Picking rabbits up

[pendrith]

 I really struggle with picking Binky up. I know all the right methods and used to be able to pick him up on a daily basis, when he started getting bigger hes been making things awkward.

(Flailing, kicking, etc) Now I struggled to pick him up at all even using the methods i did before (confidently pick him up, one hand behind his front legs, one hand supporting his back legs and bottom, holding him close to me)

I know some rabbits don’t like being picked up anyway but he used to not really mind it and i’m worried i won’t be able to check him over properly (like checking his bottom and teeth, clipping his claws) if no one can pick him up.

Anyone got any advice? As soon as he feels like hes going to be lifted he hops off.

[bunnyfriend]

This sounds like my Wilbur, she’ll try to jump off or nip me. I’ve been giving her a little treat when I pick her up, it sort of distracts her haha. She’s so tiny that sometimes when she’s on the ground and I go to pick her up she slips through my hands! But since she is tiny, I sort of just scoop her up when she’s not expecting it and then bring her in close. I feel like when I try to prepare to do it she picks up on that and runs away. How big is your bun?  And then on the other hand I’ve got a large bunny Totoro who will sit still and let me pick him up. Sorry I’m not being really helpful here!

[Stickerbunny]

Try the bunny burrito, you can see an example of it under the grooming FAQ section on this site.

[Lazee]

I have found to be quick about it, if I try and go slow they will just kick and resist harder. If I’m quick picking up or putting down it seems to be done befor they have time to throw too much of a fit. of my 5 girls one is real comfortable in my hands being picked up but goes kick crazy being put down if I go to slow. so I’ve learned the quicker I am the less time they have to reactl.

[pendrith]

Yeah I’ve found being quick helps too. I struggle to get him into a quick bunny burrito though. These past few days hes been picked up. We went to the vets and he has an ear infection so i have to syringe antibiotics into his mouth. He kicks a lot but one person holds, one person syringes and i think hes gradually learning. Maybe its cause i got out of practice of picking him up everyday because i lost confidence.
Now i know i’ve got to be persistant and make sure i pick him up everyday from now on.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Instead of focusing on picking him up to carry him somewhere, focus on picking him up-while sitting down. That’s the best way to practice. Pick him up while seated, hold for a few seconds, offer a ‘make up’ raisin and let him go It’s less risky with you both close to the ground and you can build confidence-for both of you-slowly and safely. Make carrying him around your goal-not your practice
Definitely working everyday at it will work -just have patience

A lot of trainers keep journals-you might try that-keep a journal of what you try and how he responds -it makes it easier to identify what is working and what isn’t

[Author]

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