How to Prevent Maggots in Rabbits

A rabbit left with wet or soiled fur can attract flies. The flies lay their eggs in the moist areas and, when the eggs hatch, your rabbit is infested with maggots that will eat at the rabbit's flesh. The problem, known as fly strike, is quite painful to your pet and will kill your rabbit if not treated as soon as possible. Although scary and disgusting, it is not difficult to prevent fly strike and keep your rabbit maggot free.

Things You'll Need

  • Tissues
  • Corn starch
  • Scissors
  • Mild detergent
  • Hay
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your rabbit dry. Do not bathe your bunny. If your rabbit is soiled from diarrhea, clean away as much of the mess with a dry tissue. To get the rest, work corn starch into the rabbit's fur and down to the skin. The corn starch will absorb the moisture from the poop and then can be pulled or trimmed out of the fur with scissors. Corn starch also dries urine-soaked fur.

    • 2

      Trim the rabbit's fur around its hind end. Flies are attracted to the smell and moisture of the waste that sticks to the rabbit's fur. By trimming away the fur around your rabbit's bottom, the mess won't stick to the fur and the skin will dry faster if soiled. This also makes it easier to clean the rabbit's rear.

    • 3

      Scrub the rabbit's cage and wash any bedding your rabbit uses. Use a mild detergent and hot water to wash away any lingering larvae. Cleaning the cage thoroughly at least once a week also reduces the smells that attract flies to your rabbit. Any bedding your rabbit has soiled should be changed each day.

    • 4

      Move your rabbit indoors. Rabbits living outside have more chance of meeting flies. Housing your rabbit inside not only keeps it healthier, but lets you interact with the rabbit more. Keep your windows and doors shut or screened so flies can't enter the house easily.

    • 5

      Feed your rabbit properly. Most diarrhea or soft stools in rabbits is caused by giving the rabbit too much food or the wrong kind of food. Limit the amount of greens you give your rabbit and avoid feeding it fruit. Encourage your rabbit to eat plenty of hay. Feed your rabbit only a quarter to half cup of pellets a day depending on its size.