Need some tips for handling moult season with a stasis-prone bun

[Theodorusrex]

Hi all,

Theo is going through a SUPER heavy moult at present. He has a few ‘bald’ spots where I have plucked a lot of loose fur, but there is a really short coat underneath. I’m just looking at the rest of his long fur thinking ‘that all has to fall out still’  

This heavy moult is making him ill as well though, he seems to be ingesting a lot of fur and has stopped eating twice in the past week. On both occasions we have been able to get him back on track at home so far, I’m worried about a worse episode or a fur blockage though.

I’m grooming him twice a day currently, which he is not loving. The poor wee love must be feeling sensitive as he twitches sometimes if I pluck loose fur from a sensitive area 

Any tips with handling such a heavy moult? We are brushing, plucking, lint rolling and running wet hands over him in that order at the minute for each grooming session.

How can I keep his tummy healthy during this? I’ve been giving critical care during the bouts of inappetence and continuing with pro-biotic and trying to encourage hay eating. Is there anything else I can do?

Does anyone have any magic suggestions for how to make syringe feeding easier? I have had to force feed him simethicone and critical care a few times in the last few days and yesterday he managed to wriggle free and i got a back thumper to the face – resulting in a rather swollen and split lip  I know he doesn’t mean any harm but its frustrating getting injured everytime I have to force feed him lol.

TIA!

[Luna]

What type of brush do you use? (do you have a pic?) During molt, he definitely needs more brushing. When Luna molts, she usually gets groomed 4 times a day at a minimum. For syringe feeding, do you use the burrito method? Have you tried hiding the meds in some food?

[Theodorusrex]

I use a furminator very sparingly during a heavy moult, and I also have a fine plastic bristled brush (I have all three in the pic but the round headed one is the only one that’s not rubbish). Will try to add pics of both for you to see. Honestly though, the moult is too heavy for either to deal with. Plucking is being much more effective, and sometimes less stressful for Theo. He’s already being subjected to 2-3 30minute grooming sessions everyday at the moment, it’s making him so so grumpy lol. I will try to up it to 4 but I don’t want to needlessly stress him out either. 

Burrito method doesn’t really work with Theo. He wriggles and kicks so much that he somehow makes it out of the burrito no matter how tightly I wrap him. He has a tendency to bury his head under the towel when we try to feed him in a burrito too which makes it impossible. The funny thing with Theo is that he is really used to being handled, and doesn’t mind it at all. He lets me lift him and hold him without any complaints. But as soon as he sees that syringe coming he turns into demon bunny lol. I’m just thinking there must be a better way. At current I sit on the sofa with my knees up into my tummy and slot him between my stomach and my knees (gently as I know they’re very fragile) and I (try to) hold his head still while my husband has the syringe. Its stressful for Theo and I often end up getting bitten or kicked in the face. Not ideal lol. 

When we’re administering meds its usually because he’s refusing all foods. I have hidden simethicone in a small amount of banana at times when he is still eating though.

[Luna]

I use the furminator on Luna too. If I use the furminator and don’t see a lot of fur getting brushed out, I pluck and get a lot of fur because I think the furminator definitely helps loosen the fur which makes it easier for me to pluck out chunks. Sounds like you’re getting a lot of brushing in already if the sessions are 30 mins. Maybe you could do 2 long sessions (30 mins) and 2 short ones (15 mins)?

Sarahthegemini just bought one of those gloves that pets the fur off and she said it is awesome and that she couldn’t believe how much fur came off. She posted a pic of it under her topic “Buttercup has stasis again.” I’m going to look for one and give it a try too .

[Theodorusrex]

Thanks Luna! I have always wondered about those pet glove type groomers. I always thought they wouldn’t be fine enough to grab rabbit hair but I have ordered one and will definitely give it a go. Will keep on with the brushing. His appetite etc has been better yesterday and today so fingers crossed we’re coming out of the worst of it.

[Luna]

I thought the same thing! But now I’m curious enough to try it out too.

[ThorBunny]

I use one of those petting gloves as well. I’d say the major plus is that Thor loves it and will stay still for a much longer brushing (I feel like I’m at a bunny massaging spa, ah…..) The rubber is staticky and it attracts rabbit hair to stick to it in a mat.

[Theodorusrex]

Luna&ThorBunny, Just ordered the exact one that sarahthegemini suggested in the other thread – it is super effective! And less distressing for bun.

[Luna]

That’s great! I ordered one too and it should be delivered by tomorrow. Just in time too because I think Luna is ready for molt round 2.

[Q8bunny]

I find that gently plucking with damp hands really grabs a lot of fluff.

I know some people disagree, but feeding pineapple core or well washed skin during moults is hugely helpful for us. I’ve seen a discernable reduction in poop chains.

[Q8bunny]

I find that gently plucking with damp hands really grabs a lot of fluff.

I know some people disagree, but feeding pineapple core or well washed skin during moults is hugely helpful for us. I’ve seen a discernable reduction in poop chains.

[Theodorusrex]

Will chewie eat the core/skin? Might be worth a try, Theo loves the flesh of pineapples but he is a fussy wee buggar. I have been plucking him like mad.. It is definitely very effective especially when it gets to the stage where the fur is coming out in clumps.

Poor theo looks like he’s had a fight with a lawnmower at the minute!!

[Q8bunny]

Yep. The wookie prefers the skin above the good bits lol

[Theodorusrex]

Interesting – I will have to buy a pineapple

[Author]

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