Shedding

[Pepper89]

so this is the first time pepper has shed and i am curious if there is anything further i can do other than just brushing him to help keep the hair down and for him to injest less of it... his poop lately has been stringy and when i brush him really good there is almost no stringy poop... any ideas?

 

[Popsicles]

That’s about all you can do I think! Shedding is my least favourite time of year haha i do not envy you!

 

[Blue eyes]

You can also try to encourage more hay eating by refreshing it a few times each day during shedding. There's something about adding new hay that entices them to eat it. Those long strands of hay help to keep their gut healthy.

(If you offer more hay, they tend to drink more water too.)

 

[Pepper89]

Okay i will try that! Thank you so much for the advice it is very much appreciated!

 

[Nancy McClelland]

keep on brushing and free access to hay

 

[lavendertealatte]

what times of year does this usually happen?

 

[Popsicles]

Change of season - so usually spring and Autumn, so they can prepare their summer/winter coat. It depends on what country you are in and the climate there - for me the in UK her shedding was March-April

 

[Blue eyes]

For an indoor bun, their shedding schedule can vary since they aren't experiencing the change of seasons. They aren't consistent - at least none that I've had. Even my pairs of rabbits would often shed at different times from each other.

 

[Popsicles]

I suppose it’s different if you have AC and stuff, here in UK even House bunnies are still at the mercy of the the weather haha, so yeah @Blue eyes is right, just depends on location.

 

[Pepper89]

I am hoping that it is just for change of seasons! I’m in Canada and with this being his first i’m just unsure how long and when it will happen.... it has been pretty warm here as of late (plus 25-27)... I have hay in 3 areas in his pen, all in his favourite spots he likes to relax, including the litter box. Hopefully he will take an interest. And thank you again for the advice very much appreciated!

 

[squidpop]

When mine shed I pull as much out with my fingers and comb as much out as I can- big tufts usually pull out easily— the fur just lets loose. Brushing would be more gentle— but I have had rabbits get GI stasis/wool block when they molt so I feel like I have to get as much out as possible or they could get woolblock. When I do it I also pet them a lot and give treats so they don't get mad at me.

 

[Blue eyes]

I have hay in 3 areas in his pen, all in his favourite spots he likes to relax, including the litter box. Hopefully he will take an interest. And thank you again for the advice very much appreciated!

It's good to have the hay around. Bear in mind that it isn't just a matter of having the hay available, but actually adding new hay a few times per day. They can bore of hay after it sits for several hours. But there is something about adding new that tends to entice them.

 

[Pepper89]

Ahh okay i will do that when im done work