continuous shedding

[golfdiva]

My 1.5 yo Hershey (that's him, my avatar) sheds TONS all the time, none stop. I don't see any signs of a skin condition. I've seen a spot of two of "dandruff" though. I read that breeding for certain characteristics can sometimes accidently cause a rabbit to shed continually. Is this true? Is this a likely explanation for Hershey's continuous shedding?

Thanks!

 

[bunnybunbunb]

Check for fur mites. They are almost clear with red heads. I've had a run in with them and they are a PAIN to get rid of seeing as the only two real fixes either cost loads or reqire a perscription.

 

[pamnock]

Diet can also be a factor. High carbs or protein can cause continual shedding as well as health/parasite issues.

Pam

 

[golfdiva]

I think he eats a pretty good diet. He doesn't like hay much, but he eats mostly veggies and some pellets.

Is there any truth to the "inbreeding" thingy?

I do see "dandruff" now and then, is that for sure mites, or could it just be dandruff?

 

[bunnybunbunb]

Well the type of mites I am talking about they call "Waling Dandrift" so quite posisbly. I never would had believed the mites till I saw them and now I'm good at looking for them. They are very small and hard to see on a colored rabbit but on a white rabbit their red heads just pop good. It turns out my Guinea Pigs had them(thanks petstore!) and I let them play in the bathroom when I had rabbits in with babies. They came in contact through the wire of the cages and BAM, mite explosion. They spread like wildfire. They can live on dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc. They can only live in fabric or on people for 3 days. Dogs and cats with proper flee and tick protection won't get them but since there is nothing made for rabbits they 100% will get them if near something with them.