“Picking up Terror”

[skwerlybuns]

My hubby and I were wondering if buns ever get over their fear of being picked up.  Our babies just hate it when we go in the cage to get them.  We usually use a cloth to drape over them and scoop them up because if we just use our hands they get even more “squirty”.   Unfortunately we have to do it this way right now because of the cage set up, and also because their Binky room is downstairs (we have wood floors upstairs).

We are anxiously awaiting the 16th of this month because thats the day we can start re-introducing them to eachother, (2 boys, 1 girl)  all just got neutered/spayed last month.  We plan on remaking their cage set up to make it easier to get them out but we still have to carry them downstairs.

Once we have them in our arms they are fine, and when we are downstairs with them they love to play, and climb all over us, but hubby is feeling so bad when he reaches in and they give him the “please don’t eat me” look    We were thinking of trying the reward trick of scooping them up then immediately giving them a tiny piece of carrot.  So any body else have pick-up problems?  and what should we do since we can’t let them just come out on their own.

[kimberleyanddarren]

some bunnies will never like being picked up and others will accept it over time although few actually enjoy being picked up because of the whole thats what a fox would do if it got caught thing so you will just have to wait and see

[Lion_Lop_Lover]

My two Lionheads HATE being picked up. They do the typical spaz, kick, omg I’m dying thing…*rolls eyes*
Whereas my 2 Holland Lops (so much calmer) are a lot better – Smile, my female Lop, loves being carried around and cuddled (she is my bunny child).

I guess it depends on the bunnies’ attitude and personality..!

[MarkBun]

My buns will squirm if I take longer than one second to pick them up from the ground to placing them against my chest. No bun likes to be in mid air. But either holding them against my chest (Maryann) or cradling them like a football (Dono), they are very mellow and enjoy being stroked. (eventhough Maryann has her ears back the entire time I hold her, she actually begins to doze off in my arms sometimes).

[Holly]

Holly has some of that.  If I get her out of her cage whe nshe is by the door and half way out, no problem. Usually if I just get home and try to get her out, so she can exercise, she freaks.  She usually wimpers like i’m going to hur ther.  Once she is out, she’s fine and even gets thumpy at me if I don’t play with her.  Strange chick she is sometimes.

[Cadbury]

Cadbury also hates getting picked up, which became quite annoying because we often bring her upstairs to play and she spends a few hours each evening with us up there. I finally started using the carrier – I use a tiny, tiny sliver of banana to encourage her to hop in, then zip her up and just take the carrier upstairs. Much easier than having to catch her and deal with her squirmyness every evening!

[JK]

MMmm maybe it is something with Holland Lops.  My little man loves to be picked up, kissed, held and cuddled.  He’s such a mushy little boy.  I’m very lucky.  I just found out I may be HIGHLY allergic to him but I could never ever part with him.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Have you tried petting their head gently while talking to them and then tried picking them up? Often times this will calm them down enough and make it easier on both of you.  Will you eventually be able to let them have their Binky room without having to carry them there?

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