Bunny butt help

[Deleted User]

After feeding MoMo a new pellet mixture, which he loves, he still poops normal pellets but occasionally there is a larger clump of excrement, one of which is now stuck to his butt. It doesn’t seem to bother MoMo, but for sanitary reasons, I would like to remove it. Problem is MoMo does not like to be picked up or held.  When I try to catch him, he sees me coming with a towel and he freaks and thumps at me.  ANY suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  I’m new to binkybunny and I find a lot of helpful suggestions.  Thanks!

[jerseygirl]

Welcome Momrat!

If MoMo is ok with grooming himself, let him clean up himself as best possible. Then you can try comb out anything or wipe with a damp paper towel. When I first took my rabbit in the car, she got some messy poop stuck on her and I tried wipe it off. Turned out, she cleaned herself up better than I could. If he’s making a mess though, you may have to get in scoop him up and secure him firmly in your grasp to your body. It’s important to support the hind end, so maybe get someone to help with the cleaning part. I find sometimes when they’re on the ground, I can put my hand just behind the head and gently push down. They stay still, then I can scoop them up into my arms.

Has this started since you’ve given him the new feed? It does sound like it may be too rich for him and he’s producing excess cecals. Usually they reingest these softer poos so you don’t see them lying about – only when they’re over producing them. Does the pellet mix have seeds and grains in it? Adult buns do better on limited servings of a plain timothy based pellet, younger ones on an alfalfa based one.

[Deleted User]

Thank you for your help Jersey Girl!  MoMo’s new mixture does have seeds and grains in it so I am going to go back to his regular pellet diet and keep the new stuff for an occasional treat and see if that works.  He is still drinking and eating hay and seems happy.  Most of the fecal matter fell off his little rump the other day when I attempted to catch him. I’m hoping he will clean the rest off by himself.  I appreciate your help and I’ll keep you posted. 

[RabbitPam]

Is it still on him?
If it is, you could put him in a gentle bunny burrito, ie. cover his midsection and legs with a towel then wrap it around him so he can’t squirm away. Then check his butt end through the opening of the towel while holding him in place on the floor with your other hand. That way you won’t have to lift him. If you have a damp paper towel ready, you can find the poop and moisten his fur area to see if it will come off gently. If it’s really stuck, if you dampen the area and let him go, it may bother him just enough to get him to clean himself more, and he’ll get it off.

[bunnytowne]

I read the title and thought oh ohhh some bun is giving his parent the bunny butt and stink eye.

The advice you got already though is sound advice. 

[Author]

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