Rabbit Handling: How to TURN BUNNY OVER, BunnyCentral.com

[goofyfam42]

Thank you. My daughter has a mini lop and has been struggling with getting him turned over for 4H showmanship. After watching this clip she has managed to get him turned over. It isn't quite up to "show" standards yet..but you got her going in the right direction.

[bunnycentral]

@goofyfam42: Great!

[tipsycat27]

My bunny's a little darling and let me do this to him first time. I was very surprised! Didn't make a fuss or anything while I clipped his nails. I guess I've been pretty used to rebellious pets for so long he's like a saint compared to my other animals.

[bunnycentral]

Thanks, and he was not even mine. The owner came for a handling lesson 'cause he was so unruly.

[PetHelpChannel]

That bunny is ssooo cute! xP

[amanoandin]

I do that to my bunny almost everyday :D he loves it so much he would snooze off to sleep every time I cradle him like that xD It's probably because I've cradled him since he was still a baby bunny, he loves it up until now :)

[fannymanson]

I believe it's totally true that bunnies feel more secure when held firmly. I can actually see a change in the expression of their eyes when they aren't feeling safe in the way they are being held. Plus they become more squirmy or look for an escape route if they don't trust that you have a safe hold of them.

[LenGeoVideos]

@fannymanson : great observation and very true. Thanks for your input! G.

[sprn2rlfrk]

THIS won't work on my bunnies...sorry...=(

[blondie071981]

My bunnies flip out if even attempting to pick them up.. they'll book it! I have to trick them into their carrying cage when it's "vet time." I hate taking them to the vet to get their nails trimmed, it's expensive!

[bunnycentral]

Did you see my How to Pick Up a Rabbit vid? There's tips in the comments of that vid.

There is also two how to trim nails vids.

The key to picking up is treats for the bunnies (daily - gradually) and sweatshirt for you.

[blondie071981]

I did see the nail trim video. But my bunnies get away from me soooo quickly, I cant even get a proper grip on them. It's like, they just "KNOW" whats coming LOL! But thanks for the treat tip, i'll give that a shot :)

[bfoxk]

so..its alright to do that? i always thought it was damaging to thier back..

[bunnycentral]

Of course, we show rabbits so we do it all the time. If you do it properly it is safe for their backs, there just needs to be proper support.

[bunnycentral]

That is TOO funny. G.

[SomeInterestingName]

Thats a very relaxed bun, If I did that with mine Id get a kick in the face!

Can you give any advice to getting a 2/3year old rabbit used to handling? His previous owners wouldnt pick him up due to his behaviour, and he just jumps everytime we've tried. Hes in need of grooming around his tail so any advice would be helpful. :)

[bunnycentral]

Actually the owner was unable to handle him. They were picking him up from boarding and asked me to do his nails. I asked them to film the procedure. It works for me - but then again, rabbits just seem to trust me. Maybe it is because I hold them firmly and they feel secure. And I am "The (local) Bunny Lady" ;-)

[Foolsnightmare]

that is a very well mannered bunny. With some practice hopefully my bunny will trust me enough to do that.

[FunkyBeccaBecca]

ok this helped. but my bunny still freaks out a lot when upside down.

[arizonaapples]

Actually... that's not how you're supposed to handle a rabbit. Rabbits are supposed to be grabbed by the scruff of the neck (with your fingers around their ears). The way you're holding your rabbit may work for you, but you have no control over the rabbit, and if it got scared it could easily jump out of your arms and scratch or bite you.

[tcfuturevet]

i do it different. I put my right hand by its chest and hold its but. I don't wanna pull his leg so i do it my way... But good demenstration Love all you vids