Fuzzy rabbits? Good links?

[Zombie-Sue]

I just got a new rabbit (still working on a name) who is a fuzzy lionhead. I’ve never had a fuzzy rabbit before, never really wanted one honestly, but now I am kinda not sure what to do.

 

Evidently he’s not litter trained (or he’s just pooping and urinating all over because this place is new… or maybe he’s not even fixed, I don’t know) and I think his butt might be a little matted. I want to let him settle and not stick my hands in there all the time, so I’ve just been putting towels on the messes he makes for now, hoping he’ll catch up grooming himself in a nice clean area, but I’m not sure.

 

He actually just looks dirty. I wonder if it’s just because he was in such a filthy cage for so long he couldn’t keep himself clean. We’re visiting the vet in about a week, and I thought he’d have tips for grooming the rabbit, but I am starting to think that I should clean him a bit first.

 

Any tips? And when should I start? This is only his second night here, should I give him longer to settle in?

 

And what about litter training? Eek! He lived in a wire-bottom hutch for, I’d guess his whole life of 5 years, how do I even begin that?  

[Beka27]

Either you (if you’re comfortable doing it) or the vet’s office is going to need to shear him down to get all of the mats out. He’s going to look raggedy and odd for a few months while his fur grows back out, but it’s necessary to start fresh by getting rid of the bad fur. Once that is gone, you’ll be able to start brushing him daily to get him used to it, and he should begin grooming again himself.

[Author]

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