Shedding Theory

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BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

This topic has 6sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 9 months ago by Susanne.

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- 01/26/2021 at 12:26 PM
  Susanne
  Participant
  422 posts
  Is it just me or mine, or do other rabbis seem to eat/ drink more when shedding? I’m guessing to flush out all the fur they are ingesting?
- 01/26/2021 at 1:13 PM
  Bam
  Moderator
  16964 posts
  Some buns go off their food or become very grumpy while moulting. It seems pretty clear that moulting isn’t “just” about shedding hair. My guess is that there are various hormones at play (hormones does not necessarily mean sex hormones). Some sort of molecular signal probably triggers the molt, and whatever it is, it triggers other things as well.
  
  Long haired buns like lionheads, teddies and angoras can need a bit of extra protein when they molt. Hair consists of protein.
- 01/26/2021 at 1:30 PM
  Susanne
  Participant
  422 posts
  Interesting and seems accurate! Mine both definitely are eating/ drinking/ and subsequently going to the bathroom more so I’m glad they aren’t the opposite. It’s funny you mention hormones because I have said they are acting like they have spring fever. Generally “odd” moods (sometimes grumpy), and my male has been trying to mount the female more. He’s been extra “oinky” and ran up to me oinking which has not happened since before I got him neutered a year ago. She’s been more spunky too it seems. (it’s still cold outside so not sure what triggered it). I don’t know if I would even notice some of the subtleties if not for being home with them soooo much right now.
- 01/27/2021 at 10:29 AM
  kanin
  Participant
  139 posts
  Two of my buns will stand by their water bowl while grooming. They’ll take a drink, groom, take a drink, groom, and so on. I’m like… dang that’s smart! Way to prevent blockages y’all, keep up the good work! 👏🏻
- 01/27/2021 at 12:32 PM
  Susanne
  Participant
  422 posts
  Yes! They are being efficient! I know the feeling though, I’m always happy so see them gulping a bunch of water after grooming/ eating a bunch of their fur 🙂
- 01/28/2021 at 2:25 AM
  Bam
  Moderator
  16964 posts
  That is just wonderfully clever of them! ☺
  
  Rabbits that won’t drink more while they’re shedding could potentially benefit from getting their daily greens served freshly rinsed and still wet. Fluids are very important for the proper function of the GI system!
- 01/28/2021 at 12:19 PM
  Susanne
  Participant
  422 posts
  Good suggestion! This is a useful trick also when they are stressed. I noticed when one of my rabbits was stressed he wouldn’t eat or drink for a while but would still munch on Kale. I also change their water 3x per day to keep it clean and fresh. It really does seem like they drink more when it’s cleanest. That is especially useful for a bun like mine who doesn’t eat veggies 🙂
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