Rabbits have a low ratio of skeletal mass to muscle mass, and their strong hind legs can exert enough pressure on the spine to cause fractures, if mishandled. Rabbits experience a molting process once a year, where they shed their coats and grow a new one. Usually this is a trouble-free process which begins over the back and progresses towards the rump and down the sides. At the same time the hair on the feet, face and ears is shed. The molt continues down to the underside and tail, finishing on the chest.
Regular grooming is essential to free the coat of dead hairs and expedite the molting process.
A soft brush or bare hands may be used. The rabbit's coat may be kept clean with a little talcum powder or corn flour rubbed into the coat well and then vigorously brushed out. With proper care and management, your pet rabbit will live a long and healthy life, providing years of companionship to you. For further information about rabbits, contact the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc., P.O. Box 426, Bloomington, IL 61702.