Bunny Baldness!

[missSarah]

I have two rabbits a female that is almost 3 (Misbe) and a male (Noodle) that just turned 1. After almost 6 months of bonding we finally got Misbe (my rabbit) to accept Noodle when I left for a trip out of the country. They happily play together and cuddle.

Buuuut,

Misbe is chewing balds spots into the face hair of Noodle! Sometimes they’re down to the skin and the main ones are just very short. Noodle doesn’t protest or run away he just lets her do it.

Both rabbits are fixed and Misbe often runs away when Noodle tries to mount her (which he still does but very rarely). Misbe has always been a nervous chewer. She has a place on her inner thigh where she will chew the hair to the skin. She’s done this in response to a visiting dog (that only once was in the same room as her and ignored her), strangers in the house (a realtor shows our house about once a week), and when neighbors have loud parties.

 

My theory is that she chewing Noodle’s hair because he doesn’t ever groom her because she constantly chews his hair regardless of stress triggers.

 

What should I do?

-Sarah

 

 

 

[BinkyBunny]

Ah, some overgrooming action going on here.  Here are some links regarding this;

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-10/overgrooming.html

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Rabbits-703/overgrooming.htm  (this is a question to a rabbit-savvy biologist that we reference many times here – so you’ll see her answer towards the bottom.

 Also here are some links to previous discussions we’ve had here on the forum regarding this – hope you find it helpful;

https://binkybunny.com/Default.aspx?tabid=54&forumid=1&tpage=1&view=topic&postid=3751#3817

https://binkybunny.com/Default.aspx?tabid=54&forumid=1&tpage=1&view=topic&postid=13150#13286http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-10/overgrooming.html  (link to House Rabbit Society’s article) 

Keep us updateed and  let us know what ends up working for you.

[missSarah]

Thanks so much for all the great information! After reading all of it I’m pretty sure it’s just stress and maybe some left over feelings of space invasion (We rebuilt and recarpteded the condo Misbe used to live in on her own but I think she still feels it’s hers.). We’re getting rid of the current condo in favor of an Xpen when we move in a couple months so I think this should alleviate the problem (after she gets over the fact that we have moved!)

 

Thanks again and I’ll post on their progress afte we’ve moved. (Oh moving )

 

-Sarah

[BinkyBunny]

Oh, and I forgot to say since Misbe is chewing on her own fur too, just make sure she isnt fighting fur mites. Do you ever see any scabs or red areas?

Moving is a real pain!  I feel for you! 

Definitely come back and keep us updated after your move.  Plus, we want to see pics of your bunnie when  you have time!

[missSarah]

I’ve had a vet take a look at her little baldspot before and its not red or scabby at all, just hairless. It’ll also grow in completely when she’s feeling comfy : )

 

Here is a picture : )

121385047971.jpg

[MarkBun]

Although I am a guy….

SQUEEEEEEEE! *Thump*

[Beka27]

they are so cute! i can never understand how some people can get their buns to sit so well for a picture! i have to sneak up on mine to get a shot!

[missSarah]

They don’t go outside much so that’s enough to keep fatty Misbe sitting still. This was taken when the only time Misbe would let Noodle near her was outside or in the car so he was just happy to get a little cuddle time in. My mom was pretty excited to get Easter pictures of her grand”kids” heehee.

 

-Sarah

[BinkyBunny]

HAHAHHA! So Cute!

[missSarah]

Update: We haven’t moved yet but my crazy bun has stopped bald-ifying Noodle. Hopefully her good behavior will continue after the move. They’re going to have a sweet new living space so I think it should be ok.

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