toiletry problems with my two rabbits

Question
A year and a half ago I rescued two, one wk old bunnies. I bottle fed them successfully, and now they are two fairly large, female lionhead bunnies, who I absolutely adore. The problem is, I am having to bath them anything up to two-three times a week, because they constantly coat their underneath in mucky droppings. I have consulted a reputable vet, who has suggesting ideas regarding dietary habits and such, but nothing seems to work. One of the bunnies (Beanie), is exceptionably hairy underneath and I have tried to trim her coat a little to help with her comfort, but this still does not seem to help. And although they were both hand reared by myself, I find 'Beanie' very aggressive towards me, but 'Chunk' on the other hand enjoys to bath my hands. Also, they stay out in their hutch during most days, and come into a cage in the house at night time. Beanie, was difficult to hand rear, and we nearly lost her a couple of times. Could this be the reason for her aggression now? and if so, then how can I alter this nasty habit?. the main query that I have though, is that I have been told by friends that, my bunnies are messy because they come into the house at night. I cant see the how that can be, so, is that a possibility?. And finally, do you have any ideas about how I can clear their 'messy' dilemma up. I really am concerned about them, as I worry that they are extremely uncomfortable. I would really appreciate any advice which you could offer me, and I'm sure Beanie, and Chunk would too.

Answer
Dear Debbie,

Congratulations on successfully raising the babies!

To reduce/stop aggression, both girls must be spayed.  This will also remove their very high risk of uterine cancer.  Please read:

www.rabbit.org/health/spay.html

You can find an experienced rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

who will do more than just tell you to change their diet.  For one thing, Lionheads are notorious for dental problems, and those (such as molar spurs) can cause the type of pain/stress that results in GI slowdown and mushy poop that sticks to the bottom.  Please read:

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

and

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

Since diet is a common cause of mushy poop, check here:

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

In the meantime, I would try to shave the fur around their vets as short as possible, and comb any stuck poop out with the dry bath method described here:

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

I hope this helps you on the road to clean, fragrant bunnies with happy teeth and happy tummies.  :)

Dana