Why is my rabbit shedding in clumps?

Question
My mini rex rabbit is shedding in huge clumps.  I am only have him for a few months but I have never seen anything like it.  He looks like he is losing all his hair but new hiar is growing back.  He just looks ridiculous.  

Answer
Hi Molly

It is molting season.  Most rabbits molt up to 3 times a year.  They don't shed a winter coat as people might think but they do molt and grow new fur up to 3 times a year.  Some never do it, some do it more and some less.  

The best thing to do is to dampen your hands and rub them along the rabbit.  This will aide in the shedding process.  It can take up to a few months but if his hair is growing back and he doesn't have bald patches then I assure you he will be ok.  

Molting is very stressful for rabbits also.  They groom constantly so please make sure your rabbit is receiving Papaya and pineapple.  This will help the hair to digest.  Since they can't throw up like cats if they get a furball impaction they are in serious trouble.  Honestly it is not a bad idea to give your rabbit both of these on a regular basis.  Mine get a Papaya pill twice a week and fresh pineapple once or twice a week, but during their molt I almost give it to them daily.

Good luck Molly and I hope your bunny gets over his 'bad hare days' soon.

Sincerely,

Pam