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Home How to Pick Up & Handle a Rabbit

How to Pick Up & Handle a Rabbit

Rabbit Pick Up Handle

Questions

  • The best way to pick up a rabbit
  • Be gentle when picking up & handling a rabbit
  • Start early when picking up & handling a rabbit
  • How to pick up & handle a rabbit after being spayed or neutered
  • How to pick up & handle newborn rabbits
  • What are things to avoid when picking up & handling rabbits?
  • Can children pick up & handle rabbits?
  • Final thoughts
Rabbits are delicate critters that require gentle care, especially when it comes to picking them up and handling them. Whether you're a first-time rabbit parent or a seasoned carer, understanding the proper techniques for handling your furry family member is crucial for their comfort and safety. Research found that a whopping 60% of rabbits struggle when picked up so making sure you know the right way to go about it will minimise undue stress. Not to worry, this guide will walk you through the best practices for picking up and handling rabbits so you can learn the basics or brush up on your skills. 

The best way to pick up a rabbit

When it comes to holding a rabbit, the proper technique is essential to prevent stress or injury. Here are the basics for safely picking up your rabbit: 

  1. Approach calmly: Move towards your bunny slowly and avoid sudden movements that may startle them.  

  1. Support their body: Slide one hand under their chest and the other under their hindquarters to fully support their weight.  

  1. Hold them close: Gently bring your rabbit close to your body to help them feel secure and reduce stress.  

Always aim to provide full support and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your rabbit's body.  Avoid chasing your rabbit if they resist at first. Instead, try to establish trust by sitting near them and offering a treat. 

Be gentle when picking up & handling a rabbit

Being gentle with your rabbit is crucial for building trust and ensuring they feel safe when being handled. Rabbits are prey animals by nature, making them instinctively cautious of sudden movements or rough handling. Treating them gently helps establish a positive association with being picked up, encouraging them to remain calm and comfortable. 

Rabbit being stroked.
Giving your rabbit a choice, such as approaching them at their level or waiting for them to come to you also strengthens your bond and builds mutual trust. Rough handling, on the other hand, can cause stress, fear, and a negative perception of human interaction, potentially damaging your relationship. 

Start early when picking up & handling a rabbit

Starting early with younger rabbits is essential to help them build confidence in being handled. Rabbits are naturally cautious animals, so spending time near their hutch or play area can help them get used to your presence without feeling pressured. Simply sitting nearby and speaking softly allows them to observe and approach you at their own pace. You can use treats or engaging toys to encourage positive interactions and develop trust.  
Offering food from your hand helps your rabbit associate you with safety and rewards, which is an important step before moving on to physical handling. Gradually work towards gentle stroking and brief periods of handling, always being patient and attentive to their comfort level. Helping your rabbit feel secure with being picked up and handled is crucial for their health and well-being later in life, as it ensures stress-free grooming, nail trimming, and vet visits. 

Should you pick up a rabbit by the ears?  

Picking a rabbit up by the ears is extremely cruel and can cause significant pain and injury. Their ears are delicate organs filled with nerves and blood vessels, designed for hearing and regulating body temperature, not supporting weight. Lifting a rabbit this way can lead to torn tissues, fractures, or even permanent damage to their hearing and inner ear balance. It causes immense stress and fear for the rabbit, severely harming their trust and well-being in the long term. 

How to pick up & handle a rabbit after being spayed or neutered

Rabbit being checked out by the vet.
When handling a rabbit after spaying or neutering, extra care is essential. Rabbits may feel sore for up to 10-14 days, and unnecessary stress or strain should be avoided. Always support their chest and hindquarters gently when lifting, and avoid putting pressure on their abdomen near the surgical site. It's crucial to still check the area daily for signs of infection, such as redness or swelling, but ensure this is done calmly to keep your rabbit comfortable.  
Provide soft, non-irritating bedding like fleece or soft hay to prevent discomfort and protect the wound as they recover. Keep their environment quiet and stress-free while monitoring their eating, drinking, and overall behaviour to ensure a smooth recovery. While they recover, you will need to not just limit handling but also exercise so during this period they may need some new accessories like chew toys and a smaller area to stretch their legs. Handling your rabbit with patience and care promotes healing and strengthens trust. 

How to pick up & handle newborn rabbits

Handling newborn rabbits should be approached with great caution and only when necessary, such as for health checks or if their mother isn’t feeding them properly. Their delicate bodies are highly sensitive to stress, and overhandling can disrupt their development or even cause the mother to reject them due to unfamiliar scents. 
Always ensure your hands are clean and warm to avoid causing discomfort. Limit handling to essential situations, and always monitor their reactions to ensure their well-being and minimise potential risks. 

What are things to avoid when picking up & handling rabbits?

When handling rabbits, it is important to avoid lifting them by their ears, scruff, or limbs, as this can cause severe pain or injury. Never chase or corner a rabbit to catch it, as this induces unnecessary stress and fear. Avoid holding rabbits on slippery surfaces or in unstable ways where they feel insecure, as this increases their risk of struggling and injuring themselves, such as spinal damage.  
You should also refrain from squeezing or restraining them too tightly, as their fragile bodies are prone to being easily hurt. Always support their hindquarters and hold them close to your body for stability. Ensuring a calm, gentle approach not only protects their physical health but also helps build trust and reduces fear-based reactions. 

Can children pick up & handle rabbits?

Little girl holding the rabbit.
To encourage children to handle rabbits safely, have them sit on the floor and allow the rabbits to come to them naturally. Sitting with the rabbit in their laps creates a calm and controlled environment, minimising stress for both the child and the rabbit. Always supervise interactions to ensure safety and teach proper handling techniques.  
For younger children, it’s best to start with tasks like filling the rabbit’s food bowl or changing their water. These small responsibilities help children build confidence and positive associations with the rabbit before they are ready for more direct handling. Patience and guided practice are key to fostering a respectful and trusting relationship between children and their furry friends. 

Final thoughts

Mastering the art of picking up and handling rabbits is a rewarding experience for both pet parents and your furry friend. Treat your rabbit gently, avoid common mistakes, and use the right techniques to build trust and ensure their happiness and well-being. By taking these steps, you'll create a safe and nurturing environment where your rabbit feels safe and secure.Â