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My dutch rabbit has lately started losing alot of hair.

22 10:36:12

Question
My young dutch rabbit has just started losing a lot of hair.
I went out to see her last night and i notice a huge big piece of hair and i cant see where she lost it.I went out to see her this morning and i noticed more of this hair everywhere in her hutch.She also has a large amount of hair/fat under her head around her chest.But she isn't fat its just around her chest area.Is this normal..?!Please answer this question!

Answer
Dear Bernadette,

Your bunny has probably reached sexual maturity, and has pulled her fur to make a nest due to a false pregnancy.  This means it's time for her to be spayed.  Please read:

www.rabbit.org/health/spay.html

The fatty tissue under her chin and in front of her forelegs is her dewlap, which is common in females of many breeds (and a few males).  It's normal, and nothing to worry about as long as the skin is soft, pliable and has no hard masses.

Once your bunny is spayed, she will be easy to litterbox train and bring inside where she belongs:  with the family.  Rabbits (and especially Dutch rabbits!) are highly intelligent, social, interactive, and as fun to have as a member of the family as a dog or cat (even moreso, in my opinion and that of many other bunny lovers!).  You're missing a lot by keeping her outside where she's lonely and probably bored by being alone.  

Please go to:

http://www.rabbit.org/care/new-bunny-index.html

for great information on how to make your bunny into an indoor member of the family, so you can better monitor her health and behavior, and enjoy her wonderful personality on a daily basis.

Happy New Year!

Dana