mamma and babies have fleas!

Question
I have a rabbit who just had babies on 10/12 and she and the babies have fleas.  They are indoors; however the flea problem is really bad in Tennessee this year and this is the first tmie we have ever had the problem.  Anyway, I don't know what, if anything, is safe to use with a mother who is nursing and with babies so young.  I feel so bad because I think they are miserable. Can you help?  Thank you in advance!

Answer
Hi Jaime,

flea combs can help get any fleas or eggs off rabbits.  Don't be too hard with it or if they really can't handle it(are too freaked out by it).  The kits may be small enough you can use a VERY LIGHTLY damp soft cotton cloth and get them off of them that way.  

To get rid of them, there really are two ways that can work.  One is to have the vet give them a shot of Ivermectin at the proper doses for their size.  

The second way would be to get KITTEN strength (NOT CAT or DOG strength) flea powder and sprinkle over them. DO not use on the face/eyes.  Shield their heads with one of your hands when sprinkling.  They may need a second dose a week or two later.  Just don't overdo it, especially on the younger ones.  The vet could probably do this for you as well, or do the first time and show you how to do it for the second time.  Once they are clean and powdered do not put them back into an uncleaned/unsterilized nestbox or housing.

You will also need to totally clean all their bedding in hot soapy water (hot soapy water destroys eggs).  the cages/housing will need to be hit with a hot bleach solution and a good rinse.  All the litterpans need hot soapy water.  Throw out partial used litter.  The nestbox will have to be replaced with a new one that has clean material in it.  You can use soft cotton towels or tshirts and make a "well" out of it that the babies can be snug together in.

Never get flea collars for obvious reasons.  

Lee