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Topic: Rabbit Care and Grooming
I've had several inquiries about how to make the bunny coats, so I've made a tutorial for those that are interested.
First, cut the sleeve off of a large sized sweatshirt.
Then, cut two holes in it near the seam, a couple of inches down from the wrist band.
Last, you'll probably want to cut a straight line down the wristband, just past where the wristband is sewn onto the sleeve. That way, the rabbit won't feel constricted around the neck.
After shearing, you need to get the rabbit into the coat. It's easier said that done, because they really don't want to go in. I've found the by rolling up the back part of the coat allows you to get their front legs into the armholes easier, and their head follows through then.
As you can see, the coat allows for easy movement for the rabbit, but keeps them warm.
Right now, with the temps being down into the teens at night, they really need the coat when they are shorn. Once it gets up to over 40 degrees F at night, then it can come off. I generally keep the coat on until they have 1/2" of fur, which should be about 2 weeks if you've shorn them down the to skin. Given the anticipated temps later this week, I might be able to take the coat off of him within a week.
A word of warning; some rabbits don't mind the coats. Other rabbits hate the coats and will do anything to get out of them. I've had rabbits chew their way out of a coat overnight after a late shearing, and I'll find the coat in a corner of the cage (usually peed upon so that tells you something!) and the rabbits cold but happier. If your rabbit decides it doesn't want to wear a coat, just make sure you give it some straw or hay for them to bed down into when it's colder.
Posted by baycolonyfarm
at 11:33 AM EST
incredulous
