Grooming and handling and sexually active rabbit

[Madison]

I have had my 3 month old female lion head for about a month now. She has warmed up to me very quickly. I’m currently clicker training her to get used to me touching her in places that would require me to pick her up (Chest and bum) I have successfully picked her fully off the ground one time. But now she is starting her first shed and becoming sexually active and hormonal. She has become more timid and does not like me brushing her or trying to pick her up anymore. But since she is my first rabbit i do not know what to do for her to let me pick her up so i can properly groom her without making her feel attacked. I don’t want her shedding fur to cause discomfort but she is beginning to mat under her belly and chin and i don’t know the first thing on how i can brush those areas without fuss or being nipped. I am very afraid of doing the wrong thing that will back track any progress we have made together.

From experience, how long has it taken you for your rabbit to allow being picked up and handled? And do you have any tips, do’s & dont’s, stories, etc? 

Any advice on handling, grooming, and coping with a sexually active rabbit before spaying would be extremely helpful  

Thank you!

-Madison and Janis the bunbun

[Mikey]

At three months, it is incredibly unlikely she is becoming sexually active and hormonal. Usually females start six months or later; boys can start a little earlier but rarely do females. It sounds more to me like she is older than you think she is, or shes acting out because she doesnt like what youre doing, not because of hormones. Most rabbits do not like to be picked up or poked, and many do not like to be groomed. Even when they are not hormonal.

[Author]

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