What does a 'flying coat' indicate about the condition of a rabbit's fur?

A 'flying coat' describes a condition in a rabbit's fur that appears loose and fluffy, typically as a result of weak guard hairs. When the guard hairs—which are the coarser, longer outer hairs—lose their strength, the overall structure of the coat can become less stable, resulting in a coat that lacks the proper tightness and smoothness. This can indicate that the rabbit may be under stress, not receiving the right nutrition, or facing health issues that could be weakening its fur. A loose and fluffy appearance is not desirable for a rabbit's coat, as it suggests poor maintenance or potential underlying problems that need to be addressed for the rabbit's overall well-being.

In contrast, a thick and well-maintained coat would indicate that a rabbit is healthy and well-cared-for, whereas a shiny and soft texture usually reflects good grooming and general health, not necessarily related to the condition indicated by a flying coat. Similarly, a healthy, dense coat refers to strong structure and health, contrasting with the issues associated with a flying coat.