Lifting & Handling Rabbits



A pet rabbit can be a wonderful addition to the family, but you must remember that they are not at all like other animals. Rabbits are timid and shy. When it comes to being handled or picked up, they are often not all that comfortable. You must be incredibly careful when picking up a rabbit. Quite often their instincts kick in and they will try to run and kick their way out of your arms. This can result in them being dropped which is very dangerous to the rabbit.

You can get your rabbit accustomed to being picked up but you must approach it from the right angle. A rabbit may even bite when lifted but do not get angry about this. They can’t help but struggle to stay in control when they feel unsure or afraid. When you lift your rabbit, start by having him in a safe place like in his cage or on the floor. Always pet him first and speak to him so he feels consoled.

You must take care to support your rabbit. When you pick him up, do not use the scruff of the neck. Instead, scoop the rabbit with one hand under his behind and the other beneath his chest. Rabbits don’t like to be suspended with their limbs dangling in the air so make sure not to do this. Make sure to hug him close to you and speak soothingly to him. After enough times he will come to realize that there is no danger in being picked up and the struggling will cease.

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