Are decorative rabbits sheared?
Rabbits are clean animals and do not require special care for their coat. But you still need to pay attention to the coat of an eared pet, especially if it has long hair. Without care, the wool will begin to roll into tangles, harden and cause discomfort to the rabbit. We will find out if decorative rabbits are sheared, how it is done and how to keep the fur coat of cowardly bunnies clean.
Like any pet with hair, a rabbit needs to be combed regularly to get rid of excess hairs and clean the fur from small dirt.
Removal of the coat is necessary if the eared has already formed abundant and hard tangles. To prevent the formation of tangles, you can use cosmetic zoosprays, which are applied to the fur coat immediately after combing out. The spray acts on the principle of a balm – it does not allow the hairs to tangle and fall off.
Rabbits should not be washed if they have tangles. After bathing, they form even more, and then you will have no choice but to cut off all the hair or take the pet to the groomer.
Bathing is a last resort if the rabbit is very dirty. But usually eared ones keep their fur coat clean on their own.
Grooming will be relevant for those rabbits that participate in exhibitions. For these animals, special methods are used to maintain the beauty of the coat. Someone uses special shampoos, lotions and other products, and someone winds wool on paper or curlers to stand out with elegant curls.
Any rabbit needs to be looked after, even if it has a very short coat. It is enough to comb it out with a special comb at least once a week.
Long-haired comrades require more attention and time. They need to be combed every day or at least every other day.
If you still decide to rid the rabbit of its downy wealth, you need to do it very carefully. Any hygienic manipulation is a strong stress for the eared. Therefore, it will be much better if one of the family members will keep you company.
As with dogs and cats, rabbits also need to be groomed from an early age. If the baby is familiar with the comb, scissors, trimmer and tangle cutters, then in adulthood he will not experience wild horror from the procedures.
It is desirable that the rabbit is sheared by a professional groomer who has the skill and all the necessary tools. But if you don’t have the opportunity to take your pet to a specialist, you can cut the eared one on your own.
Attention! Be very careful with the rabbit’s stomach – there are two rows of small nipples that can be damaged very easily. Many owners do not cut off the fur from the abdomen completely, but only shorten it a little.
To cut a rabbit, follow the instructions:
Start the haircut procedure with combing. Remove excess hair with a brush.
Place the animal on your lap or on the floor. Would like someone to hold it. Start cutting the rabbit from the back in narrow strips, gradually making your way to the sides.
Shear very carefully, because the skin of rabbits is delicate, and any sudden movement hurts the pet and causes severe pain.
The hair on the head and ears is usually not touched, but it can be shortened a little. The main thing is to be careful and make sure that the rabbit does not twitch and hurt itself.
It is important to fix the limbs and head of the rabbit during the haircut. But if the big-eared one panics a lot, kicks and even screams, it is better to let him go and continue the procedure after a while, or entrust this matter to a professional.
Do not forget that you need to cut rabbits in extreme cases, and not just like that. Any manipulations will be stressful for the animal and may not end very well. If possible, it is better not to touch the rabbit coat at all – just comb it out with a brush.
Poor quality of wool (dullness, brittleness, bald spots, dandruff, frequent tangles, sores, etc.) is a reason to consult a veterinarian.
Much depends on the owner and on his conscientiousness:
It is necessary to clean the habitat of the rabbit in time. If he is in a cage or aviary most of the time, you need to clean it regularly. Leftover food and hay, scattered dirty litter, spilled water and rabbit peas can all stick to the coat and ruin it. Ushastik will look at least unpresentable if his house is dirty.
Cut the tangles promptly. Of course, the formation of tangles is easier to prevent than to deal with them. But if they do arise, in no case do not pull them with a comb, trying to unravel – this way you will hurt the rabbit. The tangles should be cut with a tangle cutter, either on your own or in the groomer’s office.
Do not wash the rabbit for nothing. Washing is not a primary necessity for a rabbit, as, for example, for a dog. Rabbits do an excellent job of keeping their fur coat clean. You need to wash the animal only if it is very dirty and the situation cannot be corrected without water.
Nutrition is also important. The rabbit should have a rich and balanced diet, including greens, vegetables, and sometimes fruits as a treat. If you feed a rabbit with cheap and low-quality food, this will affect not only his appearance, but also his well-being.
For any difficulties, contact a specialist. If the appearance of your pet’s coat leaves much to be desired, you don’t need to wave your hand at it – be sure to sign up for a consultation with a veterinarian or a groomer. Experts will tell you why a rabbit may have problems with wool and how to properly care for it.
How your eared friend will look and feel is largely up to you. Don’t let him down!