Ms. Cleo

Question
We have a bunny that was outdoors but we have brought her inside due to heat.  She is eating but is pulling out her fur and eating it!
Has several bald spots now...  Can you tell us why she would do this?

Answer
Dear Sheila,

Are you sure she's actually *eating* the fur?  If she's not spayed, she may be having a false pregnancy and pulling out fur to line a nest.  If this is the case, then you might find a cute little nest under the sofa or a chair somewhere.  :)

If she's doing this, it's time for her to be spayed to prevent cancer and mammary problems:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/spay.html

If you don't already have a good vet for your bunny, find one here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

If the skin under the bald spots look raw or irritated, she might be pulling due to itching from mites or fleas.  For more information on how to determine whether this is the problem (and how to treat it with the help of your bunny vet), please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/furloss.html

Hope that helps!
Dana