My indoor Holland Lop rabbit sheds like crazy and I was just wondering if anyone knows of any brushes that work really well to get all of the loose fur out or any other way to get it out? It seems like he sheds year round and it doesn't just brush out easy. I literally have to pull it out by hand and he HATES it!! So if anyone else knows of a good solutions please let me know!!
Thanks,
Laura
For regular brushing of rabbits, I use poodle brushes which have short metal wires. One was actually a brush for poodles but the other was sold as a brush for cats. They can scratch their skin so you have to be gentle and careful with rabbits with shorter fur. Try it on your arm to find out how much pressure starts to hurt.
When they shed, there can be a ton of fur, mostly the undercoat. Plucking normally works best for that. Basically, you see that whiter undercoat fur sticking up and grab it with your thumb and index finger. Then, pull hard and quick (but in such a way to allow fur that is still attached to the skin to remain behind; you don't want to pluck good fur). It takes some practice and is hard to describe and teach. Done right, it shouldn't hurt the rabbit. It should come out with little to no discomfort to the rabbit if the fur is already loose. Be warned, you may get fur everywhere when plucking a shedding rabbit!
Rabbits normally shed twice a year for about two weeks. If you're getting more shedding then that, then the rabbit may have fur mites or not be grooming him/herself. My bun, Sweetie, won't/can't groom herself so she always looks disheveled. I have to bathe her weekly (she also won't clean the mess on her rear). So, I dampen her back and then pluck the loose fur out. Once out of the laundry tub, I then use the poodle brush to further groom her.
Does anyone have combed out rabbit fur they would like to get rid of instead of just throwing it out? I make needle felted dogs out of silk and wool but to make some out of rabbit fur would really be unique. I would be willing to pay a little for it. :D Thanks, Bobbie
I only have three short haired buns now. Lots of people make stuff from angora rabbit fur; I used to just throw it away!
Whisper, I would start a new topic asking for the fur. It might bring more attention from the bunny people if it is all by it's self. :)
I hope you get some!