Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Laura Thompson
This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.Do you have doubt about whether a Lionhead rabbit shedding is normal? Is your Lionhead rabbit shedding a lot? On this page, we want to share with you a little bit of information about Lionhead rabbit shedding, as well as provide you with a few tips and tricks which should ensure that rabbit shedding is as hassle-free as possible. Both for you and your rabbit.
Do Lionhead Rabbits Shed?
Yes, Lionhead rabbits shed and rabbit shedding is pretty normal.
Just like all rabbits, Lionheads are going to shed their fur, or molting as it is more commonly known.
Shedding is nature’s way of preparing the animal for seasonal changes.
The reason why rabbits shed is so that they are able to grow a new coat of fur. The shedding process will also help the rabbits to shift its winter coat. After all, your rabbit will need thicker fur during the winter months in order to ensure that they stay nice and warm.
As they head into summer, they will start to lose this thicker fur to ensure that they do not overheat during the warmer months.
Moreover, some of the fur sheds out faster than other areas, so you can get some odd looking rabbits.
There is really not much you can do about it (As long as you don’t notice bald spots or anything!) other than keep working on the coat to get the shedding fur out.
But no worries, shedding should stop pretty soon, depending on when did the bunny started shedding.
Indoor bunnies can shed all year round, outdoor may shed seasonally. Genetics also play a big part. Some rabbits are just genetically unable to hold onto their coats for any significant period of time while others can go forever between coats.
Also while they are shedding make sure to give them extra hay so that the hair wont get stuck in their digestive system. You can also use papaya (dried, tablets, or raw) or pumpkin to help with getting rid of all the hair in their systems.
What Can Help Lionhead Rabbit’s Shedding
To reduce the shedding, use only the lowest protein food needed. Most pet stores sell food in the 17 – 18% range which is more than the average rabbit needs.
A low protein food will drastically reduce the molting for a rabbit that always seems to shed. If you cannot find a low protein food, cut the amount of the food you give to your rabbit now, and feed with grass hay.
If you are not already brushing your rabbit I would suggest to start brushing it. Brushing the rabbit takes out all the hair that is ready to fall out. This is the only thing you can do to stop finding hair around your home.
When your Lionhead rabbits are shedding, it is vital that you groom them. This will serve multiple purposes:
- It will stop you finding hair around the home.
- Your rabbit will not get caught on furniture and other items, which could cause pain.
- Your rabbit is less-likely to ingest a fur-ball, which could actually cause death (albeit rarely).
You can also wet your hands and run it through their fur, your hands get all hairy but it takes a lot of hair out.
A grooming session once every week or two should be enough to keep them in top condition, though during shedding season you might have to brush your rabbit up to a few times a day.
I groom my Lionhead rabbit a lot and vacuum every other day. Because he is inside and there’s no wind blowing away the extra fur it’s important to keep it under control as much as possible.
They can’t cough up durables like cats, so if your bunny is sneezing a lot, or it has fur connecting his/her poop it’s a sign to do more about it. It takes a lot of effort but it’s worth it .
Lionheads May Not Want To Be Held When Shedding
It is worth noting that when your Lionheads are shedding, it is unlikely that they will want to be held. They tend to get a little bit feisty. This is because their skin is going to be incredibly sensitive. The best thing you can do when a rabbit is shedding is to not touch them.
The only time that you should be touching them is if you are grooming them with a soft brush (they love this!). This does mean a week or two without cuddling up to your rabbit, but we are sure that this is going to be fine for you.
Related articles:
– Best Lionhead Rabbit Brush For Shedding
– Lionhead Rabbit Grooming
Laura is an experienced wildlife rehabilitator and conservationist residing in Madison, Wisconsin. Her love for rabbits was sparked during her early career when she nursed an injured wild rabbit back to health. Today, she runs “Hoppy Haven”, a rehabilitation center dedicated to the care and release of injured wild rabbits.