concern for my female...

[cutie_rabbit]

hi i have 4 rabbits but havent had them for very long, got 2 dutch lops and 2 white and black ones not sure what breed.
a male and female of each species.

my partner has recently learnt how to "sex" the rabbits and it has come to my attention that my big beautiful black and white girl has something attached around her genital area. (the other female has nothing of the sort).
looks like a black thing around either side looks hard almost like plastic.

please excuse my ignorance but am worried as to what it is. have some pics but apologies as they are not of the best quality,

 

[Pipp]

That looks like it's probably her scent glands. Here's another view...

The waxy build up can be cleaned out very very gently with a q-tip or wash cloth and some warm water. Just keep stroking the area, it does come out eventually.

Although I don't think there's any harm in leaving it if she isn't smelling bad.


sas :bunnydance:

 

[Bo B Bunny]

Foggy pic, but it looks like scent glands to me. Take a Qtip and put some warm water on it, you should get the crud out and beware of the "lovely" smell you will encounter!

 

[Haley]

I agree it looks like scent glands. I do what Bo B suggested, wrap the bun in a towel and flip her over on your lap. Once shes nice and calm take a Qtip that has been put under a little warm water and coax the gunk out of the scent glad (towards you). Then remove the gunk (it will smell really bad).

Its good to check scent glands every month or so. They can build up quickly and smell really bad!

PS. Are you housing all your bunnies separately? I know you said you were a new bunny owner and wanted to be sure you know the females can get pregnant in a matter of seconds if house with (or even next to) the males.

 

[tonyshuman]

Yep. I personally prefer to use baby oil if I have it to clean them out. It's better at loosening the waxy junk from the skin. Make sure she's not too fat to clean her rear end herself--it happens a lot and can lead to waxy buildup in the scent glands.