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BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum BEHAVIOR Picking up a rabbit….

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    • kinggoblin
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         How??? I have had my bunny since the end of July and I haven’t been able to pick him up once. I try petting him then lifting the front once he is calm and “purring”, but every time I get to the back he runs away. I can’t even do the bunny burrito because he runs away immediately. I don’t think he is afraid of me because he comes up to me all the time and sits on my lap, shoulder, chest, or my head.

        It makes trimming his nails nearly impossible, I can only get at what nails he lets me and I am sure there are some that have yet to be cut.

        He is a young mini lop ( I think 4-6 months max ), he is scheduled to be nuetered* tomorrow, I am hoping he lets me pick him up if it calms him down.


      • LBJ10
        Moderator
        16869 posts Send Private Message

          Most rabbits don’t like being picked up. I have found that it is best to pick Leopold (my Holland) up by snatching him quickly. I will pet him and he will just be sitting there. Then I have to snatch him quick by grabbing his middle. I usually get him mid-jump. lol This works for Leopold because he usually goes limp once he knows he’s caught. I will pull him up to my body quickly though, so he’s not just dangling there. I think every rabbit is different though and you just have to find what works. And don’t be shocked if you get nipped. Leopold will show his displeasure with me by nipping me. Usually on the soft part of my upper arm.

          Wooly, on the other hand, is an angel. I have no problem scooping him up and holding him so he can look over my shoulder.


        • jerseygirl
          Moderator
          22338 posts Send Private Message

            Perhaps you can try using an item to transport him to a higher area then pick him up from there. This works with my lop who runs if I try pick him up from the floor. I herd him into a carrier (or cardboard box, litter box etc) carry him in that to the top of the washer. There I can groom him or whatever. I can also pick him up from there because he has nowhere to escape to.

            Give that a go to try get him used to being picked up. When you do, don’t hold him too long, let him jump safely free and give him a treat. So hopefully he learns it’s not an overly bad experience.


          • Helenbeth
            Participant
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              My rabbit HipHop (Mini Lop) doesn’t love being picked up either. What seems to work best with him is: I stroke him until hes settled down on the floor. I then get on my knees and lean right over him getting as close to him as possible. (blocking out most of light and stopping him from having a good look around.) I then do have to snatch him a bit. I get him in the middle and bring him firmly into my body as quickly as possible! Making sure to hold his back legs. He really doesn’t like it if they are left dangling!!! Bascially I shelter him with my body the whole time so that he doesnt really notice the distance from the floor.
              I then give him a treat so he hopefully he won’t find the experience so bad. He has been getting a lot better at it.
              I hope this helps a little


            • Elrohwen
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                Both of my rabbits hate it. One way I can pick up my boy is to get him in his carrier first – then, since he doesn’t have anywhere to run, he is fairly easy to pick up. If he gets squirmy I can put him back in the carrier, let him settle, then try again. If he has anywhere to run and sees me coming to pick him up, he’s off like a shot.

                My other rabbits absolutely refuses to be picked up – even the experienced vet techs have a hard time with her. I just scoot her into the carrier and use that to get her around. To do her nails, I let her out on a counter that is slippery, then have someone hold her down while I pull out her feet and cut. She’s much more comfortable getting her nails trimmed if all four of her feet are on a solid surface, so I work with that.


              • Roxygirl
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                  I think I posted my question in the wrong place earlier! I’ve been having trouble with our newly adopted bunny darting under and behind furniture when I need to get her back to her cage after out time! She peels out on the linoleum and when I do manage to snatch her up she grunts a lot, gets wide-eyed and wiggled and struggles really hard, even if I’ve got firm hold on her, she’s like a wet bar of soap! I’m going to try the box suggestion as she seems to like to hide in them. Good Luck Handsome Goblin, maybe we can be our own support group! Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

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              Forum BEHAVIOR Picking up a rabbit….