Cleaning dry poop

Question
Hi

My rabbit's bottom is a mess with a large, dry poop stuck to her bum! How do I clean her and dissolve the poop? I have tried to cut some fur away but close to the genitals it gets really tricky, so I prefer to wash it off.

She eats vegetables (hay, andijve, carrots, parsley and apples) and eat some rabbit food, as well. Why is her poop sticking to her bum? I am not sure how old she is...perhaps 3 or four (rescue rabbit). She lives outdoor 24/7 and roams around freely. She is not overweight and can easily reach that area.

Hope you can help as she really needs a good clean...and hates to be handled!

Sincerly,
Birgitte
A Dane in the Netherlands

Answer
There's a way to do this with cornstarch, you can find the technique at http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/buttbath.html  I have tried trimming and cornstarch both, and the cornstarch method seems to be less stressful for the bunny.

You might cut her back on the sugary vegetables (carrots) and also on the apples, so that she has a little piece every day or even once a week, and see if that helps.  Sometimes this happens because their stomach gets upset, and generally requires a diet change.

Good luck!

Kim