I accidentally hurt my bunny

[Kris]

I have two bunnies, who run around my room everyday.  I normally scoop them up like footballs to support them to keep from scaring them, but this time she jumped away and I tried to catch her before she fell. My bed is up pretty high, so I was worried the fall would hurt her. I grabbed her back, like how you would scruff them but lower close to her bum. Now she’s grunting and stomping her foot at me when I get close. She’s not acting like she’s in pain, just like she’s mad and scared.

I don’t know what to do, I feel so bad that I hurt her. I put her in her cage and gave her treats and space, but I’m worried she’s going to be scared of me now. Is there anything I can do?

[Bam]

Its actually a good sign she seems mad and offended. Is she taking the treats? Does she move her legs normally?

If she is just angry and scared, she will forgive you. Rabbits do that. They can be miffed for a few hours though. I’d try not to fuss over her too much, but keep a close eye to make sure she’s physically alright.

Sometimes we have to do things that aren’t nice for the rabbit but necessary for the bun’s health and wellbeing. You seem well aware that you shouldn’t grab rabbits by the scruff, but this time you were trying to save her from a potentially dangerous situation and had to act fast.

 

[Hazel]

Agree with Bam. When I pick up my rabbit (I only do it when there’s no way around it), I start at the head and slowly slide my hands over the top of their body, my fingers going underneath while my thumbs stay on top. This helps to keep them from jumping up or forward.

[Author]

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