Buns hate being brushed

[lil_ginger_42]

So I have two lionheads that I adopted as adults. We have slightly bonded but not as much as I would like (they are super skittish). Anyways since they don’t really trust me, grooming is quite the runaround. They are getting quite matted on their butts and tumtums but I cant get them to be brushed. We have tried holding them (my boyfriend got major scratches), just putting a hand on them, distracting with treats, and even tried to “trance” them but none of it really works. As you can guess lionheads get matted quickly so I really need a solution

[Mimsy]

I can think of a few:

For a quick fix, some folks have suggested combing up on a counter, the height will make some think twice before wanting to bolt. I’d have your boy friend help guard in case they are so panicky they try and jump though.

You might want to give them trims on the rump and tummy since it may be difficult to get in daily brushes for awhile. It’s been suggested to use an electric trimmer, you can put a plastic guard on it. Their skin is very tender, so scissors could be a problem, especially if they struggle.

After you get them trimmed, I would just continue to try and bond with them and get them to enjoy brushes. Give em a treat, see if you can get a few brushes in. Even if it’s just a few passes a couple times a day, hopefully they will eventually enjoy them.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Yup, I can only groom my buns up at a height. I used to use the kitchen table but now I have an old baby change table that works great as a grooming station. They both really hate grooming and would never sit still for me to brush them on the ground. Just make sure to not leave bunny unnattended on the table. Make sure to have everything you need before you start.

[Cinnabunn the bunny]

do they like being pet but not brushed? It could also be the comb if that is the case. There are many different combs to try to see which ones your bun likes the best.

If you are really desperate whenever i needed to medicate and look at hotspots on my bun I would throw a towel on him. Freaks him out but its the same concept as catching an wild animal. They can’t really see anything so they think its time to go to bed and you won’t get scratched as bad. Again just telling you as a last resort ish. My bunny was also too freaked out to trance and wouldn’t let me give him the meds he needed post op.

[BB & Tiny]

I too utilized the end table with a stationary carpet to brush mine, they hate it.

So when it comes to shedding time I use the pet and pull method, which they tooth purr ALL the way through. Unfortunately they always seem to hang out by the water dish for that ? Then the water is bunny fluff !

One suggestion if you don’t have or can’t afford clippers, make sure if you use scissors to have a comb between the skin and the fur. This was a tip from a groomer at the recent bunny festival regarding matted hair.

[Dymii]

A normal comb is a great idea! I haven’t tried that… my bun hates the brush and I’ve just tried to pet and pull… and sometimes snip his crazy little mohawk!
I will def be trying to use a comb.. maybe he won’t mind so much

[LBJ10]

I think most bunny owners would give anything to have a bunny that likes to be brushed.
I have to catch mine and set them somewhere, either my lap or a high surface. I do what I can for one session and then save the rest for next time. No sense in stressing them out unnecessarily. Wooly does get mats here and there, but I don’t worry about them. If they don’t comb out easily, then I simply cut them off.

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