Bugs in rabbit hay is this right?

Question

We have had a rabbit for 8 days now she was about 10 weeks old when we got her. She is my 10year olds rabbit but all ready she is one of the family. Two days after we got her we noticed a tiny spot on both her eye lids. We had an appointment with the vet for a check up the next day so we weren’t too concerned. The vet was a little unsure what it was and suggested it could be a insect bite and he gave up antibiotic cream. She had a couple more spots the next day but now they seem to be settled. They don’t seem to be getting better but they not getting any worse. We have a check up again in 10 days time.

Now yesterday my daughter found a bug in her bedding hay we have no idea of cause if this was the culprit but it kind of makes sense. It was a small bug about the size of an ant but thinner and slightly longer?

My daughter say’s now she see the hay moving when putting a fresh batch in, could this hay have bugs in it? (Bought it from a very good pet shop) does hay have bugs in it normally? or should we throw it away and buy some more?

She is kept in hutch in the garden but spends lots of time in the house and we are growing very fond of her.

Any advice would be very welcomed

Thanks

Michelle

Answer 1

Since hay is grown outside, it will have bugs in it.  Usually mites are found in it, but my husband, who grew up on a farm, says it can have what is called hay bugs.  I don't care if it is sold by Oxbow or not, hay is grown outside and will carry some type of insect with it.  Get some Seven Dust (sold at WalMart, etc) sprinkle it liberally on the hay and your rabbit -- it won't hurt the animal, I have used it on my rabbits and my guinea pigs with no adverse results.  Also, unless it is a written law, your rabbit does not need any type of shots.  You might want to contact your local Co-Operative Extension office and find out if there is a local 4-H group.  Best place for you daughter to learn all about her rabbit.  4-H has a website, so you should be able to find the closest group to you.

Answer 2

I use Timothy hay for our indoor rabbit.  Recently, I have seen insects that look similar to hay, crawling in the cage.  They are olive in color, about 1/2 inch long, and disgusting.  They seem to hatch from the hay, as I looked through what I put in the cage and found nothing until the next day.  They cannot climb, and do not fly, so the hay is introducing them into the cage.

What are these things?