Clipping a rabbit

[irishbunny]

I want to clip Henry for the Summer, he has a really heavy, fluffy coat and since he is outdoor bunny I just think it would be more comfortable and hygienic for him to have a shorter coat. Can you use the clippers for cutting human hair on buns? Probably a stupid question but I haven't a clue about shearing a bunny lol!

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

The clippers used for people probably won't work too well on a rabbit. You need something fairly heavy duty like high quality dog clippers.
You might ask a local dog groomer if you can borrow their clippers or if they would be willing to help you do it. Unless the groomer has experience with rabbits, I would not leave the rabbit with them.
If there are breeders of long furred rabbits in your area, try asking them. They should be the equipment to groom properly and may be willing to help you.
If the for is not matted, then you can use scissors to do it. It might not be at neat, but would be cheaper than buying clippers. You do need to be careful doing it so you avoid cutting the skin.

Be careful about keeping him outside for a few days after you sheer him. Losing the coat can be a shock, especially if the weather is still cool. Imagine you wearing a heavy coat all winter and going to a t-shirt suddenly. Try doing it after the weather warms up a bit or keep him inside for a few days so he can adjust. Some people use small dog sweaters, but be careful as they can get a foot caught in it or chew it

Long haired rabbits do look kinda stupid for about 3 weeks after being shaved.

 

[MiniLopHop]

I have a pair of clippers that are for trimming men's beards. They are more narrow that normal clippers. I only use it to shave my one girl's bottom because she can't reach very well. It works good enough, but I can tell it is hard on them and they probably won't last very long. If this is going to be a regular occurance I agree that you should get a good pair. It's very expensive and not very safe to take them to a groomer's so the expense to do it yourself is worth it.

 

[irishbunny]

Thanks, I guess I could try out the human clippers and see if it works and if not try get something else. He isn't matted but I still would be too scared to cut him with a scissors incase I hurt him. I have no breeders near me, I have groomers but I am not friendly with any of them since I don't get my dogs groomed so I doubt they would lend me clippers. I'll price a pair myself and see how much they will be. I just can't imagine him in that coat for the Summer.

 

[undergunfire]

I'd be super careful about clipping him yourself, if you do buy clippers. I am a groomer and I groom kitties - their skin is really easy to cut, so I imagine a rabbits is much easier to cut. With kitties, we have to kind of stretch out the skin along the body with one hand, while clipping with the other. Generally we use a #10 blade on the belly of cats (most sensitive, easy to cut area). The vibrating and noise from the clippers may scare a rabbit, so watch for signs of that.

If possible, see if a local pet groomer will allow you to come in and watch while they shave down a cat...so you can see how fast/slow you need to go with your clippers and watch the motion in which they do it.

I looked at your blog and noticed that you have what looks like a Jack Russel type dog. You can always get a pair of clippers with a #4 blade, then practice shaving her in reverse motion (against the hair). This way, you will get a feel for using clippers before using them on an animal with easy to cut skin.

 

[irishbunny]

Thanks for the advice

 

[rabbitgeek]

I've sheared many long wooled angora rabbits with scissors. I take my time to make a proper job of it. Since we use air blowers for grooming angoras, I don't think they would care about clipper noise.

But using scissors is just like giving a haircut. If you use a comb as a spacer you can keep comb between scissors and skin to prevent cutting the skin.

Have a good day!
Franco Rios

 

[CiaraPatricia]

You could try with the clippers for human hair and see how it goes.

I'd keep it away from the skin though, because you could easily cut it cos they have such thin skin. And go with the direction of the hair, not against it.