Unsure of how to handle rabbit.

[LoriM]

My rabbit hates being being picked up, I understand that’s normal for rabbits (Being prey animal and all), but since its been so hot I’ve noticed a lot of flies around her cage. I try to clean every day, but they’re still come around a lot. I also want to keep her cool so I put frozen waterbottles inside her cage, but the moisture only attracts more flies. I’m afraid that my rabbit will get fly strike so I want to check, but whenever I try to pick her up she makes that squeal noise and it breaks my heart. Any tips or advice? Thanks!

[bpash89]

It sounds like your rabbit is housed outdoors? Most people here will advice you to bring her inside since housing bunnies indoors is much safer for them not just because of flies but because of weather and predators as well.
In order to pick her up, you could try using a blanket or a basket for her to jump in (lay a towel or something over it so she doesn’t try to jump out) and then lower her to the ground/carry her wherever. She will never like being picked up but it can be less traumatic for her if you use something like a basket so she’s not actually being lifted or wrap her in a blanket so she feels a bit more secure (and can’t see what’s happening).

[LoriM]

Well I actually keep her indoors, but we keep windows and doors open to keep the house cool. Thanks! She does seem more comfortable when I use a towel 

[bpash89]

Well in that case, have you tried fly traps of any kind? Installing screens on the windows?

Same thing with picking her up though. Get her to jump into a laundry basket or something and take her into a different room that she is unfamiliar with. Being carried and being in a room she’s not used to will stress her out a little bit but will make her easier to handle and less likely to hurt herself while you are handling her.

[LoriM]

Yeah, we have screens on every window, but somehow they still get in. I’ll probably try installing fly traps. They’re not the big flies, but the smaller fruit flies if that makes any difference? Okay, great thanks! 

[bpash89]

 These kind of fly traps work well for the tiny fruit flies.  You can also just use a bowl with plastic wrap over it and stab a few holes in the top.  I add a touch of dish soap to the solution so it breaks the surface tension and the little buggers drown.   

Many times they come in through the drains or are small enough to fit through the screens.  

 

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fly-Trap

[Beka27]

I don’t believe fruit flies pose any risk for fly strike, they are more just an annoyance. Fly strike is caused by the bigger “house flies” and other larger varieties.

[manic_muncher]

Fastest trap, recommended by the pest control company I used to work for: Apple cider vinegar in a small cup about halfway up, add a couple drops of dish detergent to the middle (as bpash mentioned) they will start immediately coming in and will drown. Works very fast, I use it if I ever see ONE fruit fly, because I know more follow. I usually place one near the kitchen sink, maybe you can put one on the windowsill near the rabbit cage.

Aside from the rabbit area, check your garbage for them hanging around and a place forgotten by a lot of people… look wherever you store potatoes or onions (or any other fruits/veggies not refrigerated). One bad spot will draw them in and be a breeding ground for them.

[LoriM]

Thanks so much everyone!

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