Safe Handling

Melissa, a registered Vet Tech shows several techiniques for picking up and holding a rabbit.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• rabbit
• rabbits
• bunny
• safe
• handling
• picking
• up
• holding
• safety

[Velveteenlop]

Rabbits generally do not like being held and/or picked up, because they are prey animals. We would pick up Pixel and walk around with her for a couple of minutes, then put her down, gradually increasing the time we held her. Eventually, she would tolerate being held. Skyler will never tolerate being held. Parker likes being held once he's settled in our arms. Stella will jump into my lap and demand nose rubs. It really depends on your rabbit. Each has his/her own personality and tolerance level.

[beautifulstar33]

@Velveteenlop is it better to get an adult rabbit for 1st time rabbit owners? that way,k you know if they'll tolerate beign held or not?

[Velveteenlop]

@beautifulstar33 Yes, I think an adult rabbit from a shelter or rescue would be a wise choice, especially if the rabbit has been fostered in a private home. Then, the people fostering the rabbit can tell you about its personality and it will be better socialized, as well. Also, most shelters and rescues spay and neuter the rabbits before they're offered for adoption. That can save you alot of money, minimize less desirable traits like spraying, and improves litter box habits.

[beautifulstar33]

@Velveteenlop cool. Also, can rabbits be interactive with their owners or are they as aloof as cats?

[Velveteenlop]

@beautifulstar33 Rabbits are social creatures and enjoy sharing space with people. But each rabbit has its own personality, so some are more social than others. Pixel was in everyone's business all the time. Skyler follows me from one room to another. Honey stretches out beside me on the floor for nose rubs every evening. A rabbit that likes being held in a lap is rare, but most rabbits enjoy interaction on the floor.

[RamboBunBun]

Is he a Holland Lop? He is a very fluffy bun :)

[Velveteenlop]

You're close. He's an American Fuzzy Lop, with an emphasis on "Fuzzy". :)

[beautifulstar33]

@Velveteenlop nice. this sounds like dog behavior. can rabbits get separation anxiety?

[bananamuffiification]

but how do you pick up a 1 month old bunny?

[8bunnies4me]

Very nicely done!

If you are interested in a bunny - please do your research!!!

Consider adopting a shelter bunny or bonded duo.

[phooanimates]

Question! My rabbit is still young and isn't easily getting used to being held. What can I do to ensure her that me handling her is okay? She gets very anxious being off the ground even a little.