Tips on holding rabbit safely.

[ProudBunnyOwner]

Hello everyone. My name is Kayla and I recented adopted a one year old mini lop by the name of Hershey. He's absolutely amazing, so kind and gentle, loveable. I just had him neutered on the 3rd of October and the veternarian assistant told me that I should check his incision site atleast two-three times a day to make sure it isn't swollen, infected, any discharge coming out ect.

 

I was just wondering how should I go about checking it? I have another bun but I adopted her already spayed and didn't have to worry about checking her incision site so I didn't really have to hold her for that. I get very nervous when I try to hold them and I'm afraid that if I don't hold them tightly enough they will hurt themselves by trying to kick at me. They seem so fragile because you can really feel everything in their little bodies when you hold onto them! It freaks me out a bit hah. He's a nice bunny and I think if I just wasn't so nervous to hold him he wouldn't mind it. He also has lopped ears so could I cover his eyes with his ears and then try to hold him?

Could I try to do the bunny burrito method where I wrap a blanket/towel around him and kind of flip him over onto his back and take a quick peak? I've known that rabbits absolutely hate it when you hold them so I try not to do what they don't like. Is there any other method to having them on their back?

Very much appreciate the tips if anyone has any. The way I've been checking so far is usually he'll lay down and I start petting him a little bit and I lift his tail up slightly to see.. He hasn't been biting at it which is good and there hasn't been any discharge around, no pussing or blood anywhere in his litterbox/ jumping area I made for him. His stools are normal, urine is perfectly normal; Eating great and drinking water, and been hopping around like nothing happened!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Welcome!!

What I did is this : (It’s a bit hard to describe but bear with me!)

You want a partner, and/or a mirror, and a flashlight will help

Sit on the ground on your knees, with legs spread (like a ‘v’ but on your knees so your feet are under your butt)
Put your rabbit in between your legs, on the ground. -have your rabbit facing out (head by your knees)
Lean over your bunny and lift her up to a ‘standing position’ by putting your hands under her front paws. (since she’s still got her back feet on the ground and you are ‘over’ her, they are often very calm in this position)

Now you can use the mirror so you can see under her, or have your partner look. The flashlight will help you get a closer look.

[Kbana]

Great idea Kokaneeandkahlua! I was wondering this as well since mine will be getting neutered soon and handling is a challenge with my guy. Proudbunnyowner, let me know how it goes. Good luck!

[ProudBunnyOwner]

Thank you so much! I truely appreciate it. This method actually worked for me! He was very calm about it, I did it slowly to not freak him out and he didn’t mind it and gave me enough time to look at his incision site to make sure he’s okay! Thank you very much )

[Kbana]

yay!!!

[Kayota]

I usually scoop Mako up to my chest so she can’t struggle as much and then flip her over if I need to.

[Tigi]

Second poster tip is good, but if you need to hold him on his own, when you pick him up, scoop his front legs/ tummy with your right arm (if you’re right handed) and pull him close to your chest; your right hand should be holding his front legs and your left hand should be supporting both his back legs. Do this so he will feel secure and won’t be able to kick/ jump and hurt himself/you.

Do it confidently and do not cover his eyes because you will need both hands. Good luck!

[ProudBunnyOwner]

Great tip! Thank you! Much appreciated

[Author]

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