Swimming Rabbits

[Karen]

From reading the House Rabbit Society it says to not give bunny a bath because it often stresses them out and it makes them cold. However if bunny likes a bath and it's nice and warm outside (no cold drafts) I see no reason not to.

Hee hee - other than the "look of death" one gets from certain bunnies - we've only had to give Miss Hoppy a couple baths in her lifetime, which took both humans - one to hold her in the water and keep her from escaping, the other to apply the shampoo, and I'll tell you - if looks could kill, I'd have been a smouldering pile of ash the minute she was out of the water.

[caseysmom]

This thread caught my eye, I just can't imagine any bunny enjoying the water. I can't believe you gave miss hoppy a bath Karen, she must have a better temperment than my nephew bunny truffles, I think I would be a blood stump if I tried that with him

[Blue Dragonfly]

Usually they do not like swimming. The only time i ever put my rabbits in water is if they get dirty and just put a tiny of warm water in the bottom of the bath tub. Also if it is a really hot day, i usually spray them down with a little water from a hose, or occasionally i will let them swim with me in a little pool we put up in the summer. I watch them like a hawk, and do it one at a time. i also keep my hands under them as they swim. Bunnikins use to be so good at it. she would just float (I dont know how she did it) and then would swim with rythmic strokes. she would swim to me and jump on my shoulder. She was amazing. the other rabbits just panic and start splashing and sinking in the water. our pool was only small, about 60 cm deep. just above my knees. If you try it, only do it when it is very hot and only leave them in for a very short time, as they can get cold a lot quicker than us. if they dont like it, dont do it again. Careful, cause if they dont like it, they will panic, and when you try to get them, they will scratch your arms off. also dont put them in pools with chlorine or chemicals, because the with drink some of the water when they are cleaning themselves off. also they will leave fur behind in the pool. lol.