RESCUED ANGORA ADULT RABBIT AND BABIES – NOW WHAT?

[lws84]

Hey rabbit community friends – I recused an adult angora rabbit and its two babies.  Someone had dumped them in the park near my house (what are the odds I would see them?).  I treated the adult (too stressed to look at sex) with flea medication because one of the babies had several adult fleas crawling all over it.  I did not treat the babies because they are probably 6-8 weeks.  The mom (or dad? Probably mom because it stayed very close to the babies?) has full long hair, but it is matted around it’s bottom and at odd places all over.  How can I safely remove the mats?  Should I even try at this point because he or she was very stressed.  How should I brush the babies so they don’t get matted as well?  Anything special I should know?  The babies are eating on their own.  When are they old enough to be separated and given away to good homes?  I cannot keep them, however I have homes lined up already.

Thanks for your support community and binky on!

PS – they seem relatively healthy other than the fleas.  Anyone have any idea when I might be able to treat the babies?  I treated my rabbit (Pasternak) as a “just in case” and although they can see each other, it’s across the room.  I have no intention on letting them get close to each other because a) I don’t want them to bond, I can’t keep them all and b) I don’t know if the newly acquired rabbits have any hidden illnesses, although they seem pretty healthy to me.

[Roberta]

If you have treated the mother with a product like Revolution the treatment will be spread to the babies during feeding. It is best not to apply topical treatment directly to babies under 12 weeks of age. DO NOT USE FRONTLINE IT IS TOXIC FOR RABBITS. Stick with Revolution or Advantage Cat. As to the mats, I would give mum a days or two to settle. The babies should not be matting at this stage so they should be fine, you can do some gentle stroking with the brush to get them use to the p[rocess.

[jerseygirl]

The mom (or dad? Probably mom because it stayed very close to the babies?

easiest way to check at the moment is see if the rabbit is lactating. The babies may be weaned now but mum should still have prominent teats I think.

Thanks for taking them in!

[JackRabbit]

If the mats are flat and wide, best to have them removed by the vet when you take her for a health check. If they are elongated and stick out, you can gently open them up and very gently pull the out loose hairs.

[lexi]

I would let her settle in for a few days and get used to being petted and picked up.

I recently adopted a pretty matted angora as well and most of his matts came out easily with a stickler brush and comb, but it took me about 30-60mins a day for a week. If they have room between the skin and the matt you can place the comb next to the skin and trim off the matt. Their skin can be very easily nicked so be careful. If you feel uneasy, don’t do it. Some of the matts can be worked out with your fingers. Starting with the edge of the matt, gently work out small bits of hair. It takes time but it can be done.

[lws84]

Thanks guys for the encouragement and responses. No one worry – I did NOT use Frontline on my rabbits (newly acquired or Pasternak). I used the meds my vet suggested (Advantage) that I can buy out here in the middle of nowhere.

Babies are doing really well. I was able to brush the angora. The mats are not quite as bad as I thought in some ways, and in other ways they are a little horrific. Angora is very sweet, likes being petted, likes being brushed. I was able to catch another adult and she seems to be doing all right as well now. Also treated her for fleas. Hopefully they’ll be going to their forever homes soon. Maybe in a couple weeks everyone will be ready to go. I’ll post photos/and or updates as they come along.

It makes me very sad because the angora is absolutely beautiful – she has a black head and gray/silver/black fur that (when brushed) shines. It could be a show rabbit (still not sure if female or male). Everyone seems healthy and happy and Pasternak was appointed mayor of Bunny Town for now.

[Roberta]

Well done lws, keep up the great work.

[lws84]

Thanks very much Roberta! 

[Author]

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