Clippers
The following clippers are brands and models that have been recommended by others, trialled and/or used regularly by myself and Shileigh from Bunny Boarding North Shore. Both Shileigh and myself are experienced rabbit groomers who offer humane Rabbit grooming.
A word about rabbit coats - It really important to keep in mind that when it comes to clippers, one size does not fit all. This applies to Mini Trimmers, Trimmers and A5 Clippers. What will work on one coat may fail completely on another. For this reason; if you are looking at purchasing clippers to manage your rabbit’s coat yourself, we recommend you visit an experienced, humane rabbit groomer (sadly few and very far between… ) for at least one session. This way we can test our range of clippers and blades and make a recommendation in regard to what is most suited and effective for your individual bun’s coat. This can save you a lot of heartache and needless expense.
…and matting - Removing matting is a specialised, intense and stressful process for both the rabbit and the groomer. It needs to be approached with caution and great care to avoid harming the rabbit and causing undue stress. If you are not confident to tackle a matted rabbit and/or your rabbit is not cooperative then please visit an approved, humane rabbit groomer or take your rabbit to a rabbit savvy vet for matt removal. If the matting is severe, the rabbit is very stressed or uncooperative then matt removal may require sedation. Once the matting has safely been removed, you can then move ahead and safely maintain your bun’s coat to avoid any future matting.
Mini Clippers - Left Photo
The Wahl Brav Mini and the Wahl Figura Mini, are' trimmers' or 'mini' clippers can be used for delicate areas with some rabbit coats.
I use both the Wahl BravMini and the Wahl Figura Mini for hygiene trims on both short and long coated rabbits, and sometimes to clip under matts. They give a very close clip - The Wahl Figura Mini especially so with its high running speed. I can be somewhat useful and safe for clipping into the underside of matts to slowly 'chip away' at them, lifting from the skin and safely removing them.
Adjustable Trimmers - Right Photo
The Wahl Bravura - left, is a clipper that is often recommended overseas by Angora owners. It is a useful all purpose clipper.
The Wahl Creativa - right, is the next generation on from the Bravura. I purchased the Creativa so that I could test it and compare it to the Bravura. I don’t think it is as good as the Bravura but it is more ergonomic / comfortable to hold. It also comes with two batteries vs one. I find it good for clipping Guinea Pigs when needed.
Both of these clippers are good basic workhorses that mostly get the job done. They are good to use with long coated rabbits, but the Bravura is definitely my preference as it cuts long coats more reliably and consistently. If you were going to purchase one clipper to use with your long coated rabbit this one of the clippers that I would pick. (The other is the Holdog clipper - mentioned below).
The same blade/clip head is used on both the Bravura and the Creativa. This cannot be sharpened, so a new head will need to be purchased once the blade becomes blunt. However, I've been using mine for over a year and it is still cutting properly.
I have and use all three types of blade head that are available; the regular blade, the Coarse blade and the ‘Diamond’ blade. I find the Diamond blade to be the most effective. I use the adjustable head on the shortest two settings.
Both the Creativa and the Bravura can usually be purchased in NZ from AllGroom, Acto Agriculture and Spurs. It pays to shop around as prices can vary quite a bit.
A5 Clippers
These next type of clippers to consider are the 'A5' clippers.
This means they will take any ‘A5’ clipper blade head. This makes them more flexible and ultimately more useful because you can change the blade heads to suit the clipping job you are doing. You can also have these blades sharpened. You can purchase many, many types of A5 blades. Clippers usually come pre-fitted with a standard #10 blade.
In choosing am A5 Clipper, you want to select from the Heavy/Super Duty Ranges so that the clipper has enough power to cope with rabbit fur especially if your rabbit is long coated.
I have the first two models - the Andis Excel Cordless Brushless and the KM (10) Cordless and I like both of them but my preference is the KM10. They are powerful and comfortable to use, although the KM10 is a lot heavier. My preference is for a cordless clipper but both of these can be used either cordless or corded which is a huge plus.
Others have recommended both of the clippers on the right - the Andis AGC Brushless and the Andis Pulse ZR II, with both of them being good units but the corded Andis AGC being the favourite.
A5 clippers are usually available from retailers such as MJs, AllGroom and various others.
A5 Blades
We continually test A5 clipper blade heads to see which work best with rabbits. It’s important to note that no one blade works on all rabbits. It is incredible how their coats can vary. Sadly the amount of poorly bred and cross bred rabbits in NZ means that we come across some absolutely horrendous, difficult to manage and very difficult to clip coats.
There are other variables that can affect how well a blade cuts as well. This can include - how the blade was set up in the factory, operator technique, clipper power etc. Others have had success with blades that I find fairly ineffective and vice versa … we are still working on getting to the bottom of this.
It’s very important to check your clipper blade for overheating regularly during the clipping job. Blades can heat up very fast and can burn your rabbit’s skin. Test it by resting the blade on the skin on the back of your hand. Keeping blades super clean and oiled helps reduce overheating, as does swapping blades out with a cool blade or resting a hot blade to allow it to cool down during the clipping job. A coolant spray can also help.
The photo below shows just some of the A5 blades in my collection.
Blades that we are currently using and testing -
#7F / FC - This work well for some long coated rabbits and works well on short coated rabbits for hygiene trims etc.
#7ST - This is my main ‘go to’ blade and I really like it. It copes with thick ‘cotton wool’ type coats.
My blade is a Wahl Black Competition Series.
Caution - I consider this to be a ‘specialist’ blade, you must be very careful with any ST (Skip Tooth) blade. It’s not one that should be used by a beginner because because the gaps between the teeth in the outer comb are wider and there is potential to feed the skin into the blade if your technique is not spot on. I never use this blade right down on the skin, EVER.#10 & #30 Andis Cat blades - These were recommended as coping well with Angora coats and I have found this to be somewhat true. I don’t know that I would purchase the #10 again but the #30 is reasonably effective at clipping under matting on some coats. Care/caution needs to be taken when using it as it is very sharp. They are not one of my ‘go to’ blades.
#10 Andis Ceramic Edge - A good allrounder blade.
Others use this blade a lot. I am working on getting my optimised for use, and am getting there slowly but it’s not one I ‘reach’ for.
Some other clipper options -
Codos Clippers
Some find these clippers useful.
I have used both the Codos 6800 and Codos 9200 models. Some folk really like these and they are certainly an affordable entry level clipper.
I found the Codos 6800 did an 'ok' job and the Codos 9200 to be less useful.
Others have reported some success with them so at around $65-$90, they are definitely worth considering.
Comparable, or possibly even a bit more effective than the Codos clippers. Although not as ‘silent’ as the blurb claims! An affordable entry level clipper never the less. Replacement clipper heads are not available.
Holdog
A definite step above the Biolisk clippers. Not ‘silent’ but quieter than the Biolisk clipper. This is a good entry level clipper and copes well with heavy coats. I think this clipper is as good as the Bravura and is a very affordable price. You can also purchase replacement clipper heads for it.
Dog Clippers 3-Speed Low Noise High Power Rechargeable Cordless Pet Grooming Tools
A word of caution - this clipper is sharp. It is essential that it is used with care so as not to nick or graze the bun’s skin.
It’s really important to look after your clipper blades no matter whether you have a cheap or an expensive clipper. Your blade needs to be cleaned every time you use it. Fur needs to be removed with a brush and then the blade needs flushing out with a product like Andis Blade Care Plus. After cleaning the blade must be oiled.
During a clipping job your blades can heat up. Using something like Wahl Blade Ice; which is a 7-in-1 blade coolant, deodoriser, disinfectant, lubricant, cleaner and rust preventer rinses away hair and product build-up in seconds. It’s great to use during a clip esp to help cool blades down, but you must still do a through clean at the end of the job.
Suppliers
You may have to hunt/shop around to find what you are looking for.
All Groom
Acto Agriculture
Spurs
MJs
Oz Grooming World