Who wouldn't want to hold a bunny, one of the softest creatures in nature? To lift off the ground and hold such a delicate animal in your arms, however, you have to behave in a certain way. Read the following article to learn how to hold one of these cute fur balls in your arms in the most correct way.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Raise the Rabbit
Step 1. Approach the rabbit so it sees you coming
Lower yourself to ground level; this reassures the animal, which understands that you want to be in its company and do not intend to harm it. Some rabbits love to be petted - do it!
Step 2. Learn to treat the rabbit in the most appropriate way
The first thing to know is that you shouldn't never take a rabbit by the ears. Would you like to be lifted off the ground by the ears? The second thing to keep in mind is that some rabbits just don't like being raised; you may need to get your rabbit used to your smell or being held in your arms. The third thing to know is that rabbits are extremely delicate animals; they have a very fragile skeleton and handling them improperly can seriously injure them.
Step 3. Place your dominant hand under the rabbit's front legs
The fingers should grip the animal's armpits, holding it on the chest. This will support the front of the pet's body properly.
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You can also grab the rabbit in the middle of the torso. Place your hands around the rabbit's body between the front and back legs. Grasp it firmly but gently.
Hold a Rabbit Step 7
Step 4. Put your other hand on the back of the rabbit
In this way you will be able to lift him by keeping one hand on his torso and spooning the other on his backside. The aim is to hold the pet firmly so that it remains calm. Furthermore, such a hold prevents the animal from trying to jump off accidentally injuring himself.
Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Holding the Rabbit
Step 1. Lift the animal to chest level
After taking her out of the cage, she brings the animal to her chest. If you feel safe and the animal seems at ease, you can replace the hand with which you hold his torso with the forearm corresponding to the one you hold on his backside; in this way you can hold it firmly and at the same time stroke it on the head.
Step 2. Stroke the pet while holding it in your arms
Being lifted and moved from one side to the other can be a stressful experience for a rabbit. Caressing him can help him relax, as well as talking to him softly.
Absolutely do not make sudden movements. Put yourself in his shoes! The animal is raised from the ground and its natural predator is the bird of prey (hawk, eagle, falcon, etc.) which grabs it to take it away to heaven. It seems pretty clear why the pet doesn't like being lifted off the ground
Step 3. After holding it in your arms, put the pet back in the cage
Lower yourself to the level of the threshold of the cage and let the rabbit pass through the opening helping you with the movement of the chest (with which the animal should be in contact), then place it inside the cage.
If your bunny lives in an open enclosure, keep it in contact with your body as you lay it down. When your chest is level with the ground, hold the pet by holding it under your armpits and under your legs. Place it on the ground and let it go
Advice
- Practice! The more experience you acquire, the more comfortable the rabbit will feel in your embrace.
- If you are anxious, the rabbit may sense this and act accordingly. Try to stay calm and transmit your tranquility to the animal so that it relaxes.
- If the rabbit is agitated, place it gently on the ground and avoid injury: they are particularly fragile animals.
- Sometimes covering the animal's eyes can make it calm down.
- If the rabbit starts biting or kicking, it probably wants to be put back on the ground or in its cage.
- If you are holding a baby bunny on his stomach, he may not be able to breathe. Keep that in mind!
Warnings
- Don't put the rabbit down as soon as it gets upset. He may get hurt and feel that fidgeting is the best way to be released. Hold it firmly and wait for it to calm down before placing it on the ground.
- The rabbit's back is not very flexible and these animals prefer to be kept on their stomach.
- The rabbit's spine is fragile, so treat it gently. The hind legs are very powerful and, by kicking, the animal could damage its spine. Hold the back of the pet firmly to lock its hind legs.
