Some tips for getting my bunny used to handling?

[Pixie]

Hello All,

I have a 4 month old male Mini Rex that I have now had for 2 months.  He is in a cage set up during the day (2 large cages put together) and then when I am home he has several playpen gates that I put together so he has a pretty large play area and can run around.  Because of him trying to chew on everything and anything I find this works best to keep him out of trouble while getting his freedom and exercise.  I will lay down frequently with him and he comes over and gives me bunny forehead kisses and also climbs all over me when he chooses.  He binkies around and plays-he will also follow right behind my feet as I am walking around.   However, he isn’t a big fan of being picked up or handled.  His attitude is more like “Nah, I’m good.  I’d rather not.” Sometimes he scratches if I try to hold him, but this has gotten less and less as he has gained my trust.  I don’t try to pick him up that often, but before I open his cage I will usually sit on the floor and pick him up and hold him and pet him for awhile and then “release” him.  If he throws a fit I put him back in the cage and then we try again. I understand bunnies are not really “cuddlers”, but I just want to be able to safely handle him and give him pets.  I also tried momentarily to harness train him this weekend and he had no parts of it.  

Since I am new to all this I was just curious if there are any tips that I could try and just guidelines. Also since he is not yet 6 months old there are not many “treats” I can offer him at this point. 

Thanks!

[Wick & Fable]

I’m glad that you acknowledge that rabbits are not “cuddlers”, so with that in mind, I will point out that the desire to “handle him AND give him pets” can actually be exclusive — your rabbit will enjoy pets (if your rabbit enjoys pets to begin with) much more on the ground than in your arms. While the image of having a rabbit in your arms as you pet him/her is precious and so lovely, knowing that rabbits are not cuddlers inherently, it’s best to not attach yourself to this goal — really aim on continuing to build the trust, and I think you’ll find petting, without handling, can be SO worthwhile. I love floor cuddles with Wick much more than holding him. Now the idea of “safely handling him” is very important for a variety of reasons, so getting a rabbit OK with holding is a reasonable goal.

If you’ve been doing this for the past 2 months, I think your rabbit has reached his threshold most likely, and further tolerance will come through establishing your relationship, rather than exposure time to handling. The more comforting your presence, the more tolerable a rabbit may be — at least that’s my logic. So rather than going at it from a handling point of view, consider focusing more on your contact-relationship in other ways, like floor time as you mention.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Pixie]

Posted By Wick on 12/18/2018 1:07 PM

I’m glad that you acknowledge that rabbits are not “cuddlers”, so with that in mind, I will point out that the desire to “handle him AND give him pets” can actually be exclusive — your rabbit will enjoy pets (if your rabbit enjoys pets to begin with) much more on the ground than in your arms. While the image of having a rabbit in your arms as you pet him/her is precious and so lovely, knowing that rabbits are not cuddlers inherently, it’s best to not attach yourself to this goal — really aim on continuing to build the trust, and I think you’ll find petting, without handling, can be SO worthwhile. I love floor cuddles with Wick much more than holding him. Now the idea of “safely handling him” is very important for a variety of reasons, so getting a rabbit OK with holding is a reasonable goal.

If you’ve been doing this for the past 2 months, I think your rabbit has reached his threshold most likely, and further tolerance will come through establishing your relationship, rather than exposure time to handling. The more comforting your presence, the more tolerable a rabbit may be — at least that’s my logic. So rather than going at it from a handling point of view, consider focusing more on your contact-relationship in other ways, like floor time as you mention.

Thank you for the advice.  He does frequently let me pet him while he lays on the floor.  Although he will sometimes just get up and hop off.  He just recently started coming over to me and giving me bunny kisses which I absolutely LOVE!  I just didn’t know if there was anything more I could do so that he knows it’s ok when I pick him up……for obvious reasons.  I want to be able to give him check ups and get his nails trimmed, etc. without terribly upsetting him.  He is such a great little guy and my heart just melts watching him do the simplest of things.  When he cleans his little face I have to just stop and stare.  

[kurottabun]

I agree with Wick. Although there are exceptions, the majority of bunnies simply do not like cuddles in the way humans define it.

I’ve had Kurotta since March and quickly found out that he absolutely detests being picked up. Over the months I’ve finally found a way to hold him that makes him struggle the least, but he definitely does not enjoy it at all.

Cuddling has to be on the bunny’s terms and not ours – trying to force the relationship will likely turn into disappointment for both sides. It’s the most rewarding when they come to you for love though, so keep working on that and good luck!

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