how to restrain my skittish rabbit

[Hermione The Bunny]

Hermione is a lovely boy who is very bonded to me. However, he does NOT like being picked up (ever since he was fixed 5 years ago. I guess he still holds a grudge!) This makes vet visits difficult, or just even transferring him to his play room in another part of my house. Hermione currently has a large piece of poo attached to his bottom. It’s not blocking him from pooping, but it needs to be taken care of. I’ve done this before by carefully separating it from his fur, but it takes a few days for me to get it off because he jumps away after a sec and then he has to forget I tried to get it off so I can try again (he forgets after about 3 days). This is the worst it’s ever gotten and I need it gone before it DOES cause a problem. I’ve tried the whole “warm washcloth” thing to try and soften the poop to make it easier to remove but he doesn’t stay still long enough for me to do that.

Anyway, I was wondering what the best way is to restrain a rabbit that does not like being picked up or held. It should take me less than a minute to actually remove it, it’s just the process of getting him still. I do have someone to help me with this. I am also aware of the “burrito” but I’m not even sure if I can get him on the middle of a towel lol

[DanaNM]

Hi there, welcome

My boy Bunston HATED being picked up and restrained. I’m right handed, so I’ll describe the method that worked for us (for nail trims etc, so would work for cleaning his bum) with that handed-ness. If you’re left handed just flip everything.

I would start off by petting him on the head (with his head facing towards me) with my left hand until he relaxed a bit. Then in one swoop, I would slide my left forearm along side his body, my right hand would form a “C” shape under his arm pits (so thumb on shoulders, fingers supporting weight of front en), as my left hand scooped under his bum.

So you end up with the body pinned against your forearm, and weight supported by both arms, but legs not able to push off of you. I would then immediately tuck him against my body, with his head basically under my left arm. The more secure they feel the better, so be firm and deliberate. If they feel you loosen they worry they will fall and start struggling.

This really only works if you can get him on the first try. So if he squirms away, wait a while to try again.

Once you’ve got him, I would have him basically sideways on my lap, and would lift his front end up with my right hand hold him against my chest. I would then use my left hand to hold his bum up, as before. This should allow your helper to access his bum. I would always wear a thick sweatshirt because usually when we would finish he would turn and dig at me for a bit to show how angry he was, lol. But he would forgive pretty quickly

Does that make sense? i can try to make a video or take some photos if it’s not clear. I think the most important thing is to be firm, supportive, and confident. Once you get him on your lap you can also place your hand over his eyes to calm him down.

. . . 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.  

[Hermione The Bunny]

Hello! Thank you for your response.

I ended up doing it a different way as I hadn’t seen your message yet, and the deed is done (with a slightly upset bunny who is now being pampered with love and extra veggies). This does make sense though, and of course I actually AM left handed so if I ever have to do this (hopefully not), it will take a few tries. I should practice, lol!

Wishing you and your bunnies the best! Have a nice rest of the day and again, thank you so much

[DanaNM]

You’re welcome, glad you got it done!

. . . 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 used treats to train my bun to run into his carrier. So I pick him up that way to avoid accidental injuries and stress (he hates being picked up in someone’s arms and considers it traumatic lol).

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

Skittish bun owner here We have a feisty Netherland Dwarf who seems to be made of oil, teeth and claws when you have to do some basic grooming. It’s impossible to keep him on your lap. Nearly all rabbits hate to be picked up, it’s a prey instinct thing. I’ve trained our rabbit to go into his hutch with a voice command, and he gets a treat every time. This is a fun thing to work on together, it’s very convenient as well. He doesn’t associate his hutch with being picked up, because it’s something which happens daily when I go to bed or when I’m going shopping. When he’s in the hutch I put an anti-slip mat on the dinner table and cover it with a towel. This way he has more grip and won’t panic because he’s slipping. I also grab my tools and his treats before taking him out of the hutch, because he’ll still squirm when he’s on the towel. The “towel of shame” is the only way we can safely do nails, brushing or medication.

[Q8bunny]

lol Mean ole’ burrito wrapper. Chewie hates his tortilla at the vet’s too.

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