How long???

[lindsay2485]

I just got my rabbit Thumper a couple of months ago, the woman I got him from told me that he was shedding. I was just wondering how long do rabbits usually shed??? I'm kind of getting worried because a good bit of hair comes out. I'm sure this has been asked & answered already so forgive me for asking again!!! Thanks!!!!!!!

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

Most rabbits shed all the time. It is usually just a bit of fur that comes out when you pet them or brush them.
Rabbits also moult 2-4 times a year. This is when they change from one coat to another (winter to summer). A ton of fur will come off the rabbit and the cage, blanket and surrounding area can get covered in fur. When this happens, it is a good idea to brush your rabbit several times a week so they don't ingest too much fur. A moult can last a couple months.
Diet can play a roll in shedding. Some feeds do seem to cause the rabbit to shed more and moult for longer. If your rabbit is moulting for a long time, you might need to change the pellet.

 

[lindsay2485]

oh thanks a lot!!! Do you recommend a pellet brand to try? I'm not sure what brand his food is now, the woman I got him from gave what she had left over and she told me that she got it from Piggly Wiggly, so I'm sure it's not very good.

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

I use Oxbow BB/T and have good results with it. It can be on the expensive side, I pay about $15 for a 10 pound bag (other places in my city have it at $22). It can also be harder to find in more rural areas, but is fairly easy to order online.

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

Korr_and_Sophie wrote:

Diet can play a roll in shedding. Some feeds do seem to cause the rabbit to shed more and moult for longer. If your rabbit is moulting for a long time, you might need to change the pellet.

If the rabbit is constantly shedding or in a molt, the protein levels in the diet are likely not high enough. Rabbits are usually in good coat and really don't shed much or at all other than when they molt their coats twice or so a year.

If you're noticing constant or unusually long molting or shedding, I'd suggest adding more protein to the diet. Sometimes adding either an alfalfa pellet (if you were previously using timothy) or using alfalfa hay instead of timothy can help.

 

[lindsay2485]

OakRidgeRabbits wrote:

Korr_and_Sophie wrote:

Diet can play a roll in shedding. Some feeds do seem to cause the rabbit to shed more and moult for longer. If your rabbit is moulting for a long time, you might need to change the pellet.

If the rabbit is constantly shedding or in a molt, the protein levels in the diet are likely not high enough. Rabbits are usually in good coat and really don't shed much or at all other than when they molt their coats twice or so a year.

If you're noticing constant or unusually long molting or shedding, I'd suggest adding more protein to the diet. Sometimes adding either an alfalfa pellet (if you were previously using timothy) or using alfalfa hay instead of timothy can help.

thanks a lot! I Will try to switching his food & try alfalfa hay.

 

[Purple Mountain Rabbitry]

I use Rangen Rabbit Feed. I get a 50 lb bag for about 10-12 dollars depending on discounts and timing. It works really good my rabbits don't shed as much.

good luck

Crystal

 

[lindsay2485]

Would it be okay if I switched his pellets to Oxbow BBT and switch his hay to Alfafa? He's an older rabbit, she told me 4-5 years old.

 

[Purple Mountain Rabbitry]

yeah that would be fine I have two 3 1/2 year olds that get alfalfa hay. and my grandma fed all of hers alfalfa hay and they lived to ten plus years. and alot of people reccomend oxbow.