Personally I dont think there is a problem with bathing house bunnies … mine has always been bathed occasioanlly and has never been affected by it .. i think as long as you dont wash them too often then its all good =]

For the most part bathing bunnies is very stressful.  Yours may be an exception, but by their very nature (more nervous, prey, etc)  bathing rabbits can actually cause shock in some -  plus there is no reason for it unless a bunny gets dirty or there is poor husbandry. They are like cats in that way. HOWEVER, i have heard on rare occasions about situations like yours and if your bunny actually does enjoy it, then that’s another story. The thing you would have to watch out for then is after the bath. Rabbits have very dense fur and it can be very difficult to dry. There are professional animal blowers that show people use that are cool and do not overheat the rabbit, but other than that you would have to be very careful with the drying process as well as if you left him to dry on his own, you’d have to watch out for body temp issues. 

They regulate their temp by their ears and it can be more challenging when dealing with temp changes.   As water evaporates, that by its very nature cools, regardless of room temp.   Put warm water on your arm, and even in a warm house, as you feel it dry, it will begin to cool your skin.  The same thing happens with rabbits, and so that is where you want to keep a close eye during post bath time.  

op… I was editing my post and you beat me to posting before I was finished. SORRY! Reread my post as I added some info.

I would love to see a video of that. Does he get in on his own. That’s the most important part. If you get a a tray of water and he gets in on his own and plays around, well then you definitely have a bunny that really loves water. FUN!

My understanding is that bathing bunnies is typically not recommended because they do a pretty good job grooming themselves, shampoo chemicals can irritate their sensitive skin, the whole experience of getting soaked down can be stressful, and since their fur is so thick, it can take a long time to dry, which can cause problems.  In general, spot cleaning using a waterless shampoo from the pet store when necessary (if they get themselves into something sticky or have a messy bum) is best.

In your case it sounds like it’s more bun inflicted swimming as opposed to a mum-imposed cleaning session – so the chemicals/stress issues probably don’t apply.  The only thing I’d be concerned about is making sure the bunny gets good and dry afterwards!

I’m also pretty new to the bunny thing, so I’m interested to see what our resident experts have to say about it!

Bunnymuffin – you are absolutely right. 

you can put a wash cloth at the bottom of the tray and that will prevent slippage.

Hahaha – I’m imagining your splashing bunny – it sounds too funny! The only time my bunnies get wet really is when they are racing around for treats and accidentally land in their water bowl, in which case they do also enjoy flinging their wet feet and me and splashing me.

I have not ever bathed my bunnies – in general buns are so good about keeping themselves clean that it is pretty rare to have to bathe them. The only case where I have had to help someone bathe a bun is when their bunny got poopy butt, and we had to just get their bum area under some lukewarm water to get the poops off since the dry cornstarch bath wasn’t really working. It is also probably a good idea to clean off a bunny’s bum area if they have somehow gotten a lot or urine on there, because urine can cause urine scald which irritates the skin.

He sounds like he’s having fun, Monty! I can see him splashing around too. I have an older bunny, Simba, who goes so freaky when he knows his sweet treat is coming that he’ll run to the corner nearest me to hang over the side of the condo. And if his water bowl is there, he doesn’t even notice, just stands in it and hops up and down. Bet he wonders later on when the sugar high wears off why hes so wet.

Aren’t the runts always the best!
Kathy

a very cute video this would be, please share =]

Just wanted to say that your little Opal sounds like he’s just a wonderful little guy! So full of personality! I have a mini lop baby boy named Happy who is about 8 months and was the runt of his litter as well. When we brought him home (at 4 months) I could hold him in one hand and he’s not much bigger now! He is the most wonderful little guy and just fills me with joy. Runts are the best!

And I too would like to see a video of bath time!

Hehehe you are too lucky!! I think a bunny who loved water would be SERIOUSLY CUTE!!!

The issues with bathing, as others have already said are watching that he does not get cold and that they stress out in water. Since your bun clearly doesn’t stress it’s just watching his temp.

I just think that is too cute!! Can I beg for some ‘happy in water’ pics?

that is just too cute! sometime layla sits her tail down right in her water – which i think she does on purpose. but other times when she is deep in thought she accidently walks into the water – it’s pretty funny, and she dosn seem to mind! your bun sounds adorable – post some pics

How cute!  Is that just a normal cat or dog harness or is it special for bunnies?  I have a bunny harness, but it fastens with velcro and is such a pain to adjust properly (plus it seems to be too big for my Noelle) that I’ve decided to look for an alternative.

Oh, I want to hear more about his jumping training. Can you start a new thread about that? I have seen bunnies training/competing on obstacle courses as well, and I find it fascinating. The rabbits I have seen do this seem so very eager and love it. What great exercise and so much fun!

he is such a cute guy! that’s funny about him liking water. i’ve heard that some do like it. you’ve gotten great advice so far. welcome here!