Does your sweet and curious bunny tremble when you approach to pick him up? Don't take it personally. Very few rabbits like to be lifted off the ground, so the point is to make this experience as pleasant and safe as possible. Getting your rabbit used to the feeling of being lifted, holding it against your chest and giving it a good treat as a treat will make the process easier each time. Read this article to find out how.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Pick up the Rabbit
Step 1. Help the rabbit get comfortable
Rabbits don't really like being picked up. It is more normal for them to jump and curl up on the ground, while looking at things from above scares them. That said, if you spend time caring for the rabbit, it may not mind too much being picked up. Before lifting the pet, gently stroke it and help it feel safe with you. Over time, lifting it should become easier as it should get used to your touch.
- Do not make sudden movements or noises that could scare the animal. Be sweet and reassuring as you caress him.
- Get into the habit of placing your palm under the rabbit's chest and gently lifting its front legs off the ground, then put it back down. Reward him with a good treat afterwards. This will help him get used to the feeling of being relieved.
Step 2. Use the right approach
It is best to get the rabbit from the top of the open cage or from a confined area of the house. It can be much more difficult to lift a rabbit out of a side-opening cage. Often, rabbits run off and hide when you get close to them, so even trying to get the animal into a room with lots of furniture can be difficult.
- If your rabbit lives in a side-opening cage or tends to hide under furniture, lure him out with a good tidbit before trying to get him.
- NEVER pull the rabbit by the legs or tail to bring it closer to you.
Step 3. Use both hands to lift the animal
Put one hand under his chest and the other under his rear. The position must be comfortable for both you and the rabbit. Make sure you have a firm (but not too tight) grip on the animal's body so it can't jump down when you pick it up.
- With smaller rabbits, place your thumb on the animal's front legs to prevent it from jumping down.
- It may be helpful to kneel to get close to the rabbit so you don't have to bend over to pick it up.
Step 4. Keep his head higher than the rear
This is another way to prevent the rabbit from struggling. It could get hurt easily if it falls on you, so it's important to pull it up the right way.
Step 5. Learn how not to pick up the rabbit
A rabbit should never be taken by the ears, legs or tail. Rabbits are very delicate and you could seriously hurt them by taking them this way. Unlike cats, rabbits are never to be scruffed. They have no excess skin in this area like cats. The only way to safely pick up a rabbit is to use both hands to lift it and place it against your chest.
Method 2 of 3: Holding and Carrying the Rabbit
Step 1. Gently lift the animal up to your chest
The rabbit must be held and carried while resting against the chest. Don't let it lean forward or rock this way and that. You would make him very nervous. Make him feel safe and content by holding him straight against your chest, so that his head is resting on your heart and his rear on your stomach, with all four legs against your body. Maintain a firm grip by keeping one hand on her back and the other under her butt.
With larger specimens, place the rabbit slightly diagonally, with the muzzle to the side, rather than facing you. Put one arm around his body, taking him between his front legs, and put the other arm under his hind leg
Step 2. Pass the rabbit to someone else from close range
The person you pass the rabbit to must be right in front of you. Holding the animal firmly, with one hand under its hindquarters, place it against the other person's chest. Do not let go until you are sure that the other person has taken it correctly and you are supporting its weight with your arms.
Step 3. Use a pet carrier for rabbits who struggle too much
Some rabbits hate being touched and no good treats or cuddles will change that trait of their character. For these individuals it is better to use a cage to move them from one place to another, rather than trying to pick them up.
The same goes for rabbits that exhibit territorial behavior. If your pet bites or growls when you try to pick it up, put it in the carrier
Method 3 of 3: Put the Rabbit Down
Step 1. Gently return the rabbit to the ground
Make sure you keep a firm grip all the time, as rabbits usually try to jump down when they can see the ground. It can help to get down on one knee so that the rabbit can rest without losing balance.
Step 2. Reward the rabbit with a good treat
After spending time on your lap without biting or running away, your good bunny deserves a treat. Give him a pat and give him the treat. He will understand that being picked up is not that bad and next time it will be easier.
Advice
- If the rabbit scratches DO NOT put it down: it would think that it is enough to scratch harder and harder to be placed and you could drop it by reflex.
- Be patient. Rabbits are animals that live on the ground, which dig burrows; at first they will not feel comfortable being lifted off the ground (it is not in their nature).
- If the rabbit does not sit still and does not calm down, gently blowing on his nose can help him to stay still.
- Always give him the same treat when you are about to pick him up - it will give him positive reinforcement and let him know he is about to be relieved.
- Rabbits must be accustomed from an early age to being touched and picked up.
Warnings
- NOT drop the rabbit! His spine is fragile and could break.
- First, make sure the rabbit is comfortable with you so that it stops scratching you.
- NOT put the rabbit down if it scratches.
