Need help on handling/picking up rabbit

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This topic has 3sd replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 10 months ago by alcyone.

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- 09/20/2017 at 1:59 PM
  jmnava
  Participant
  11 posts
  I’ve been reluctant on trimming my rabbits nails because I’m having trouble picking them up. They will always run away when both my hands get near them. They are both 12 weeks old and not spayed/neutered yet. Is there a way to help them feel comfortable with handling?
- 09/20/2017 at 2:57 PM
  Luna
  Participant
  2219 posts
  It’s important that your buns are comfortable with you first . Since most buns don’t like being picked up, if you keep trying to pick them up and they haven’t bonded with you yet, then when you go near them they will automatically think you will try to pick them up and run away. If however their nails need to be trimmed now, you could try to lure them in a carrier with some pellets and then either a) place them on a table and have someone help you trim their nails (buns tend to not hop around so much when they are higher up or in an unfamiliar place, but someone should help you to make sure they don’t try to jump off the table and accidentally hurt themselves) or b) have someone at the vet’s office trim their nails.
- 09/24/2017 at 8:59 PM
  LaraR4444
  Participant
  7 posts
  My bunny hates being picked up too, and I try to avoid it. It’s also hard for us to trim her nails because of this. I usually get them one or two at a time when I can steal a chance.
  
  I recently stumbled on a very helpful tip. Someone online mentioned making a clicking noise at them, kinda like the one they make. Associate it with food and petting, and do it when you’re doing something they won’t like. It seems to help. She is having a poopy butt problem right now so I HAVE to mess with her whether she likes it or not. She’s much more agreeable now that I started doing the clicking and verbally praising her a lot.
- 09/25/2017 at 1:09 AM
  alcyone
  Participant
  94 posts
  Try to hold out your hand first and make sure you’re approaching them from the front and not behind. Bunnies associate approaching from behind with being hunted by predators, so it’s always best to approach them slowly and make sure they see you coming. With them being so young, it should get easier the more you bond with them and learn to make them feel safe. Also, I find it’s easiest to cut Marley’s nails while someone holds him. He actually doesn’t mind having his nails cut, thankfully. Hopefully you have the same luck!
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