How to Prevent and Treat Fur-Pulling Syndrome in Long-Haired Rabbits

1 Preventing Follicle Damage

Before plucking, disinfect both the rabbit and all harvesting tools.

The day before plucking, give each rabbit 2 dexamethasone tablets to dilate the hair follicles and make plucking easier.

For rabbits that develop dermatophytosis (ringworm) after plucking, mix one griseofulvin tablet into the daily feed for about 25 consecutive days. For rabbits infected with mange mites (scabies), inject ivermectin subcutaneously at 0.2 ml per kg of body weight, and repeat the injection one week later.

2 Improving Wool-Harvesting Technique

Groom regularly: comb the coat about every 10 days to improve circulation, strengthen the skin’s resistance, and prevent mites and lice. Regular grooming also loosens the wool and keeps it from matting, improving its overall quality.

Supplement concentrated feed before harvesting: nutrition drives wool growth. In the 1–2 weeks before harvesting, add appropriate concentrated feed to speed up wool production and improve its sheen, quality, and yield.

Harvest on schedule: when the coat grows dense and long, harvest promptly—otherwise the skin’s breathability drops and circulation is impaired. In autumn and winter, delayed harvesting invites mite and lice infestations; in hot weather it leads to skin disease. Perform the first harvest at around 3 months of age, then every 75 days. Adults are also harvested about every 75 days, but every 80 days in winter, every 40–45 days in summer, and every 30–40 days during the spring and autumn molting periods to maximize yield.

Use the correct method: for the first harvest, clip the wool; switch to plucking from the second harvest onward.

Post-harvest care: keep the rabbit warm to avoid chills that can progress to pneumonia. After plucking, wipe the body with 75% alcohol mixed with a little ginger juice to prevent skin infection and promote regrowth.