Ear mites are very very tricky. Sometimes one treatment does it, sometimes it takes many. Bonnie got hers at the shelter she was in and from January to only about a week ago, they were crusty and pink with bald spots on the back. When I took her to a different vet than the one by my school, he prescribed a topical cattle treatment and it worked wonders and was only about $8. I can’t remember the name of it at the moment but if I do I’ll let you know.

I’ve heard coconut oil can help topically but you should NEVER put anything inside your rabbits ear canal unless prescribed by a vet. It can cause them to get ear infections. Be very gentle if you use it in the inside of the ear and try to use a cotton applicator of some kind (either a ball or pad or q-tip). Try not to go too far into the ear either, just what you can readily see without manipulating the ear. I’ve also heard vitamin E oil can help.

Ear mites really do require a vet trip. Constant scratching and balding aren’t good signs, but the fact that there’s no flaking or crust means that it’s probably still early. If you catch them before they lay eggs they are much easier to get rid of. Check if your vet has a payment plan and see if they’ll sell you a treatment without an appointment.

Even the worst mites can be successfully treated with a spot treatment (or in some cases, an injection) – either in single dose or a series, depending on spread of mites. Ivermectin from your vet, or selamectin (revolution or stronghold) are very effective and economical. And if your bun is receiving multiple doses, simply clean his space with a safe household cleaner (I use water with a bit of vinegar and baking soda) and the mite problem should resolve.

But please don’t ever ever put anything in your bun’s ears.

I would wait for the vet, to be honest. But if you must treat at home, do keep in mind that despite what lots of rabbitry sites say, home remedies will not be as or even fully effective. More than anything, they help reduce itching (like tea tree oil) or heal skin (like honey), but the mites are hardy little buggers.