The Bunny Basics

moglig · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 22 Location: Tempe, AZ

I don't hear or read much about it, but apparently bunnies' genital scent gland area (pouch areas on both sides of genitals) needs to be cleaned regularly. I've noticed that this area can get pretty gross and I loath taking care of the problem. How do you guys deal with it? I usually use a q-tip and hydrogen peroxide, but I never do a good job because I get so grossed out by the whole thing. Do that area get as gross on your guy's bunnies too, or should I be asking a vet about this?

TheBunnyBasics · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 10:03 pm Post subject:

Cleaning of the scent glands is not something anyone looks forward to but it does need to be done. You can usually clean the glands each time you trim your bunny's nails, about every 6-8 weeks. A Q-tip with warm water usually works best. It can be a very smelly, unpleasant task but should be done on a regular basis.

timetowaste · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 53 Location: scottsdale, arizona

Just as a helpful hint, I'd recommend using a warm wet qtip, and possibly if your bunny does not like being on its back, using the Bunny Burrito technique, where you wrap the bunny in a towel so that their head is sticking out one end and their tush out the other end. You might need 2 people for this, one to hold bunny and the other to gently wipe out the scent glands, but it might make things easier for you!

Tr

moglig · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 22 Location: Tempe, AZ

Thanks! Warm water sounds like a much better idea than the hydrogen peroxide.