The Best Way To Deal With Fleas, Ticks, and Mites in Meat Rabbits

Like most livestock, meat rabbits can suffer from a number of parasitic insects and mites. Thankfully there is an easy natural way to deal with almost all of them!
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[@marlenewebster7095]

I’m sold😊 the company really should sponsor you

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Thanks, that would be nice!

[@KatWest20]

Thank you so much this was very helpful!!!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Glad I could help!

[@AMPhotoArt]

Thanks! I have 8 rabbits, I just dusted my rabbits again thankfully I already had a bag of it.

[@katiebeckley9318]

Great video thank you!

[@jameswall1076]

Great tip and video! We just got our first two does and the jack should be here in a week. I will be keeping the DE on hand!

[@beatcat1265]

Thanks so much! Fixing to be trying this now! I have some natural spray for my dogs but its toxic for bunnies so i came looking for other natural treatments and found your video! Question is coconut oil safe for rabbits? I rub it as well on my dogs and its really good for flea prevention! If its safe then im gonna do it and then sometimes the d earth!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Yes it's safe for external use although I wouldn't overdo it because they will ingest it when they lick themselves! Oils are a good way to naturally kill eremites though.

[@jeanbergeron4112]

Excellent info. You should write a book

[@marishacichon7572]

I will look to see where I can find this. Thank you.

[@patricelopatin]

It is great stuff but one should wear a mask when using it. It is dangerous to breath.

[@sitarafoodsandlivestock4322]

O nice video with important information 👌

[@sitarafoodsandlivestock4322]

OK thanks

[@maryneedham419]

Can't you use the diatamacous earth in Rabbit litter/ bedding that kills mites?

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Good question. You could but the mites live on primarily on the rabbits. My rabbits are housed in cages (which are sanitized by fire several times a year) so no mites there. Some may fall off into the manure piles but those are to far away to reach the rabbits.

[@benc2798]

but is it safe when rabbit eat the dust? especially when the rabbit grooms itself

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Yes it's totally harmless, and is commonly added to livestock feed as a binding agent.

[@morganpeters9725]

What do you use for dewormer?

[@JamieGrigsby]

What about ridding rabbits of parasites before processing. Half mine had white spots on liver so I couldn't eat them 😢

[@westmeadowrabbits]

The best way to prevent internal parasites is housing. Clean cages kept off the ground and clean feeders and waterers are your best bet. Also while you shouldn't eat the liver, the rest of the rabbit is usually safe to eat.

[@JamieGrigsby]

@@westmeadowrabbits ok, mine were in a rabbit tractor that I moved to fresh ground each day. So I thought they for it from being on the ground.

[@SuperAirsoft19]

How long does it take to kill the fleas?

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Fleas are tough, but it kills on contact. Personally I find its better as a preventative than a cure but it depends on how bad your infestation is. Either way apply plenty.

[@eleanorerosanova7538]

Thank you. What chemical do you use for ear mites ?

[@kevywilliams3304]

Apple cider vinegar.. DONT USE CHEMICALS !

[@billieyaeger8342]

5:44pm I use DE on my bunnies BUT everything I've read says not to let them inhale as they can sick and die. Mine is NOT organic it is food grade. ALSO, my rabbits are pets and family! Should I get the organic DE or is what I heard not true! Thank you!😊

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Organic is a waste of money for DE, its just a mineral. Food grade is preferable but not mandatory. Being in dust for a few minutes once or twice a week will not harm rabbits.

[@crawfordwice]

Buy a plastic mustard or ketchup bottle and fill it with DE it squirts the dust amazing.

[@amylynnmcdevitt5596]

Ok- with spring in NE, we are also seeing rats for the first time. They hit my son’s 4H Rex litter unfortunately we lost one but only one, and covered the cage with hardware cloth. Any suggestions- I know this is a touchy subject. We have a wonderful indoor outdoor cat- who is great at mousing but as we all know rats are smart….tried glue traps, Rat X which doesn’t hurt cats/dogs. Any suggestions would be wonderful.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Rats can be really tough, but personally I haven't had issues with them. What does the area around your cages look like? All I can offer for advice is the obvious stuff, keep feed stored somewhere secure, eliminate nesting areas for rats, keep cages clean, etc.

[@rgarcia2418]

Just in case you still have a rat problem kzbin.info/www/bejne/inPIqoarjtuXmLssi=C1l_Ih8KgXtGrhCs

[@rgarcia2418]

Just don't let the rabbits get to the rat meal made of cornbread meal & baking soda.

[@beatcat1265]

I wasted money on bucket traps 😩 mice are getting my garden! Don't waste money on the bucket traps like me. Great concept but just doesn't catch any

[@rachellricarto3148]

Does this work on all bunnies of all ages?

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Yes it does.

[@amberlennox846]

Thank you. Do you have a video I have not found discussing different mites, worms etc rabbits can encounter? I am in my 1st year of having rabbits and would love to find as natural as possible ways to prevent and treat. Also I am wondering how this can help with internal issues. Once it is wet outdoors it is ineffective, yet may help internally? I have heard similar for chickens also but have not found a documented reasoning.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Documented info is pretty hard to come by with these things. Generally speaking it will still work when wet, its just that the water dilutes it, and washes it away. Internal issues are always tough. Your best bet is to breed for genetic resistance. I plan on making a video about common health issues so stay tuned!

[@adinko7]

Does this work on mosquitoes?

[@westmeadowrabbits]

In theory yes, is practice probably not. The concentration is only potent enough for a day or two to kill mosquitos. It works on mites because they crawl through the fur, which can hold diatomaceous earth for a while. Mosquitos land where there is little fur (mostly nose and ears) and those areas lose protection very fast. The best way to deal with mosquitos is eliminate breeding areas (standing water). Another trick is to locate your rabbit barn in the open. Mosquitos hide in the forest during the day, if they have to cross open space to reach your rabbits, they are more likely to be eaten by predators. You could also use a vacuum traps if its out of control.

[@adinko7]

@@westmeadowrabbits Thanks

[@jackyrabbits]

Is it safe to eat grow outs that currently have mites, or should they be treated first? In other words, do the mites affect the quality of the meat? I have some ready to process, so I'm also concerned if there is a waiting period after treatment but before processing. Thanks!

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Don't worry, mites are purely external and won't effect the meat at all!

[@aperson1181]

how to identify mite issues?

[@logiic8835]

Can indoor rabbit get mites, fleas, ..?

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Its unlikely but always possible .

[@aubriemartin728]

It is if you have another animal such as a dog who has them and they can jump to your indoor rabbit, I have that going on right now.

[@logiic8835]

@@aubriemartin728 😮

[@littleridgefarm4073]

Wonderful info and video .. I sent you an Email and hope we talk soon

[@jillm3252]

My rabbit currently has mites and is experiencing a lot of fur loss with irritated exposed skin. Would this be ok to put on it and does it kill the mites after they have begun infestation or is this more of a preventative to avoid mites? Thanks.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

It will certainly kill the mites, but an once of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If the infestation is bad you may have to do this everyday for a week or two, and you'd need to sanitize the cages and equipment. I don't know your setup though so just keep in mind that mites will hide in wood cracks, and in litter. Side note, this is not suitable for earmites. For ears I'd recommend a chemical mite cream, or if you prefer natural solutions, mineral oil.

[@MrMajungasaurus]

Would this be effective if you put this in the actual rabbit hutches? there was bit of an outbreak in my hutch last summer and don’t wanna risk it again

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Do you mean sprinkling it around the hutch, or putting the bin in the hutch? You could spread it around the hutch and it would work, but I wouldn't but the bin the hutch for the rabbits to use.

[@MrMajungasaurus]

@@westmeadowrabbits oh alright, thanks for the tip

[@ksenijabalic9987]

Hi we live in spain any idea how is that dust called here? My bunnies are full of ticks😢

[@westmeadowrabbits]

That's not good! Common names are Diatomaceous earth, diatomite, celite, kieselgur/kieselguhr. Hope that helps!

[@kjjmelton]

Do you need to give the bunnies a bath after you’ve treated them and the fleas are gone?

[@westmeadowrabbits]

No rabbits do not like water! the dust will fall off naturally in a day or two, and it needs to be on there for a while to get all parasites.

[@jamie5533]

What kind are you using? Brand ?

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Not sure the brand, its whatever my feed store happens to have.

[@Mr..TylerDurden]

If your rabbits or pets breath that in it could damage their nose and lungs 🫁

[@westmeadowrabbits]

While keeping rabbits in a dusty environment is unwise, Diatomaceous earth is harmless to rabbits and humans.

[@Rightwhereyouleftmarie]

@@westmeadowrabbits I thought it was bad if they breathed it in?

[@westmeadowrabbits]

@@Rightwhereyouleftmarie While keeping rabbits in a dusty environment is unwise, Diatomaceous earth is harmless to rabbits and humans.

[@collinheble709]

What do you use for fly control? I am thinking about testing out a feed through fly control but want another opinion

[@westmeadowrabbits]

I don't use fly control and have very little flies to speak of. Keeping the manure dry, mixed with some form of carbon, and cleaning it out often take care of 99% of fly issues.

[@johnnieblackburn3182]

My diatomaceous earth is white and yours is much darker. Why? I have food grade.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

Not sure, may depend on the brand.

[@olaolatunji9415]

​@@westmeadowrabbits I Think the darker stuff is the added calcium bentonite, which is separate from the actual diatomaceous earth (mostly silica). Thanks for the all the information that you provide, I have learned a lot from your content.

[@westmeadowrabbits]

@@olaolatunji9415 Interesting. I will have to double check the tag, but it makes sense. Food grade is more refined than what is used for animal feed, although I think they should accomplish the same purpose.

[@kerrimullis3136]

If it is grey-it is not good grade and is super dangerous to humans and bunnies. Do your research

[@westmeadowrabbits]

That's simply not true. If its food grade its fine.