Questions about Mini Rex and Harlequin Rabbits

Question
Hello, my name is Jenna and I just bought a Mini Rex from the pet store along with a Harlequin rabbit. They both are getting along great. I have done a little bit of research and I was wondering, how do you give them a bath? The one had a lot of pooh in its fur and I just want to make sure that they stay clean and healthy. Could you tell me what type of Mini Rex I have based on fur color? It is primarily white with spots of tan and gray, the ears and around the eyes are all tan and gray. Plus could you send me some tips on taking care of my Mini Rex and any info you might have on the Harlequin (they are both really cute!!!!).


Jenna
dm_jenjen@yahoo.com
dm_jenjen@sbcglobal.net


Answer
The best way to give a rabbit a cleaning is to use a bathless shampoo. However, if there is poop stuck to the fur, that area will need to be bathed and cleaned. Use a shampoo specifically for rabbits, or if you cannot find that, kitten shampoo will work. Fill your sink or tub with a few inches of warm (not hot) water, and place the rabbit in. shampoo the areas that are dirty, and get all the the crusted stuff off. The rabbit will probably scramble to try to get out, but gentle keep it in. Once you are done, dry it as well as possible. The drier the better, as you don't want the rabbit getting a chill. Keep the rabbit in a warm area until it is fully dry.

It sounds like your mini rex may be what is called a broken opal. Broken is the pattern, and it means spotted.

This image http://rabbits.mythicaldanes.com/images/minirex/opal_WbabyBIG.jpg shows a broken opal mother with a blue and fawn tricolour baby. Blue and fawn could also fit your description.

The harlequin I have a feeling may not be the breed harlequin, which is fairly rare. It may be another breed with harlequin colour. Harlequin colour babies appear all the time in litters of tricolours. Tricolours are just the spotted version of the harlequin colour. Does your harlequin have the same kind of fur as your mini rex? If so, they are probably siblings and you probably have a tricolour and a harlequin.