euxiomoniia
New Kit
Hi, I'm a new rabbit owner desperately looking for some advice. for a quick background I rescued my rabbit (Dobby,2yrs Angora) from my aunt's friend who was 'looking after' him for her daughter. I use that term loosely as he was severely neglected and wasn't in great condition. Due to the faeces stuck in his fur, thick matting and long hair and giant bald patch behind his head, he went to the vet as soon as he settled in, and got clipped although, only his neck and butt was targeted since it was most critical.
I currently study animal nursing and work in a wildlife hospital so I know how important animal husbandry is especially when it comes to my own pets. the only issue is that I stress majorly about my animals, in particular him since his matting is beyond my comprehension. After doing lots of research and spending hours cutting away at his fur I'm still struggling to deal with it, especially since he hates me touching anywhere but his head.
Which leads me to now, a large majority of him has been cut however, I'm struggling with trimming his belly area, front paws and tail area. I've tried all suggested techniques but he wont let me touch those areas at all, he gets somewhat aggressive and moves a lot. I don't have anyone else that can help me and I can't afford to take him to the vets again. (I'm only 20, working 2 jobs and studying.)
I know it may seem irresponsible or selfish for me to keep him because of how high maintenance Angoras are but I'm determined to give him a home he deserves and I know that I'm his best option right now. I've definitely had my doubts I wont lie, thinking maybe I'm not cut out for this but I've also put a lot of money so far into giving him everything he could want and need, that simply giving him up would be a lot of money (that I can't earn back) lost.
Anyway after this long ramble (I'm sorry) I just really need some tips or anything that could help me with this issue as I'm at a loss now, grooming being the only problem.
I currently study animal nursing and work in a wildlife hospital so I know how important animal husbandry is especially when it comes to my own pets. the only issue is that I stress majorly about my animals, in particular him since his matting is beyond my comprehension. After doing lots of research and spending hours cutting away at his fur I'm still struggling to deal with it, especially since he hates me touching anywhere but his head.
Which leads me to now, a large majority of him has been cut however, I'm struggling with trimming his belly area, front paws and tail area. I've tried all suggested techniques but he wont let me touch those areas at all, he gets somewhat aggressive and moves a lot. I don't have anyone else that can help me and I can't afford to take him to the vets again. (I'm only 20, working 2 jobs and studying.)
I know it may seem irresponsible or selfish for me to keep him because of how high maintenance Angoras are but I'm determined to give him a home he deserves and I know that I'm his best option right now. I've definitely had my doubts I wont lie, thinking maybe I'm not cut out for this but I've also put a lot of money so far into giving him everything he could want and need, that simply giving him up would be a lot of money (that I can't earn back) lost.
Anyway after this long ramble (I'm sorry) I just really need some tips or anything that could help me with this issue as I'm at a loss now, grooming being the only problem.