do (treats, another place they can run to,etc). Should I wait until they’re comfortable to brush them?


      • Mocha
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          You must brush them. When they groom themselves, they are ingesting fur, and a lot of the fur will cause a hairball. Rabbits can’t throw them up like cats, so it becomes fatal and the rabbit can even die. You don’t want to overbrush them, as that will make them want to clean themselves more. I brush my rabbits a few times a week, every day when they’re molting.

          Just pick them up, put them somewhere they can’t run away like a counter or table, cover their eyes (to calm them down), and then brush them. I also like to give mine treats when i’m grooming them so they are distracting and think of being groomed as fun time.

          You have to clean their cage…. Just leave the cage door open, and leave the room so they can go out and explore. Most rabbits love running around their play area.


        • Megabunny
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            Have they got something with good traction on the floor outside their cage? Some rabbits won’t hop on linoleum and need at least a carpet or something placed outside their cage door to get them started


          • Lixian
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              They live on a carpet area and I leave the door open, but they won’t come out.

              We picked them up and tried to feed them as they were groomed, but they refused the treats. I cleaned the cage and put the duo back in and now they’re quite startled from the whole ordeal (run away whenever I come near and thump, hide in the hideout, et). I’ve been giving them their space now and I won’t go in unless it’s to give them food.


            • Megabunny
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                Oh I’m sorry to hear that. I would’ve hoped the Wooley genes would have kicked in by now, but I’m super partial to that breed. I really hope they come around for you. It’s probably harder for them to attach to you because they have each other. At the same time, I glad they do have each other.What tormented souls they must have been. Sounds like you’re doing what you can. Hopefully someone else can jump on and give you some personal experience to draw from. I’d like to say it will just take time, but I can’t honestly say either way, as I’ve never had such frightened babies.


              • Lixian
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                  Hopefully it will just take some time! They were rescued from a hoarding situation as babies and lived at the shelter for four years so I’m hoping it’s the fact that after being in one place for so long, it’s hard for them to adjust. Thank you so much for your advice though. I know patience is key so all I can do is continue to take it slowly


                • LBJ10
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                    Just so you know, bunnies in general do not like to be groomed. Wooly will try to grab the comb from my hand and toss it. He will only tolerate it for so long and then I just have to let him go to pout. Of course, he always looks for his treat first. But then he goes to pout, giving me the bunny butt and thumping at me.

                    Anyway, my point is that some of that comes naturally. But I’m sure your new bunnies are a little more sensitive given their previous living situation.


                  • Megabunny
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                      Four years in a shelter?? Oh, the poor things! How blessed are they to have you give them a home??


                    • Lixian
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                        Yes, they’ve lived their whole life in the shelter but we have all the time in the world now to get to know each other. Thank you again! I’ve been feeling a little discouraged lately, but I’m so glad I joined this forum. I’m sure it’ll all work out

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                    Forum DIET & CARE Grooming new bunnies