rabbits

[.daydreamer.]

i have 2 rabbits and they are both around 8 months old. they keep on scratching and biting and have evident scratches up my arms. i am starting to worry that people will think ive been self harming. also, they seem to try to have sex with one another, even though they are both girls. can anyone give me any advice? thanks

[Upforit]

I am no expert, so use some intuition as to my advice. I kept rabbits for many years, as a boy and for my children. I have some knowledge gleaned from professionals that has stood me in good stead. Seek advice from a veterinary surgeon. The scratching, if it is only you may merely be an allergy. If the rabbits are scratching, it could be from several causes. It is possibly, but not exclusively ticks, mites or fleas of some description. It could also be a canker (it is spelled correctly- canker) Check inside their ears- if there are crusted deposits, it may well be a canker. Veterinary advice is essential. Please do not misunderstand my following statement, but cleanliness is essential. Cleaning of their hutch at least once a week, better once a day is advised. Use a disinfectant made for animals is also a good idea, although thorough cleaning with copious amounts of very hot water will suffice. Please, I refer to their housing, not the rabbits themselves! Replace their bedding with straw or hay from a reliable source. I used shredded waste paper for many years, but be aware that certain inks, and the paper itself may contain harmful chemicals.
As to their sexual activity, humans, contrary to popular belief are not exclusively capable of this sort of activity. Most mammals, when forced to have contact only with their own sex will often, but not always resort to this behaviour. It is the reproductive instinct in animals that causes this unconscious act. They merely recognise another member of their species, and are not aware of the differences that would prevent reproduction.
I advise, if money is a limiting factor to look here- http://www.pdsa.org.uk/index.html. I hope I have been of some assistance to you and you wonderful companions. I would appreciate a response as to how things are going for you and your friends. I care deeply for the other lives with which we share our world.