i think my bunny has problems

Question
why does my bunny {breed mini Rex} has poop stuck to his tail and also urine and can i fix this disaster.

Answer
Hi Isaac

Is your rabbit in a wire cage?  Or in a cage that requires bedding?  If it is a wire cage is he always using the same spot to go to the bathroom and is there any poop build up in that area?  If it is a cage that requires bedding the same question, does he always go potty in the same spot?  Sometimes when they constantly go potty in the same spot they are sitting in their own urine and poo when they go to the bathroom.  Even if you clean the cage every day they still go to the bathroom several times a day.  

Is your bunny showing any signs of sickness?  How old is he?  Is it possible that he could have arthritis and can't clean his butt?  Is there any sign of urine scald?  This would be where the fur is actually burned away.

I really need a bit more information in order to help you out here.

For now I will tell you what to do.  I know this sounds gross but as a bunny owner its part of our job.  Take your rabbit and hold him gently on his back.  Hopefully you have a calm passive bunny.  Sit down on the floor and gently start picking the poop off.  If it is crusted on then use unscented baby wipes and get it softened up.  Don't pull on it or you will risk ripping his skin.  This is literally one of the worse jobs a bunny owner has to do.  There is nothing like cleaning poopy butt.  Unfortunately if you don't get it off he won't be able to get to his cecotropes and the build up will just get worse.  If it is completely horrible you might have to give him a butt bath.  For information on butt baths please read Ms. Krempels article:

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

Your rabbit may very well have a medical problem that is causing him not to keep himself clean.  He might need to see a veterinarian.  Please get back to me with his living conditions and cage conditions and I will see what I can do to help you.

Thank you

Pam