Rabbits periodically change their hair coat. At the same time, the old animal hair falls out and is replaced by new hair. Why does a decorative rabbit shed? This process is a consequence of age-related changes or seasonal factors. During this time, rabbits require special care, as they often lick themselves and swallow fur. Sometimes this even causes death.
Types of shedding
Hair loss in decorative rabbits can be caused by various factors. This is usually a natural age-related or seasonal process. But sometimes molting is associated with diseases or vitamin deficiencies.
Age
By the end of the first month of life, a fairly thick covering appears on the body of the baby rabbits. Moreover, the wool still has a soft and delicate structure. But already at 1.5 months its loss begins. The coat change takes 50-60 days and then stops. After a couple of weeks, a second moult occurs, which has a certain cyclicity. This process also takes approximately 2 months.
When changing fur on the pet's body, small bald spots may form, on the surface of which a delicate fluff appears. Hair falls out unevenly. First, the neck, tail and hind limbs shed. Then there is hair loss on the stomach, hips, and shoulder blades. Fur is also lost in the lower back area.
The next stage of coat change has the same pattern as the first. The rate of hair renewal depends on the feeding habits, maintenance, and breed of the animal. It is worth considering that animals shed faster in a cool environment. At the same time, protein food promotes fur renewal and makes it look healthier.
Seasonal
Molting is also associated with seasonal factors. It is observed in autumn and spring. This process differs depending on gender. The beginning of seasonal molting occurs at the end of August or the first half of September. It takes 2-2.5 months. With the arrival of spring, the fur changes on the front legs and neck. After this, the croup sheds and last but not least the tail. After the change, the females’ fur becomes a dirty brown color. If the rabbit is pregnant, the fur becomes thinner.
The molting of males has certain differences. First, there is a loss of fluff, and then a change in fur. In autumn the process proceeds in the same way as in spring.The difference lies in the structure of the coat - it becomes thicker and darker in color.
The quality and time of coat change depend on the living conditions of the rabbit. Thanks to proper care, a balanced diet and vitamin supplements, the process becomes faster and does not lead to negative consequences.
Features of caring for rabbits during the molting period
During the molting period of a rabbit, the risk of intestinal obstruction increases significantly. These animals are considered very clean. They lick themselves all the time. As a result, a large amount of lost hair enters the body.
Molting requires more careful care of the animal. To do this, you should use a special brush or fine comb. To remove excess hair, it is recommended to wet your hands with water and carefully stroke the animal. This should be done from all sides. The fact is that rabbits cannot regurgitate their own fur. That's why it's important to take action. This will help avoid disruption of the digestive system.
Stomach blockage can be suspected by the following symptoms:
- constipation for more than 12 hours;
- loss of appetite;
- depression associated with abdominal pain;
- rounded belly - this symptom is caused by the accumulation of gases;
- smaller stool diameter during bowel movement;
- tight bonding of fecal pellets to each other.
The listed signs indicate the development of intestinal obstruction. To cope with the violation, you should do the following:
- Massage the stomach with light movements - move clockwise;
- water your pet often;
- Give the rabbit 2-3 milliliters of vegetable oil.
When refusing fluids, it is important to administer a glucose solution - 10 cubes each.It is recommended to do this several times a day subcutaneously. To avoid intestinal obstruction during shedding, you should give your pet a special paste. With the help of this substance, it is possible to avoid the appearance of hairballs in the digestive organs. This composition can be purchased at veterinary pharmacies or pet stores.
It is worth considering that during the molting period, hair accumulates in the corners of the cage and interferes with the pet’s breathing. Therefore, it needs to be cleaned every day. It is advisable to use a vacuum cleaner for this. In general, shedding does not cause negative health effects. However, to prevent hair fragility, rapid growth of new hairs and dandruff, it is recommended to give the animal a sulfur-based supplement. 0.01 grams of product per day is enough for a rabbit.
It is worth considering that sulfur must be contained in the pet’s food during seasonal, age-related or pathological molting.
In addition to pharmaceutical products, there are special natural supplements that help avoid the formation of hairballs in the stomach. With the help of fiber, it is possible to normalize the functions of the digestive tract. It is optimal to use fresh and dry leaves and grass. Useful fiber is present in the branches of willow, ash and birch.
Diseases and infections requiring treatment
Sometimes molting is caused by the development of pathologies or infection of the rabbit with parasites. Pathological causes of hair loss include the following:
- Ringworm. Microscopic fungi lead to its development. The pathology is considered highly contagious. Its characteristic symptoms include the appearance of limited areas on the skin that are devoid of hair. In this case, the epithelium becomes covered with red spots and irritation.To treat the pathology, a special vaccine is administered.
- Fleas. Cats and dogs can spread these parasites. When allergic reactions occur, hair loss occurs. There is also a risk of developing a serious pathology – myxomatosis.
- Ticks. Rabbits can suffer from attacks from many different types of mites. They are able to parasitize not only on the surface of the skin, but also under it. Mites can also live in the structure of hair follicles.
- Dermatosis. This pathology is also called skin fungus. It provokes severe itching and hair loss around the ears. For treatment, it is worth using an antifungal ointment, which should be used to treat problem areas.
- Hormonal imbalance. A blood test helps identify the disorder.
- Lack of vitamins. To cope with the problem, vitamin supplements must be introduced into the diet. To maintain the normal condition of fur and skin, rabbits need sulfur and nicotinic acid. They also require vitamins A, E, B12.
Shedding rabbits at an early age is considered normal. It is also possible to change the coat in spring or autumn. In other cases, the presence of various diseases can be suspected. In such a situation, you should definitely consult a veterinarian and take appropriate measures.
