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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.

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Forum BEHAVIOR A QUESTION ABOUT HANDLING

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    • Sarah
      Participant
      6 posts Send Private Message

         I was wondering how much I should be trying to handle my new bunny? He is almost 10 weeks old and doesn’t really care for it much but I keep hearing and reading its important to handle them often so they will get used to it.

        I have only had him 3 weeks and I have only  pick him up twice…. mainly because every time I try to pick him up carefully he squiggles away and I don’t want to hurt him. Just wondering if I should keep  trying?

        thoughts?

        Thanks!!


      • Chichi & Chloe
        Participant
        8 posts Send Private Message

          Maybe try to just sit near him and spend more time with him before you try to pick him up. When you handle your bunny, he/she should trust you completely or they will try to get away from you. Handling a bunny at an early age will get them use to it in the future, but when you handle them without trust in both rabbit and owner, it’s a bit difficult for you two to bond that way. Good luck! (This is just from experience so I’m not sure if it’ll work for you, but it worked well for me!)


        • Asriel and Bombur
          Participant
          1104 posts Send Private Message

            Bunnies don’t enjoy being picked up and handled really. So I wouldn’t do honestly. If you need to transport him somewhere you can do it via his litter box. If you need to trim his nails you can do it on the floor at his level. You can lure him into his carrier with treats, and leave the carrier out in the open for him to get comfortable with it. When you take him for his first vet visit, they can teach you how to properly and most safely pick him up, so you can do it then, and obviously only in an emergency. But aside from that, leave him be and just try to bond with him on his level and comfortability. There’s no sense in trying to build a bond if you’re going to disrupt it by doing something he doesn’t like.


          • SweetieBun
            Participant
            2 posts Send Private Message

              Hey Sarah, sorry to hear that you are going through this. Not only is it hard on you but it’s hard on your bun too.
              My Sweetie was the same way so instead of trying to pick her up and snuggle her and lord knows I wanted too. I had to go at her pace. I had to let her make the first step.
              Try using healthy treats as a way to gain trust first and always remember to pay attention to your bunny’s body language maybe he just isn’t ready yet.
              I still occasionally have troubles with sweetie. Try sitting on the floor next to his cage with the dot open let him make the first move and come to you. Trust me you won’t regret it. Some bunnies take a little longer to give you their trust than others do.

              I hope some of these tips help you and your bunny!!! ?

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          Forum BEHAVIOR A QUESTION ABOUT HANDLING