Monthly Maintenance

[Shannon]

Hi there,

So I have been reading a lot about rabbits since we are planning on getting two. I have printed all the pages from rabbit.org. I have joined this forum and also got some books from the library on how to care for rabbits. The book I got is the one that the house rabbit society recommended and also a really thick one called Stories rabbits tell or something like that. I have also been doing a lot of reading on this site. I read about the monthly maintenance. My question is: I don’t want to scare the rabbit right. I do want to build some trust with him before I do this sort of check up. How long should I wait before I do this to him? What are some things that I can do that can build some trust?

Or should I leave this little check up (just the first one) to the vet when I take him? And then I can do the next one myself in a month?

Also, doesn’t cleaning the anal scent glands area, isn’t that dangerous to do that? I would think that things are not supposed to go up there are they? And it doesn’t really describe in enough detail how you are supposed to clean it out. How far do you go up there? Is it going to be similar to cleaning out my ears with a q-tip?

Thanks for your help,

Shannon

[Beka27]

the vet can show you how to do maintenance things, or you can take your bunny back when it’s time for nail trims/anal gland cleaning, etc.

[Shannon]

That would be cool if the vet shows me how to do the anal scent gland cleaning!
The nail trimming I would like to just do myself. I am not wanting to traumatize the poor little bunny by taking him to the vet everytime he needs his nails trimmed.

What about the other questions that I had? anybody have any thoughts?

[RabbitPam]

I would take him to the vet right away just to get a clean bill of health and a baseline established with a new vet. He’s not going to like it much anyway, so may as well know everything is OK, nails are trimmed, etc. Then if he’s fine you won’t have to think about it for a few weeks.

Establishing trust can happen well if you put yourself on their level. Things coming down on them from above look like predators and can be scary. Lying on the floor quietly and sort of ignoring them can cause them to be curious about you, and come over to you to sniff and explore. You can stick little treats for them to find next to you, or in your open hand. The bunny will soon associate you with food as you give out meals, so let your smell and shape be associated with loving care. Talk to them in a soothing voice and repeat their name, praising a response. Bunnies are sociable, so they want attention and someone to play with.

[Beka27]

trust is very important, but so is proper care. they don’t always like nail trims, grooming, rationed pellets, limited runtime… but as the bunny mommy it is up to you to do the “less than fun” things sometimes. their health is of the utmost importance. a healthy bunny, is a happy bunny and he will forgive you. offer a treat after an icky chore, and it will be forgotten soon. as you gain experience you will learn easier ways to complete maintenance, or if you’re still unsure, you can ask your vet for pointers, or post the questions on here.

please be confident with yourself. you are going to do an excellent job, try not to worry so much. (((hugs!)))

[BinkyBunny]

It’s good to establish trust first,, but I too wouldn’t forgo needed care first if nails were too long etc.,  and whereever you get your rabbits from, you should ask them to show you how to trim their nails and clean their anal glands. That way, it’s all done prior and you can do all the bonding/gain trust stuff for the next month.

I also think it is a good idea to get a check-up right away with a rabbit-savvy vet (very important!) anyway, and they can also show you how to do these things.

I want to address your concerns about anal gland cleaning – I am thinking you are thinking you need to clean their anus, as you said how far up do you have to go. What you are actually doing is cleaning the glands ONLY. Which are little slits on either side of the genitalia mound. The slits are like little pockets, that are somewhat shallow – no “far up” stuff. Inside, it collects this waxy stuff that can get hard, uncomfortable and can even cause infection. Some bunnies produce more waxy stuff than others, and so with regular maintenance of just “checking” you will be able to find out how often you should actually clean them.

[Shannon]

Awesome! Thanks so much! That is a lot of good info. I will make an appointment with a vet as soon as I get the bunny. Which is in two more weekends! I am so excited!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Two weeks!! Whats the official countdown? (D H M S)

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