We seem to have a rather small problem lately. Actually, a rather large one with a very small creator. Some of our rabbits have contracted fur mites. We are treating them and have them separated from the rest of the herd, but it is still a setback to any rabbitry. I suspect the mites were hiding in the hay which was fed to our rabbits.

The three rabbits who are affected are in separate hutches from the rest and are each receiving individual attention for it. We are using almond oil with thyme essential oil added(approximately four drops/ounce) rubbed into the rabbits' fur and combing apple cider vinegar into their fur as well. One of them has had this problem previously. I believe he became reinfested from eggs the previous infestation laid on his skin, so we are being even more aggressive this time. We want no eggs left behind. Should the more natural remedies not work, which we have no reason to believe they won't as they have in the past, we will have no recourse but to take the rabbits to the veterinarian for a chemical treatment. Rabbits are delicate, so we would rather avoid chemicals if at all possible.

One of the infested rabbits is also injured. It is, I believe, his back. He seems to be recovering, however. If he were not, the only humane thing to do would be to have him euthanized. Obviously, we are saving this as a last resort, but we don't intend to breed him again. He just seems to have too many problems. We are currently looking for a Silver Fox buck to breed with our does, approximately six months to eight months of age to replace him. Our current buck will be retired from this point on. He will not be eaten.