How to get bunny in carrier?

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This topic has 11sd replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 6 months ago by Moonlightbunny66.

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- 10/10/2020 at 8:57 AM
  Moonlightbunny66
  Participant
  694 posts
  It used to be easy to get the bunnies in the carriers when I first got them. I would put food in it and they’d hop right in. Now they’ve learned they’ll be trapped in there for a while (especially Muffin because we’ve taken him to the rabbit vet that’s an hour and a half away).
  
  It’s very difficult to get them in now. Muffin runs to the back of his pen when I get the carrier in front of him. I have to pull his things out and trap him in the corner then shove him in (he of course resists). It’s easier to shove them in at the end of bonding sessions, maybe because they know they’re going back in their pens.
  
  With Pinky I have to put pellets in the carrier and wait until he leans in far enough so I can push the rest of his butt in.
  
  How do I make this easier for all of us? I was thinking of having the carriers in the pens most of the time and then they won’t have an issue with going in. But the carriers are very big because the bunnies are big (takes up too much space in the pens). Pinky also chews on his when I put it in.
  
  Any advice? I’ve been having to put them in carriers everyday to take them to the neutral space for bonding. It’s been very stressful for all of us!
- 10/10/2020 at 8:59 AM
  Moonlightbunny66
  Participant
  694 posts
  I don’t like trapping my poor Muffin but he won’t even eat a pellet off the edge of the carrier. ):
- 10/10/2020 at 10:29 AM
  Hazel
  Participant
  2587 posts
  If the carrier can’t be in the pen with them permanently, I would put it in there during meal times and feed them in the carrier. That way they will get used to going in and make a positive association with it.
- 10/10/2020 at 1:08 PM
  Moonlightbunny66
  Participant
  694 posts
  That’s a good idea Hazel. I might try that!
- 10/10/2020 at 1:57 PM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9064 posts
  Agree with Hazel, try having them go in and out a lot for food, but not get picked up or trapped in it most of the time. I also am guessing it will get better once you are done bonding and not using the carriers so much.
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 10/10/2020 at 6:21 PM
  Moonlightbunny66
  Participant
  694 posts
  Thank you DanaNM. Yeah, it makes me sad to put them in the carriers so much right now. But at least they’re becoming friends.
- 10/11/2020 at 3:24 PM
  LBJ10
  Moderator
  17103 posts
  Hmm… I’ve never had issues with just grabbing a bunny and placing them inside the carrier when needed. My experience probably isn’t typical though. 😉
  
  I agree with the others. If you’re trying do a “no touch” capture, then getting them used to the carrier by keeping it in their area is a good approach.
- 10/11/2020 at 3:45 PM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9064 posts
  @LBJ10 haha yeah I usually just grab mine too. I used to do the no-touch method and would always feed them in it, but got tired of having the carrier sitting out all the time.
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 10/12/2020 at 7:02 AM
  Moonlightbunny66
  Participant
  694 posts
  Mine are so hard to grab! Squirmy little guys. That’s why I hate doing it cause I don’t want to hurt them or make them mad.
- 10/14/2020 at 5:49 PM
  pinkiemarie
  Participant
  425 posts
  It might be a good idea to get one with a door in front and on top. You can do what you’re going to try to do and train them to go in, but the top door can be easier to use in the event of an emergency where you need to get a sick and uncooperative rabbit to the vet or something.
- 10/15/2020 at 3:35 AM
  Happyjeans
  Participant
  8 posts
  I don’t think the no touch method works and probably prolongs the stress. My rabbit has never once got in his carry case by choice regardless of what food I put in there. I only pick my rabbit up when I have to, and that’s carry case or nail trimming but to do the carry case I pop it on a table/sofa with the door open And nothing in front of it (ie at the front of the table.), scoop buns up facing your body with a supportive grip under belly and arm along front of body/rabbit resting on for arm and hand on back of bum and then pop him in butt first all the way in the the carrier. He might try and stick his nose out but quickly realises there’s nothing but a drop in front of him. I then give him a treat and fix the floor back on whilst he nudges it 😂. This is definitely the least stressful way I have discovered – the picking up and carrying part is over in two seconds and they’re supported in to your body most of the time.
- 10/16/2020 at 9:25 AM
  Moonlightbunny66
  Participant
  694 posts
  Thanks guys!
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