If the spots you saw are just a pink color and not bright red, swollen, or bleeding than they are probably fine. The same happened to me. I saw Olaf stretched out and had never noticed his hocks like that before. This is usually because they are covered with protective fur. Sometimes they’re just visible when they sit a certain way. If you are worried she could have sore hocks definitely check in with a vet.

As for picking up your rabbit, that can be tricky. Mine doesn’t like to be held either. I would suggest trying a “bunny burrito” which is wrapping your rabbit up in a towel or blanket so you can lift them without any kicking or scratching. Some people lay the towel down and wrap it around them. Others put the towel over the rabbit and scoop them up while tucking it around them and holding their back feet firmly, but gently. If you can, next time you are at the vets ask them to demonstrate how and then help you try it a few times to practice.

Agreed with pinknfwuffy. PInk, hard callouses are fine. Most bunnies have them. They should be monitored regularly as part of your bunny maintenance. They are considered “sore hocks” when they become red, inflammed, cracked, or bleeding. Keeping nails short is very important in their prevention as is proper flooring. The best kind of flooring for areas where bun spends the most time is something they can sink their heels in. I use “Snoozzy Mats” and good quality Memory Foam Bath Mats.

Yes, any new mats or blankets should be carefully monitored for chewing. Luckily my buns are not chewers.

Most buns hate having their feet handled so it’s a hassle for me too. I get my husband to hold bunny “baby burb” style and I grab a foot and check it. We use this method for nail trims as well. If I try to look at Bindis feet on my own, he will turn around and try to bite me.

I agree with LPT. Also, sometimes I burrito Olaf so he is secure and then sit him up/back like I’m cradling him at a 45 degree angle. This way I can still wrap one arm around him, keeping him tucked between my elbow and side, and peel back the towel a bit to see each foot one at a time. Note that this is different from trancing. I never lay him completely on his back. It can take some practice and if he struggles enough I just try again the next day. If you really can’t get it done safely, it might be worth trying to use treats. I would try holding a treat up against something that is just high enough for bunny to be stretched out using their paws to reach it (i.e. the edge of a chair or coffee table). Kneel next to them while you’re coaxing them to stand up and bend down to peek under the heels while they’re lifted to get the treat. Not a perfect science, but if they really have sore hocks you’d see a patch of fur missing at the heel and really raw, irritated skin.