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wet fur, matting problem

Alice's mum

Warren Scout
Hi everyone, hope someone here can make a suggestion for me.

I have four rabbits that live outside. 3 are fine but George my lop earred rabbit is having problems with the wet weather we are having. His hutch is very dry and cleaned regularly but when he goes outside in the run and his fur on his feet and bottom gets wet it seems to get all matted and stay wet for ages. This does not happen to the other 3. He is not overweight but seems to have an odd shaped body with almost a 'skirt' round his bottom and it is this roll of fur that seems to get wet. I've brought him inside to dry him off and comb the fur but he seems to be staying damp around this area and I'm worried the damp skin will get infected. If I bring him indoors too long I won't be able to put him back outdoors.
Apart from bringing him inside permanently does anyone have any other suggestions?

I'd like to just add that he is not suffering from sticky bottom - there is no poo or wee. He just has weird wispy fur that when it gets wet it gets matted.

Thank you.
 
Both my lops have 'skirts' and have been having this problem too. Brushing them with a wire bristled cat brush has really helped, but now they're moulting the loose fur is getting matted in there too. So I've decided to trim them down. I'm just using scissors now but I think I want to buy some clippers. You just have to be really careful as the skin is very loose there. I once did cut Smoo's skin and I was so distraught. We had to take a trip to the emergency vets, luckily it was superficial, but just be careful. :wave:
 
Thank you both.
I've cut the fur shorter but I think I may have to resort the clipping the area. I'm interested to hear that other people have this issue with their rabbits. Lucky George is not a wriggly bunny like his other half Alice :)
Happy Christmas!
 
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