Another Pick Up Question

[Sage Cat]

Things are going pretty well here. So, I reckon I should start picking up the bunny’s on a regular basis – to get them use to it.

Well, Winston comes out of the pen more than Kay. Made sense to start with him. I said “pick up” and did the dirty deed.

On the bright side I am getting better at it. Winston just squirmed and struggled and squirmed and struggled some more. I put him down right away. I gave him a treat. But, he still hid for about an hour.

Kay just sat there and gave me the stink eye! 

I hate doing something I know they don’t like. Hopefully they will start to tolerate it.

Right?

[JK]

Well just be firm with your grip otherwise they sense you are nervous. I was scared to death at first to pick up Edson and then I just did it with authority and he’s fine with it. Doesn’t mind at all. He actually loves to be held.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Yup just keep at it…Some are harder to get to handle then others. Just hold them a little longer each time, always put them down gently…

My “trick” for putting down a rabbit is this: I usually carry the bunnies on my chest, just under my neck with both arms securing them so they feel supported. When I am going to put them down, I stop walking, then grab their front legs with one hand, back legs with another: firmly: and in one smooth motion put them down, when I am a couple inches off the floor I open my hands and let them step off my hands (so they feel like they had some say in it). Once they step off my hands I give them some nose rubs before they run off, so that it was a pleasurable experience.

For working on cuddling, do it when you sit on the ground. Give them two handed nose rubs, I run one hand after another over their nose. This is soo pleasurable they’ll often forget that ‘THEY HAVE TO ESCAPE!!’ and sit and be cuddled for a few minutes. Then when your done you can let them hop off you. Always let them go on your terms and on good terms, don’t let them struggle and then run off as that will reinforce that “struggling=escaping”.

My first bunny was almost impossible to hold and even hard to pet!! Now she’s soo good. The whole vet’s office came out on friday (they were all at the vet’s on friday) to tell me how awesome all my rabbits were in terms of temperment and to handle!!

[Scarlet_Rose]

Question, are you picking them up while you are standing? Most rabbits do not like heights and so it is best to do it when you are sitting on the floor down low. They will get used to it, and it really is better if they do so when you do need to take them to the vet, it is not going to be a huge ordeal. The key is they need to feel safe and secure held against your body so you want a fairly good snugness of them against your body and the support of theirs with your hands as well.

[Sage Cat]

Oh, no – not standing up.
I am either sitting cross legged or kneeling with my bum on my feet. I figured that way I could “scoop them up” as close to me as possible and they are not hanging in the air.

[kimberleyanddarren]

hopscotch didnt have a problem being picked up from day one so i guess i am lucky, in fact sometimes he will nip my ancles and wont stop until i pick him up and give him cuddles! keep us updated!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

You *ARE* lucky!!!

We are still working with Rupert as he’s pretty nervous being picked up, but pretty good being held. My guess is its partly due to not having much experience being handled and also that he’s not very confident with his foot, and REALLY doesn’t want to fall. But he’s coming along.

I think the key is to handle them EVERY day! And to make it positive. Always end on a positive note.

[Sage Cat]

Thanks for the advice y’all. I appreciate it.

Kokaneeandkahlua – those are some really good tricks!

[kimberleyanddarren]

yes the giving him something positive is a good idea, i try to give hopscotch something yummy everytime i put him back in his hutch so that he gets distracted and doesnt give me those ‘noooo mommy pleassssseeee noooooo!’ eyes which makes me sad

[kimberleyanddarren]

yes the giving him something positive is a good idea, i try to give hopscotch something yummy everytime i put him back in his hutch so that he gets distracted and doesnt give me those ‘noooo mommy pleassssseeee noooooo!’ eyes which makes me sad

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