Do I have to pick my bunnies up to health check them?

[Princessbunnies]

I have had my bunnies for 8 months and I have tried every method to pick them up but they just get more and more scared.I don’t pick them up to health check them anymore because I am scared I am going to accidentally hurt them when they are struggling.They also scratch me with their claws.They are confident about being stroked but i don’t think they will ever not be frightened about being picked up.They were adopted from the RSPCA and used to be scared being around people.I am worried I won’t detect illnesses that I can’t see underneath them.I can only health check what I can see without having to pick them up.I take them once every two months to the vets to get weighed and their claws cut.Picking them up causes stress to both me and the bunnies.Is it important to keep picking them up for Heath checks or should I carry on not picking them up?

[Deleted User]

Don’t pick them up. It’s not good for you or the buns. If you have to health check anything underneath (tummy problems, neuter sites, sore hocks, poopy butt) check them while they’re laying on their sides and use a treat to get them to cooperate. Both of my buns hate getting picked up, so I’ve been doing this and it works great. Asriel even flipped out when the vet picked him up. He kicked her in the face and tried to jump off her shoulder ?

[Princessbunnies]

Thanks for the advice.I check their stomachs and underneath them when they are on their hind legs.It’s good to know I am not the only person that doesn’t pick them up.I agree it’s not good to pick them up.Luckily they have never kicked the vet in the face.The only thing I am worried about is when they get old if they get arthritis and I have to wipe their bottoms and I can’t pick them up.

[Author]

Messages