Hates being picked up but likes being held

[Mara]

I just got a new rabbit I named Freddie! He’s a lop and a little more than a year old. I know he’s new, so I need to give him time, and his behavior might change. When I got Bean he jumped into his hiding place whenever I moved! And now he’s super calm. Freddie sat on my lap for a long time today and was content with that, but any time I go to pick him up he runs away. I know rabbits don’t like to be picked up, but I’m also wondering if this might be something he’ll become more relaxed about as he gets used to me. Bean will not be held and won’t sit still on your lap, but he will let me pick him up to move him short distances, and only kicks when he gets close to the ground. What are ways I can get Freddie to trust me in general? Do you think he’ll eventually let me pick him up to place him in my lap?

[Wick & Fable]

He may not be a rabbit that likes being in your lap, so if after he seems to be comfortable around you, he still is not willing, do not force it and respect his unenthusiastic demeanor for it.

Wick doesn’t like being on a lap because he doesn’t see the point.

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.

[GeorgieTheBunny]

Large dark shadow from above trying to put their hands around me. Trying to stop me from moving, won’t let me get away, trying to lift me off the ground and into biting range…..

Gotta admit; it’s a creepy read and no doubt terrifying to experience for a little creature easily 1/30th your size.

When Freddie hops into your lap he has made that choice, you reward him with positive reenforcement like grooming and treats; that will gain his trust/love.
You’ve had Bean for awhile. Bean knows that you’ll put him down, reward him, and he’s not going to die. Freddie doesn’t know that yet.
Who knows what will happen in time. It will depend on you and Freddie; the bond you develope, how well you respect your bunny’s wishes and how much rabbitude Freddie has

[joea64]

As I remarked earlier today, I’ve been trying to keep picking up either Panda or Fernando to an absolute minimum, only when it’s necessary. They actually seem to react pretty well when I’m standing over them where they can see me, or lying down where they can more easily see my face. Fernando, being an albino, occasionally does that eye-scan thing where he turns his head from side to side to get a better view of me, and often likes to sit meditatively where he can see me, giving me a long thoughtful look for many minutes at a time. Panda prefers to do that while bunloafing.

I’ve had considerable success recently helping Fernando build trust by letting him climb all over me from heel to shoulders while I’m lying prone, he often does that at least once per evening. Panda hasn’t gotten to that point yet. She’s slowly getting more willing to have physical contact, and is now starting to come up to the condo grids or X-pen fence like Fernando does to greet me, but still won’t usually let me finger-rub her forehead for more than the briefest moment unless I’ve just given her a treat.

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