Hi everyone! I'm new here, but not new to owning little buns.
I recently adopted a new friend - she doesn't even have a name yet (her previous owners didn't give her one). She is a long hair breed, lop ear - I am guessing some kind of fuzzy lop. She is unfortunately overweight due to being fed exclusively alfalfa hay, low quality (high protein) pellets and the occasional carrot. (BELIEVE ME she is going to be on a better diet now)
Tonight when she finally moved in, I gave her a good feel and she has some serious matting. Her nails are also very long. She actually seems to have torn a nail because one is shorter and the fur appears to have blood in it (not red, dried). She is very sweet and allowed me to feel some of the mats to the point of being able to snip some out (*I am a dog and cat groomer; not with rabbits, but I have groomed my own in the past) but I didn't want to do too much on our first night together! I can hear her munching on some spinach leaves now, so I think she's ok.
So this is my dilemma: my last rabbit was a mini rex, so his grooming needs were not very many. I have the tools to groom this little bun, but I am cautious. I would like to have some advice from others; I am willing to go to a vet to do this, of course - but if I can do it myself, I think it could be a great bonding experience. She can't be very comfortable how she is now!!
_bee
I recently adopted a new friend - she doesn't even have a name yet (her previous owners didn't give her one). She is a long hair breed, lop ear - I am guessing some kind of fuzzy lop. She is unfortunately overweight due to being fed exclusively alfalfa hay, low quality (high protein) pellets and the occasional carrot. (BELIEVE ME she is going to be on a better diet now)
Tonight when she finally moved in, I gave her a good feel and she has some serious matting. Her nails are also very long. She actually seems to have torn a nail because one is shorter and the fur appears to have blood in it (not red, dried). She is very sweet and allowed me to feel some of the mats to the point of being able to snip some out (*I am a dog and cat groomer; not with rabbits, but I have groomed my own in the past) but I didn't want to do too much on our first night together! I can hear her munching on some spinach leaves now, so I think she's ok.
So this is my dilemma: my last rabbit was a mini rex, so his grooming needs were not very many. I have the tools to groom this little bun, but I am cautious. I would like to have some advice from others; I am willing to go to a vet to do this, of course - but if I can do it myself, I think it could be a great bonding experience. She can't be very comfortable how she is now!!
_bee