Ichy Bunny?

[skibunny8503]

Archie is very clean, as I’ve noticed so far.  He even wiped his nose when he sneezed and when he eats usually. 
But sometimes I noticed that when he grooms himself it almost looks like he’s biting   He also scratches his ears alot.  I don’t know if it makes a difference that he’s a lop or not.  When the shelter took him in (on Halloween) they said he was wandering in a backyard; but I don’t think he would have fleas still.  The vet never said anything and I didn’t think to ask her because at the time I thought it might be normal.  I did have to drop off his droppings today and they’re going to send it away to be checked for parasites or anything. 

[BinkyBunny]

That “biting” the fur is normal. I don’t know exactly what that is about, but both Jack and Rucy do that and they do not have fleas or mites. Rabbit scratching their ears is also normal, HOWEVER; since your bunny was found as a stray, both fleas and mites would not be uncommon and should be treated. You should be able to see fleas though, most of the time they will hang out where the bunny can’t get to them, towards the backend. If you brush your bunny’s fur backwards slowly, many times the feces, little visible black dots, of the fleas will be seen even if you can spot the fleas themselves.   Fleas can live and procreate inside without much of a problem.

Fur and ear mites though are a different story. They are not easily spottted.

So, since your bunny is under vet care at the moment, just mention this “itching” to the vet. They can give him a quick look-over and scrape for mites. If he does have fleas and/or mites,  then it’s easily treated under vet care.  (don’t use any over the counter treatments without your vets advice)

[(dig)x(me)x(now)]

Hmm it’s normal for them to groom and itch a few times a day, but it’s good that you’re looking into it… sometimes when it looks like they’re biting themselves, they’re pulling out loose fur that is getting to them during a shed.

[bunnytowne]

One of mind scratches his ears a lot.  I got scared and thought OH no mites.  The vet checked him out and said no he just likes to scratch his ears.

The nibbling when they groom I didn’t know why til the previous post. Trying to rid themselves of loose hair. Hmm…. Interesting. See I learn something new everyday.  Thanks y’all             For the question and the answer. Cool how that works out here.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Ohhh for sure -very normal grooming behavior-they seem pretty obsessive about it sometimes, but as BB said it’s a good idea to mention it to your vet so they can check for them

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