Posted By The Law Bun on 4/27/2015 6:40 PM
Hey all, so new week, new question i guess
Still having a lot of issues grooming Lilith, she literally treats it as mortal combat I think haha. So heres my real question, is it really a daily need. I don’t think she is molting per say, as I cannot easily pluck hair out without pulling skin. It also really only seems to be her back side, but even then its not like hair is getting everywhere, I am just curious because I certainly see some people who are unable to groom their rabbit.
So the questions:
1. How hard should I pluck? Sometimes the pluck has required me to pull so hard its like lifting her skin along with it. Should the plucking only require minimal effort if the coat is ready?
2. Is it pretty easy to tell if the rabbit is molting? Lily is turning 4 months on May 5, so I expect that she will start working into her adult coat soon.
3. How is your week going! Mine will be splendid after tomorrow around 5 (last final exam EVER!).
Oh, plucking woes! It is normal for the skin to raise up a bit when you pluck, but you shouldn’t feel any resistance (going with about a 1/2″ wide strip of hair – what you can carefully pinch between your fingers). You can use a comb or brush instead, that will only pull out what is ready to come out.
Is she the bun in your avatar? If so, I wouldn’t worry *too* much, she looks pretty short-haired. Brush her when you can, pet her with a wet hand to pull fur away, etc. It isn’t necessary to conscientiously pluck a short-haired rabbit. I have a lionhead whom I do not brush at all and haven’t for years, I’d have to forcibly restrain her and I don’t think it’s worth the risk of injury or stress. Unfortunately I was not able to form a bond with her, she was primarily a companion for my other rabbit.
You will learn over time when she’s molting and how much fur you can remove by plucking, brushing etc. For now, stick with brushing or damp-finger-combing. It’s more relaxed, it will be sufficient grooming for a short-haired rabbit, and you will not risk hurting her and causing a negative association. If you want to pluck, do VERY short sessions. My angora will give me a little nip (doesn’t hurt) when he’s had enough and I release him. Some might say I’m training him to bite, but he doesn’t abuse the power, and IMO he’s allowed to say “I’ve had enough”. And he’s gotten more tolerant over time, and I’ve also gotten better and knowing what I can pluck without hurting him (“hurting” – I mean a light pinch, I’m not ripping out giant hunks of fur of course).
Good luck with your exam!!