What is rabbit molting?
As all rabbit owners are aware, rabbits moult (often referred to as shedding) regularly. Initially when rabbits are young, their baby coat is replaced at around 5 months by a transitional coat. After this, the rabbit’s adult coat will develop and from here on, rabbits generally moult twice a year (Spring and Autumn).
Is it normal for rabbits to pull their fur out?
However, fur pulling or plucking is usually a normal behaviour, predominantly seen in female rabbits. Behaviourist Inga MacKellar takes us through three of the most common reasons for this puzzling habit. 1. Nesting time
What causes a rabbit to chew at its fur?
Barbering may be caused by an infestation of parasites, such as fleas and mites and by skin diseases. Skin irritations are uncomfortable and can cause a rabbit to chew at its fur. Stress can increase the risk of barbering.
Why does my rabbit keep shedding its fur?
If you notice patchy hair loss in your rabbit, ensure that it’s happening organically. Rabbits can be prone to pulling their fur out in clumps. This is a warning sign of stress, boredom or ill health. A rabbit constantly molting is also not a good sign. They should only shed their fur roughly every three months.
Why is my pregnant rabbit eating her fur?
There are good reasons your rabbit is acting this way. Here are the typical reasons your rabbit eats or pulls out her fur. Pregnant female rabbits instinctively pull out their fur to line their nests. The female rabbit’s body secretes special hormones that make her fur get loose on her belly and sides so the fur pulling isn’t painful.
Why does my rabbit keep pulling its fur out?
Some other causes of rabbit pulling fur out include stress, hormonal imbalance, skin disease, or parasite infestation like mites. As infected skin is quite itchy, it can force your fluffy friend to chew on its hair.
How long does it take for a rabbit to lose fur?
Your rabbit will start losing fur from its neck, followed by shedding down the neck, back, stomach, and tail. The process takes 2-6 weeks. The amount of fur a rabbit sheds and the length of the molting period varies from one rabbit to another.
Why does Thumper keep pulling his fur out?
Of course, this reason is not for Thumper because he is a male rabbit. This one is a common reason why rabbits tend to pull out their fur. When rabbits are preparing to have kits, the female’s body secures hormones, causing the fur on her belly and sides to loosen up. In that way, it will be easier for her to pull it out and build it as a nest.
What causes fur loss and skin problems in rabbits?
Hormone Imbalance Parasite Problems Fur loss can be caused by several different kinds of mites that can infest rabbits, including mange mites ( Sarcoptes spp.), fur mites ( Cheyletiella spp. and Leporacus spp.), and mites causing ear canker ( Psoroptes spp. or Chorioptes spp.) and other problems (see below).
