Why is my indoor rabbit moulting?
Why is my indoor rabbit moulting?
Bunnies lose their thick winter fur during the spring, replacing it with a lighter coat. This keeps them cool through summer. Naturally, as the fall starts to close in, rabbits need thicker fur. They’ll molt again, developing a protective layer of hair to keep them warm.
How often do house rabbits molt?
every three months
Shedding. Rabbits shed every three months. Every alternate time they’ll have a light shedding that may not be very noticeable.
How long does a rabbit molt last?
Rabbit molting seasons can last anywhere from 2-6 weeks. On the shorter end of this spectrum, you will be dealing with a whirlwind of fluff as your rabbit sheds their entire coat in a very short period of time.
Do house rabbits moult?
Initially when rabbits are young, their baby coat is replaced at around 5 months by a transitional coat. After this, the rabbit’s adult coat will develop and from here on, rabbits generally moult twice a year (Spring and Autumn). Therefore domestic rabbits seem to have a more variable moulting pattern.
Why do rabbits pluck their fur?
Rabbits pull out fur due to stress, boredom, and skin irritation. Pregnant rabbits use their fur to build a nest for their young. If one rabbit barbers another rabbit, it’s typically a sign of dominance.
What causes rabbits to lose their fur?
Hair loss in your rabbit may be due to an underlying physical health condition, including a parasite infestation, dental problems or a hormone imbalance. The hair loss can also be caused by boredom, or if your rabbit shares an environment, fighting between rabbits.
Why do rabbits eat human hair?
Your rabbit perceives your petting to be a grooming gesture. If he wants to return the favor by licking and nibbling your skin or hair, it means he likes you and feels connected to and comfortable with you. Pay attention to your rabbit’s body language when it licks or chews your hair.
How do you stop a rabbit from shedding?
Regular grooming can remove loose hair and reduce the risk of your rabbit developing hairballs. Groom him daily when he is shedding, using a wire slicker brush. After brushing him thoroughly, wet your hands and rub them over your rabbit, both with and against the natural lay of his hair.
How do I know if my bunny has mites?
Visual signs include chronic dandruff, “walking dandruff,” chronic scratching of the hindquarters, nape of neck, and along the back, sores or scabs in the same areas, and hair loss. Microscopic diagnosis of the mites or eggs recovered by a skin scraping, combing, or acetate tape can positively identify an infestation.
What does it mean when a rabbit molt?
Molting is when a rabbit looses its coat (shedding) and grows a new coat, This is also known as “blowing their coat”. A molt can last from 2 to 6 weeks, or more, it varies from rabbit to rabbit and from breed to breed. The rabbit molts regularly at different stages in its life.
How often do rabbits shed their molts?
Rabbits shed every three months. Every other time they will have a light molt that may not even be notice. Then the seasonal molts, Which are the heaviest molts are generally at the end of the winter season their winter coat is fully grown and no longer needed for protection. This is the heaviest of the molts.
What should I do if my rabbit is moulting?
However, if your rabbit is subdued or unwell in any way then he may be developing GI stasis which needs urgent veterinary attention. The moulting process can get “stuck”. This usually happens on the flanks, just above the tail, and on the belly. Use a cat moulting comb to remove the dead loose hair.
Do domestic rabbits moult differently to wild rabbits?
However, domestic rabbits are kept in very different conditions to wild rabbits. Therefore domestic rabbits seem to have a more variable moulting pattern. Some rabbits and especially house rabbits will appear to moult almost constantly!
