how to hold a rabbit

How to hold a rabbit: Allow the rabbit to stretch out and put their front paws up on your chest or shoulder. Would taking care of a rabbit be a good idea to try to make a ten year old more responsible? Believe it or not, you can actually have control over the activity of your little friend. Sit on the floor, lift the rabbit out of its cage and put it on your lap on the ground level. If you can avoid it, try not to hold your rabbits for too long. Know the Rabbit’s age. Clipping a rabbit’s nails in this position will definitely require a helper to either hold the bun or clip the nails while you hold him. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. ", "I now feel more confident around my bunnies!". A rabbit should always have her hind-quarters supported when being lifted and held. You cannot keep a rabbit as a pet in Queensland. References All rights reserved. Move slowly and talk quietly around rabbits so not to startle them. As previously mentioned, it would be extremely stressful to pick up a pet rabbit by their ears and injury is highly likely. You can attempt to find the sex of a rabbit that is a few days old. If the rabbit's cage or hutch is on the ground, sit next to it. Build a cardboard house for your rabbit to play in, or let it explore your own house. Instead, always approach the rabbit slowly, pick it up slowly, and put it back in its home slowly. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The first time, only expect him to be still for a short moment before you let him go. Hold all four feet against your body. Why you should never hold your rabbit by the scruff of its neck 1. You also need to have a hand on the rabbit’s hindquarters to guide their legs as you take them out. The best way to hold a rabbit is similar to how you would hold a football. A lot of people years ago used to do that. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Our butcher station is a basic A-frame design that has clamps at the top to hold the feet and funnels beneath to funnel the blood to the buckets waiting beneath. If the rabbit shows no signs of aggression, take a treat like lettuce or carrot, and put your hand inside the cage or hutch. Never hold a rabbit by its ears, scruff, … Using the back of your hands or fingers, lightly stroke the top of the rabbit's shoulder or flank. It's not comfortable for the rabbit. Once you're holding the rabbit, cradle it close to your chest to help it feel secure. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Hold the rabbit so that most of his weight, in the hindquarters, rests in one of your hands. Keeping a grip on their bottom and front half, cradle the rabbit in your arm. Keep their feet and bottom supported with one arm while lightly wrapping your other arm around the rabbit to keep them stable. Always make sure that the bunny is horizontal as you feed it. This will help her not have too much room to struggle. It is best to pick up a rabbit by getting down to as close to their level as possible, as they are less likely to feel threatened. How to Hold a Rabbit It is important to hold your rabbit securely at all times controlling the forelimbs, the rump and the hindlimbs. Never pick rabbits up by their ears. Our position on keeping rabbits and guinea pigs together. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Scruffing does not provide your rabbit with the necessary support to be safe. Grooming is a bonding activity between rabbits; it will help strengthen your bond with your rabbit, and that, along with the food, will help make positive associations with touch for your rabbit. For more advice from our Veterinary co-author, like how to hold an old or skittish rabbit, scroll down! When walking while … In a way, it resembles holding a football just above the hip. Dried fruit, radish greens, and small bits of washed fruits and vegetables. It would be extremely stressful and is highly likely to injure them. If bunnies associate getting picked up with play time, it can make them more comfortable with the process. Always be gentle, move slowly and talk quietly around rabbits so that you don't startle them. The second video clip shows the correct methods for handling and restraint in the rabbit. The proper way to hold a rabbit begins by picking them up. ", "I think what helped me the most in this article was that if I need to hold my bunny, I know how. We advise all interaction to take place on ground level when possible. Be sure to pet the rabbit and offer praise. Alternatively, place a towel over the rabbit and lift in him that. Keep both hands under the rabbit at all times. Picking rabbits up when you're close to ground level is less likely to scare them, and is also more safe, as it helps prevent them being dropped by accident from a height. Don't rush. unlocking this expert answer. If the rabbit's cage or hutch is on the ground, sit next to it. It just wasn't. If your rabbit is very nervous about being held, try wrapping it in a blanket or towel - it will make it feel more secure and will protect you from scratches. Many people still grab them by the scruff and dangle them. Hold onto the scruff of the rabbit while pointing their head away from you. Rabbits can be very rewarding pets after bonding, and most enjoy being with their owners. Holding Your Rabbit At Mid Height With your rabbit now comfortable sitting on your lap and being petted (even in areas he might see as somewhat peculiar!) You’ll first need to be sure you have a butcher station. Is a rabbit a good pet for a responsible child? It’s acceptable to put an arm gently over their eyes or even use a towel while you hold them. Your rabbit may respond with a thump or may kick up his/her hind legs at you while scampering away. This is in case the rabbit struggles, or tries to leap out of your arms which can cause physical injury. Offer food to your rabbit, if you don't want to get your fingers close, tape a clothes peg to a stick and hold the food in that. Sometimes it helps to hide the rabbit’s face under your arm or to cover your rabbit’s eyes. In order for a family and a rabbit to get to know each other (and for the rabbit’s best health), the rabbit needs to be an indoor pet with as much out-of-cage time with the family as possible. it’s time to progress to the next level. After the rabbit has been culled, you’ll need to skin it. This article has been viewed 197,139 times. Wrap your rabbit in a towel to restrain it. Get your rabbits used to human touch by socialising them early. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Kids will likely think a rabbit is like a living stuffed animal. Placing one hand under your rabbit's chest Place your other hand under their hind legs Lift your rabbit and hold them against your body to keep them nice and secure, but don't squeeze too tight. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Play with the rabbit. Your rabbit may think the better alternative to being held is to leap from your arms, but this can cause serious injury. When you're picking up a rabbit comfortably the rabbit stays still. Registered charity no.219099. The RSPCA helps animals in England and Wales. Covering their eyes (with a towel or in the crook of your arm) can help them feel more relaxed whilst being held, but you should ensure the nares (nostrils) aren't obstructed. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. If they are forced to struggle too much, they can even hurt themselves. Always hold a rabbit gently but firmly and use the minimum level of restraint necessary. Part of caring for a rabbit is picking it up and holding it. Very good information. Once you’ve raised your rabbit off the ground, bring them close to your chest. Instantly access How To Hold A Rabbit plus over 40,000 of the best books & videos for kids. Heart/Lungs – When listening to the heart rate which is normally between 180-250bpm keep in mind the rabbit’s stress level. The rabbit’s body should be cradled by one of your arms and you should have your other hand on top of the rabbit. A rabbit that feels safe in your arms will not scratch or bite or struggle to get away. On top of that, she is a bigger rabbit, so I know inherently my tiny arms and build couldn’t support her and hold her as securely as what would have been comfortable. The rabbit should be held its head tucked under the handler's arm and with the back and hindquarters supported by the handler's forearms. The rabbit must be comfortable, otherwise it will struggle during the clipping. You want to be very near to the ground. No, rabbits are herbivores, and both wieners and bread are bad for their digestion. Get comfortable. Hold rabbits gently but firmly, and always have one hand supporting the rabbit's front legs, and hind legs at all time. Safety is paramount when handling rabbits as their fragile spines can be seriously, or even fatally, damaged if they feel insecure and struggle when held. Rabbits are prey animals in the wild and are instinctively afraid of fast movements. As soon as he does not struggle, put him down quickly, so he understands that he is to be calm when you set him down. Unless you have the bunny supported against your chest or lap, don't let go with one hand in order to pet him. For more advice from our Veterinary co-author, like how to hold an old or skittish rabbit, scroll down! Don't force the treat on the rabbit, but bring your hand close enough so it can smell the treat. When you're finished, gently place the rabbit back on the ground. As rabbit used to stroke in its hutch, you can try picking it up. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Rabbits who are used to being handled may have a slightly higher heart rate at the beginning of the exam due to not knowing what to expect but by the end of the exam should be much more relaxed. Do not squeeze your rabbit, rather firmly and gently hold her. Hold your rabbit’s mouth open and wrap the wire cutters around the tooth to cut it. However, you can obtain a European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) for the purposes of exhibiting to the public.Under the Exhibited Animals Act 2015 rabbits are category B species and may be exhibited for purposes such as educational exhibits or for entertainment.. You can also apply to exhibit and deal with the rabbit at the … It's crucial to get rabbit handling right, as without correct handling, it's possible your rabbits will perceive you as a threat. Enjoy your rabbit once you do get it! Sit down with your rabbit, offer treats in one hand, and stroke your rabbit with the other. Familiarize yourself. Don't make sudden movements around your rabbit. Approved. ", "Thanks, this helped me a lot. The other hand should brace the rabbit’s back. Last Updated: April 13, 2020 By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Before holding a rabbit for the first time, it is best to let the rabbit get used to you. Put something soft inside the carrier, like a towel or a bunny bed. Hold rabbits gently but firmly, ensure one hand supports their back and hindquarters at all time. If your child has shown an ability to care for and love animals, the pet can enhance responsible behavior but it won't create behavior that isn't already evident. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Hold-a-Rabbit-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Hold-a-Rabbit-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Hold-a-Rabbit-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid73207-v4-728px-Hold-a-Rabbit-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"