Advice for getting a bun used to being picked up

[Clem&M]

Clem is an absolute darling, except when it comes time to being picked up. 

I never do it unless necessary, I have probably picked her up 3 times since she’s been with me in 4 months. They all ended the same way, panicked and kicking, even though I pick her up as recommended, even if I support her legs and back she still tried to kick.

I would like to get her used to this so in times of needs it decreases the chances of getting hurt on both sides, and for any vet visits.

She’s not the grudgy type of bunny, she’ll forget anything bad I did in a minute, and she seems to like me very much, she binkies every time she seems me come into her room, she follows me and runs behind me and likes being pet more, but we’re still not at getting licks part. 

I’ve seen on the Howto cast videos of the rabbits how their rabbits are so calm and will take anything, it would be nice if Clem was like this, she won’t even sit still for being brushed. 

[12345ABCDE]

I wish I knew!! But thought you’d be happy to know those rabbits that they show in How-To videos are always the exception Bunnies generally behave much as you described!

Oh and i’ve had mine for 10 months and I don’t get licks from either

[Mikey]

Pick up training is fairly easy, but only works if the rabbit wants to learn. There is a lot of trust involved as well. Heres what I did:

1. Sit on the floor > pick up your bun while sitting > hold for a few seconds > put the bun down > give tons of pets and/or some treats. Once the bun is comfortable with being held like this for atleast a minute, move onto the next step.

2. Kneel on your knees on the floor > pick up your bun while kneeling > hold for a few seconds > put the bun down > give tons of pets and/or some treats. Once the bun is comfortable with being held in this position for atleast a minute, move onto the next step.

3. Stand in place > pick up your own while standing (dont move) > hold for a few seconds > put the bun down > give tons of pets and/or some treats. Once the bun is comfortable with being held in this position for atleast a minute, move onto the next step.

4. Stand in place > pick up your bun while standing > walk slowly around the room for a few seconds while holding the bun > put the bun down > give tons of pets and/or some treats. Once the bun is comfortable with you walking slowly and holding them for atleast a minute, start to pick up speed until youre at a normal walk pace.

Note, for some, this training goes by quickly, but for others it can take a few months. It depends on the bun, just go at their pace

[Clem&M]

Thanks for the advice Mikey. What treats do you recommend? She is getting ready to transition and I saw some people use pellets for adult rabbits as treats, but since she’s on unlimited it may not seem like a treat for her.

[Mikey]

Veggies and greens are good treats We use celery as treats for my boys. Sometimes banana, but much less often.

[Katie]

I’d also love to know!  My bunny Sirius will Tolerate being picked up, but I’d like for her to learn to like it and to be cuddley…..  I have people tell me “rabbits don’t like being picked up and/or aren’t cuddly by nature” I’ve met rabbits who like to cuddle….  And I’m jealous!  I want to get to that point so bad.  Anyways, my rabbit will let me pick her up without kicking and scratching, usually.  All I did was approach her slowly, pick her up by under her belly, and she’ll let me carry her or move her if needed.  If I’m holding her, I’ll pet her.  Her favorite spot is a good long rub behind and inbetween her ears!  She USED to give me toothy chatters and purrs when I did that while holding her, however, that was as a baby…..  I believe she’s in bunny puberty now, lol, so things are a bit different. /: I would just make it a point to tell your bunny that they’re good and praise them, coo at them, pat them while you pick them up. 

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