how to hold a rabbit

[Louiethebunny]

I’ve had my rabbit for nearly a month now and I know rabbits don’t love being held, but how could I make my bun comfier with me holding him? Some sources say continue piling them up so they are used to it, while others say wait until the trust and love you and they won’t mind being picked up.

[HipHopBunny]

Some buns’ prefer to be held close to your heart for comfort, with the awareness that you’re there, maybe? Is your bun an energetic bunny? I hold my bunnies on my lap and pet them. Sometimes I put a pee pad down on a bed and lay down beside them, although, that doesn’t work when they’re in a hipper mood! 😀

Good luck!

[Hazel]

Personally I’ve always felt that it’s not really worth putting my rabbits through all that stress to try to get them used to it (if you had one that isn’t horribly opposed to it to begin with it might be different). For practical reasons like clipping nails or taking them to the vet I think it’s much easier and less stressful for the rabbit to just train them to go into a carrier on command.

Sorry, I know this isn’t really answering your question, just my two cents. 🙂

[Wick & Fable]

I don’t think it’s something that should be forced very frequently, but there is utility and some well-being factors that come from feeling confident that when you do need to carry/hold your rabbit, he/she is somewhat tolerant of it and it’s not dangerous to either party.

I would not necessarily go out of your way several times a day to force a hold, but at times when you feel you need to, or perhaps it has been a while since you last did, I would highly recommend ensuring the experience ends on a positive note (aka a treat, haha).

My second rabbit, Fable, was absolutely terrified of being picked up. It was a very dangerous task because she would actively try to run, scratch, and jump off of you, even if you are standing up straight. On top of that, she is a bigger rabbit, so I know inherently my tiny arms and build couldn’t support her and hold her as securely as what would have been comfortable. Fast forward literally 8 months forward (aka now!), she still runs away and huddles in fright when she senses I am intending to pick her up. She still has the buggiest, most terrified eyes when she is carried, but she no longer moves around or squirms. She is very tensely still in my arms until I can transport her to where is necessary.

This came from two things I did specifically with her:

1. Unless it’d take too long or became dangerous for either of us, I would never let her down if she was squirming like crazy. I didn’t want her to learn that doing that will let her escape and that it’s something she needs to do in order to get down– I want her to learn that I will let her down in a calm way; she just needs to be patient.
2. I would hold a treat in my mouth (because both hands are occupied supporting her), and once I place her on the ground, I immediately gave her the treat. I really wanted to instill that this is a tolerable experience and she did exactly what I wanted.

Those two combined seemed to do well for us.

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.

[Louiethebunny]

Thank you for the tips! I always reinforce good behavior with a treat, and I will try being a little more firm and confident when picking him up so he feels more stable and learns not to squirm or jump out of my arms. I’ve only had him for a month, and I’m sure he will warm up to the idea of being held.

[LBJ10]

No rabbit likes to be held, but many can and do learn to tolerate it. If you want to work on this, I would suggest with baby steps. Sit on your knees and pet your bunny on her sides. Then move on to putting your hands under her. Gradually work up to lifting her up a few inches for a second or two. Progressing in this manner can make things less scary. Always reward with a treat.

When actually holding/carrying bunny, I find they feel more secure if they are held facing you. All four feet are on your chest, your hands supporting their back and butt.

[DanaNM]

I tend to only hold when necessary, rather than trying to “get them used to it”, but I do think it’s important to be able to pick up your rabbit and hold them safely, whether that be training them to go into a carrier, or being able to pick them up yourself.

I’ve found that by only picking up when necessary, they don’t anticipate you picking them up when you approach, so it’s easier to get them. Having your bun be used to your hands is great, and if you always pick them up, they can learn to fear hands.

I also volunteer at a shelter where the rabbits have to be picked up daily to be put out to exercise, and they do not get used to it or learn to like it. Some are easier to pick up than others, but most do not like it, even though they get rewarded afterward.

. . . 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.  

[Louiethebunny]

thank you for the tips everyone!

[Hazel]

Ditto everything Dana said. I’ve experienced the same with my bun. Since I hardly ever pick him up he’s not suspicious of my hands in the slightest, so if I do have to scoop him up for some reason it’s a done deal before he even realizes what’s going on. Easy peasy.

[LBJ10]

Oh absolutely! You shouldn’t pick your bunny up all the time, especially not for the sake of picking them up to cuddle them or whatever. I don’t know any bunny that likes to be picked up. Some can come to tolerate it though. If they do, it makes it so much easier to hold them when it’s necessary. Doesn’t mean you won’t get foot flicks afterward though! LOL Personally, I have never had a bunny become suspicious of my hands. I suppose it depends on the bunny though. Some are more wary than others. 😉

I think everyone has given good advice here. 🙂

[Louiethebunny]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I don’t want him to be suspicious of me trying to grab him, I just want to be able to pick him up without a struggle for things like nail clippings. I’m slowly letting him warm up to my holding him, by petting him on his tummy and near where I would be picking him up, just without lifting him off the ground. Although he doesn’t love my putting my hands on his tummy and butt, he doesn’t mind too much as long as I don’t pick him off the ground.

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