Holding your bun

[becca]

I know that bunnies don’t like to be held. Is there a way to properly train them to understand it’s safe to be held?

[Bun-bun mom]

I’ve had a wild bunny (long story) and a bunny of a breed renown for disliking being picked up. I simply handled them many times a day (for extended periods, holding them and walking around with them. I always did the gentle, circular stroking behind their ears, on their cheeks, and on their backs. I even massaged their feet (especially between the toes) and gave them tummy rubs (never when prone, however). People have commented on how surprisingly sweet and passive they were. I did start when they were very young (the wild one, 10 days and the domestic one, 12 weeks).

Start by taking your bunny into your lap, gently stroke it, and move to a chair without breaking the rhythm of the petting. Keep him on your lap while attending to other things, like the computer or tv, and eventually he will relax and enjoy it (and so will you).
Have fun!

[Wick & Fable]

It’s great that you’re balancing the general nature of a rabbit along with the sometimes necessity to need to pick up a rabbit. Generally you are correct, any prey animal that’s used to the ground is going to dislike being lifted up and getting that control taken from them.

Each rabbit is an individual and each rabbit will have its own threshold of tolerance. Exposure to handling when young can help, but in the end there will be rabbits who tolerate being picked up, while others will not for long periods of time. It’s important to gauge your rabbit’s body language.

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.

[Q8bunny]

I’ve worked on this with my bun since three months old. He is now three y.o. and has made zero progress. So we also trained to go in his carrier for a treat or breakfast. Had more success with that. Buns I’ve fostered, on the other hand, were much better at working with me on this. So I think starting as early as possible is best, as is constant and gradual practice. But it also depends largely on the bun, so have a plan B.

[kurottabun]

I’m not sure if there’s even a foolproof way, as like the others have said it really depends on the individual bunny’s tolerance.

When I tried to get Kurotta “used to” being picked up a few months back (this was just picking him up for 2 seconds and putting him back down, maybe about 4-5 times in a full day), he hid in his cage for two days straight because he really didn’t like it and was scared. I did eventually find a way of holding him which he tolerates for about 10 seconds before he starts kicking.

So it also depends on how you hold him. The most common way of holding (one hand under the front paws/belly with the other hand supporting the rear) doesn’t work for Kurotta. He feels safer with all fours against my chest, but not for very long too.

[Author]

Messages