Making Handling A Positive Experience

[Firsttimer]

Well I’ve finally built a new space for Pepper and Dylan using the storage cubes and they love it – in fact they are never in a hurry to come out of it when they get the opportunity!  Anyway, they are both nervous rabbits – particularly Pepper (we don’t know how she was treated in her last home but she was quite ill when we got her) and having a bigger cage has posed a new problem.  I can’t catch them!  Dylan is currently moulting and needs groomed, he is smaller and a little easier to catch, but Pepper is very difficult. 

I think that what I need to do is start handling them more every day and get them into a routine where they know that being picked up is not a bad experience and won’t last long – and basically that the whole experience could be quicker and more enjoyable than it is now while they struggle.  What do you think?  After handling them I offer them a treat which they usually eat but beforehand Pepper does a couple of large thumps on the ground so I know she’s angry.  They don’t eat treats while I’m handling them so what else can I do to reward them and encourage them to relax while being handled?

[RabbitPam]

Can you lie down and wait for them to come out to you, right near the cage opening? Then possibly pet them, and give a treat. Then sit up and only hoist each one as far as your lap on the floor, so they get used to being handled by you gently without having to go high into the air. Then try holding them on your chest tightly, still down low, so they can feel secure there, and let them go. I guess I’m just thinking a gradual adjustment to being held by you.

[Firsttimer]

Yes I should try that. I just logged back in again to mention that I have no problem petting them as they happily approach me and sniff my nose and sometimes when I’m at the bottom of their cage cleaning their litter area pepper will jump on my back.    I will try just putting them on my lap – I’m guessing it’ll be a slow process as if they feel there is something to jump onto they will just jump straight back off.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

OMG I have to say there is a radio show here, and it’s the “Pepper and Dylan morning show” LOL thats quite funny!

It’s a process and takes patience, but it sounds like your on the right track. You can also clicker train your bunnies-check out the home page for links etc. for info. I was thinking of incorporating clicker training to make mine more cuddly as well!

[Author]

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