Bonding: Bald Patch

[Arnab]

Hello! I hope someone could help me with this problem

I have a 4-5months old Male Netherland Dwarf called agtam, and after 2-3 weeks, I bought another 3-5 months old Male rabbit who’s name is G.T, which I yet don’t know the breed (I will post an image, please identify the breed) I was only told that he was a holland rabbit, which makes no sense as its a broad label , their petshop cage had a poster written on it “Domestic rabbit (Asian)”, I’m not familiar with rabbit breeds, but i can’t seem to find specific sources about “Domestic Rabbit” or “Asian Rabbit” breed

I have quarantined G.T for 2 days (although a month is ideal), but he had no signs of illness. I wiped his body with “Earthbath Grooming Wipes” on the first day, the second day I groomed him more and he maintained to look healthy overall, no hair flakes, patches or dampness on paws etc..

by the 3rd day, I placed Agtam and G.T in a neutral environment for 15minutes, then they were separated. Agtam started humping G.T, he also did it in their 2nd bonding session that was 1 day later. by the Fourth day of waiting, I have placed G.T in Agtam’s cage and they started grooming each other, nap close to each other and eat together with no sign of aggression whatsoever.

 

However, G.T started getting thinning of hair on the area between his nose and his eyes, and currently the thinning has turned into bald patch, and he has a cut beneath 1 of his eyelids on his right eye, he has flakes around his paws and sort of irritation on his ear line that is similar to the one on the area between his eyes and nose and eyelid. Could this be fungus? how to treat it? or could Agtam be grooming G.T a lot? should i separate them? I fear separating them would ruin their bond.

Both are house bunnies, they do have a cage, and thankfully Agtam is self-potty trained, G.T is not so much.

Attached Pictures of G.T

[LittlePuffyTail]

I strongly suggest neutering your boys before doing any bonding. Hormones can and will make things difficult.

Sounds like GT needs to see a vet to determine the cause of the skin irritation and bald spots. Flakes and bald spots are signs of fur mites. A vet can prescribe something but it needs to be determined that’s what it is first.

[Arnab]

Do you happen to recognise the name of the breed of my rabbit? I have attached an image.

[Azerane]

If you suspect a skin infection you’ll need to take him to the vet for a check to confirm what it is so that they know how to treat it. Both mites and fungal infections can result in fur loss and flaky skin. The fur loss around the eye could be a result of over-grooming or from bickering since there was also a cut there too, but with the other fur loss and flaky skin I’d be more concerned about an underlying issue. If it is fungal or mites, both rabbits will need to be treated as they have both been exposed, it’s best to take both to the vet to prevent breaking their bond.

In regards to neutering them for bonding, I agree. They seem to be getting along now but your newer boy especially is still quite young and probably hasn’t finished going through puberty. Once they have both got a full dose of hormones it’s likely they will get into fights. There a slim chance you’ll be lucky and they won’t fight, but I wouldn’t count on it.

I don’t know what breed he is, definitely not a Holland Lop, but perhaps by holland they meant Dutch. The body shape is similar but I don’t have the best eye for these things. Chances are he’s just a mix like most rabbits are.

[Author]

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