Molting

Question
We have two 5-year-old Dwarf Himalayan males.  They are completely outdoor bunnies, and live in a large hutch, divided for two.  They each have a wooden house inside the hutch to protect them from the elements.  About 2 weeks ago I noticed the larger bunny was starting to loose fur.  At first it just looked like mild shedding, but when I pet him it would come out in large clumps.  At that time my mother said they did it ever year, and that we shouldn't pull out the clumps because they use it for their houses.  Today when I went out to feed and water them, he looked horrible.  Hair all over the place, and he's lost a lot more fur.  I know molting is normal for bunnies, but what I want to know if whether or not we should be helping the process along.  Should we brush him to remove the excess hair?  Pull out the clumps?  Please help!  Thank you,

-Audrey S.

P.S. The other bunny is not molting at all.

Answer
Dear Audrey,

Please read this for a complete overview of the various causes and treatments of abnormal fur loss in rabbits, and what you can do:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/furloss.html

If a vet visit is warranted, you can find a good vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope this helps.

Dana