Last Updated on June 3, 2022
Rabbits can have a poopy butt. And when this happens, you need to clean it in the right way. For that reason, you should know how to clean rabbit poop.
In this article, we are going to discuss the basic information about cleaning rabbit poop in two different ways, the causes of having a poopy butt and the ideas to prevent this kind of situation in the future.
Get the information first.
Methods of Cleaning Rabbit Poop
To know how you should clean the rabbit poop, you need to know both the process of cleaning dry and wet poopy butt. There are two processes you should learn. Check out the methods step-by-step.
Method 1: Dry Cleaning
To learn the dry cleaning process, you need to know what things you want and check the steps as well. See the first method below.
Things You Need:
- Antibacterial Hand Soap: You will need an antibacterial soap for your hands as these will be in direct contact with the feces of your rabbits.
- Unscented Baby Cornstarch Powder: we recommend you to use a plain food-grade cornstarch powder and avoid any powder that has talc. It will be harmful to the rabbit skin. For example, you can use Johnson’s powder or Burt’s Bees Wax as well.
- Fine Toothed Comb: To comb their fur.
Step 1: Place The Bunny
Put your rabbit on its back. In this way, it will be easier to hold. Also, they will feel comfortable and relaxed and you can have easy access to that area to clean up.
Step 2: Take Some Time to Make The Bunny Feel Comfortable
You must be patient and take some minutes to put your rabbit in an easy position. To make them feel comfortable, you can rub their belly for 1-2 minutes. This can be helpful for several cases.
Step 3: Apply Cornstarch
You need to apply the cornstarch to that area first. Make sure the powder you are using doesn’t contain talc. When the powder comes in contact with the poop, it will loosen and become easier to remove. Apply powder to the places where it needs to remove poop and harder pieces. That is how it will be loosened and you can pull it out easily.
Step 4: Use Comb
Now, you need to use a comb through the fur to remove the debris. Make sure you do it gently as the skin of your bunny is extremely fragile and sensitive. Comb and fur and avoid pulling hard otherwise, it can affect the skin and it can even tear it.
Step 5: Rubbing
After that, you should rub the remaining powder and pat it out of the fur of your bunny. That is how you can do the dry cleaning of your bunny’s poop.
Method 2: Wet Cleaning
When the poop is wet and you need to clean it differently. Check what you can do.
Things You Need:
- Bunny-safe pet shampoo: It should be organic and with no additives. It should not contain any insect-killing elements. Make sure you avoid using human or dog shampoo. The reason is both shampoos have chemicals that can be tough for their skin. It can irritate.
- Warm water: You need warm water to rinse and wash the areas.
- A Shallow Sink
- Blow dryer: This is optional
- Towels
Step 1: Make The Arrangements
First, you need to fill the sink by pouring 2-3 inches of lukewarm water. You should keep the temperature in mind and make it as neutral as possible. As the skin of your bunny is sensitive, you have to be careful about it.
Step 2: Make The Mixture
Now, add a tablespoon of shampoo to the water. Mix it with the water properly. This is how the mixture will be ready.
Step 3: Cleaning
At this point, the cleaning process is started. You need to hold your rabbit gently. Otherwise, your rabbit may jump and it will be tough for you. That is why you should hold them firmly then put them on their back to start cleaning with water.
After that, you need to wash the area by using warm water. Rinse the area properly with fresh water. Make sure no shampoo residue remains. Remove the debris then rinse the fur again thoroughly to remove everything properly.
Step 4: Drying
Use a towel to dry the area well. Ensure that you dry their back. You can also use a blow dryer at a warm temperature and low speed. We recommend you to try on your hand first then on your rabbit. Make sure it doesn’t burn the rabbit skin. This is how it should be done.
Causes of Poopy Butt in Rabbit
The main cause of having a poopy butt occurs because of an unusual diet of rabbits. You should feed your bunny more pellets and hay and fewer vegetables, it can make a lot of poop. That is how the poop will clear up. But if this doesn’t work, you need to go to your vet and check them up.
Poopy butt occurs when a rabbit’s poop gets solid and then gets liquidy. It sticks to the rabbit’s fur around the bottom and the tail. Rabbits generally have soft poop that is called cecals. These are normal kinds of poop and different from the poopy butt.
Also learn: How To Clean Rabbit Cage
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Prevent Poopy Butt in The Future?
When you get the information about how to clean poopy butt, you have to make sure it doesn’t come back. For that reason, you must know how to stop rabbit pooping everywhere.
You should know that having a poopy butt is a symptom of mechanical or digestive issues in your bunny. You need to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. To avoid that, we recommend you maintain a good diet for your rabbit. It keeps their stomach healthy and it can solve the poopy butt problem.
1. Should I clean up rabbit poop?
Yes, you should clean rabbit poop. Otherwise, they will be dirty and it will be unhygienic for their health.
2. How often do you clean rabbit poop?
You should clean rabbit poop once a week. It keeps your bunny clean and hygienic.
3. How do you get rabbit poop out of bedding?
If the bedding gets rabbit poop or poop stain, you should remove it by soaking it with vinegar for 10-20 minutes. It is the easiest and most effective way to clean the bedding.
How To Clean up Rabbit Poop in Yard
Wrap Up
As you know all about How to clean rabbit poop, you can apply the methods to properly clean the area of your bunny. We have also shared with you the causes of having a poopy butt and how you can deal with it.
Check the details in this article and other articles about rabbits from our site to know everything about it. Apply these properly and ensure your rabbit’s sound health.
