Here are some suggestions: Firstly, i 'll try using that to get a bunny. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. For a rabbit to be comfortable with being picked up, they must learn through positive experiences that being lifted isn't something that causes harm. It's a big step, so again it needs to be done very gradually in small increments so your rabbit is always comfortable with what is happening. With the right reassurance, you can turn the situation around. As much as you want to go over and cuddle, it’s best to let the rabbit sleep to confirm the feeling of safety. she was mishandled and runs away if she thinks you might pick her up, so except to take her to the vet, i never pick her up i let her come to me she will now jump on my lap and let me pet her, but all the time she is very nervous, wont sit still and takes off if i make any movement that to her means i might confine her or pick her up Also, know that affection does not need to involve handling. For example, when stroking along the back of your rabbit, continue all the way down the spine until you are cupping their bottom as you would to pick up - but don't lift. You might need to start by stopping some distance away and letting your rabbit hop to you. Rabbits have a wide variety of love language. Equally, if they’re sick or injured, handling will hurt them. It's quite aggressive body language to walk directly at a rabbit head on, so when you approach aim slightly to one side - like you plan to walk past. This is more likely if they were not handled when young. Before you think about picking your rabbit up you need to rebuild the trust between you. The person caring for the young litter should get them used to being touched and picked up so they grow up thinking that it is normal and nothing to be worried about. You'll need to go back to basics and very slowly introduce the concepts your rabbit will need to be comfortable with before you can progress to actually lifting your rabbit. Understand your rabbit’s sense and how they use them: These senses mean that you’ll need to get your rabbit used to your before attempting handling. Remember, we’re teaching, “stand still while I pick you up.”. If this is the case with your dog, you can teach him to enjoy or at least tolerate being lifted off the ground, but this takes time. Rabbits are very good at reading body language and working out routines, so if you're thinking about trying to pick your rabbit up - … Don’t Handle Your Rabbit Unnecessarily. You can then start approaching your rabbit and offering food - use your rabbit's favourite part of normal meals to avoid weight gain. Rabbits love human company, and will often let you know that they want to be petted. Bunnies hate this at the best of times. Some dogs have missed out on the important puppy socialization that includes learning to be handled and lifted off the ground. If they are limping, they are injured. The most likely reasons for a rabbit no longer enjoying handling are fear or pain. Forcing physicality upon them will damage your bond. This is particularly critical if you have other pets. Again, have a treat in the other hand and allow your rabbit to move away if he wants. Don't make all your interaction about learning to be picked up; grooming your rabbit, playing with toys and just hanging out in the same space will all help your bond and build trust. Let it get used to your voice. Get Your Rabbit a Friend. Wait until they show signs of happiness with this, though. This means that, no matter how good your intentions are, they’ll initially be frightened of you. Always be gentle as a rabbit’s skeleton is not particularly robust. Once you gain your bunny’s trust, they’ll likely approach you for handling. She couldn't take her out or play with her. (Binkying Explained), Why Does My Rabbit Flop Over? Ensure that your rabbit has a good understanding of the difference between night and day. To get your rabbit to trust you, follow these steps. If your rabbit turns their back on you, you have upset them in some way. Build up gradually until you are gently lifting your rabbit. As well as not picking your rabbit up, you need to spend time with him whilst not picking him up. The most likely reasons for a rabbit no longer enjoying handling are fear or pain. They suspect you’re going to pick them up, and want no part of it. Your rabbit may never love being picked up, but hopefully you can now lift your rabbit comfortably into a box or out of his cage without him being frightened. If you adopt a rabbit from a shelter, discover the circumstances that brought them there. If your rabbit moves away, allow him to and don't follow. – put them down and walk away. Survival instinct dictates that a bunny will always fear a human until they’re taught otherwise. Why Do Rabbits Binky? That involves plenty of patience and allowing her to initiate contact. Rabbits are affectionate under the right circumstances. If your rabbit runs in the opposite direction when you walk towards them, you are not going to be able to pick them up. site please ask permission first. Do not grab your rabbit! You need to show them that you’re a source of pleasure, not fear. Even a bunny that trusts you may tolerate handling more than actively enjoy it. She is drinking water, but also very seldom. Teaching a rabbit to tolerate handling won’t happen overnight. They may even bite and kick you when you try. Sit down with your rabbit, offer treats in one hand, and stroke your rabbit with the other. If they are also struggling to use their litter tray, it’s an emergency. Your rabbit becoming antisocial in general is always a red flag. If they are hunched up, they are attempting to ease discomfort. Pain can produce irritability in many species. Never attempt to tickle their tummy. When a horse has pain in its body, it may be hesitant to pick up its feet. As well as writing a blog and book about rabbits, I run a site that promotes UK rabbit rescues (which incidentally is how I ended up with Scamp). The goal of this stage is to be able to lift your rabbit so you are supporting his weight, but at least two paws are still safely on the floor so he feels secure. He won’t last more than 20 seconds in my arms. If you find your bunny lying on their back, something is scaring the life out of them. If a bunny were dropped while previously being held, they’d remember. Several factors determine whether a rabbit enjoys handling. How you smell is also critical. Answer for question: Your name: Answers. That's okay. Their affection is not unconditional, though. If you can't touch your rabbit, you are not going to be able to pick him up. Refusing to be petted, and hiding in their hutch, is more worrying. You need to start touching those areas you'll need to use when picking up as part of social interaction, so that they lose their association with picking up. I was told she is 8 weeks old. Most people get ahead of themselves when it comes to teaching their rabbit to be comfortable with being picked up. This is really scary! Redness and swelling on the skin, or discharge from the eyes or nose, must be investigated. This will take time, but you’ll get there. However, he won’t stay in my arms when I pick him up anymore. You don't seem sure? Most bunnies wake up at dawn, and are full of beans until mid-morning. The optimum time to handle a rabbit is after exercise or playtime. Your email address will not be published. Walk away, and try again later. To begin put one hand under his chest, then stroke the other down his back and position it at his bottom. When a rabbit kicks out and tries to stop you picking him up, it's because he is frightened. These are the positions your hands need to be in to safely lift your rabbit: This stage builds on the previous one, now as you let your hand drift under your rabbits chest when stroking, add a little a little upwards pressure, as if you were about to lift. Bunnies are more than capable of bonding with their owners. Has that worked so far? You’ll also need to earn their trust. Never wake a rabbit up to handle them, though. Earning a rabbit’s trust enough to welcome handling is a marathon, not a sprint. Place your hand into your rabbit’s cage and let them get used to the smell. How to Get a Rabbit Used to Being Handled. If your hands smell of cats, your rabbit will stay as far away as possible. A set of steps or a tunnel could link a cage to a pen - be creative! Once it’s safe to do so, lift them into your body, Support your rabbit’s body weight, with particular emphasis on their hindquarters. She is a very frightened shy girl. We have had her for about a month now. Answer #1 | 08/02 2016 23:33 Most rabbits despise being picked up. Learn to speak bunny with an illustrated guide to body language, Understand the motivation behind your bunnies behaviours, Find out how to support your bunnies behavioural needs. Feeding them is not enough to achieve this. Before you pick your rabbit up and carry him across a room, you need your rabbit to be comfortable with small movements. If they are refusing food, it suggests that they are sick. Rabbits are creatures of habit; any shift in behavior has an explanation. It's really high! Considering the size discrepancy between humans and rabbits, this is not surprising. Until a bond of trust and mutual affection is forged, your rabbit will resist handling. I would be concerned that there is some associated pain. It’s up to you to learn what they’re communicating. Slow and steady wins the race. Her droppings are very less as well, but she is still very energetic and seems to look fine. Healthy rabbits love company, and will always want to interact. Your rabbit panics at the first hint that's what you are going to do, and you can't teach him it's not frightening if he's still experiencing fear. They go limp, and can be picked up without biting. This may be because you’re ignored their pleas for attention or a treat. My objective is to help owners to keep their pet rabbits happy and healthy. If your two rabbits are not neutered / spayed then they will tend to fight and become agressive. She only eats carrots now and very few as well. Assess the area, and make sure no predators are nearby. Required fields are marked *. If they roll onto their back, walk away. He's a wild rabbit I hand reared. If you attempt to pick up your rabbit before they trust you, they’ll be afraid of you. You need to offer as many positive experiences as you can. Be patient, and never punish your rabbit for rejecting handling. He will jump up and sit on me, he loves to be pet and groomed. Handling involves the tummy and legs, while petting is focused on the upper torso. This will amp up their distrust, and make them even less likely to accept handling. Even the most resistant bunny will be more compliant at this stage of their schedule. Incorporate this into grooming. I have had Peronel for three years and she runs away like crazy when I try to pick her up. As far as your rabbit is concerned, you’re restraining them so you can eat them. The most critical rule is not forcing them into anything that makes them uncomfortable. My rabbit hates me. Rabbits can even learn to climb ramps to return to home base. My Rabbit Won’t Let Me Pick it Up Anymore If your rabbit formerly loved handling but now rejects it outright, something is wrong. Your rabbit must feel safe and comfortable around you. If the bunny were previously mistreated, they’d understandably be dubious about humans. She let me cuddle her, pick her up, etc. The only time a rabbit would experience this type of movement is if a predator attacks them! 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. The average rabbit wakes from their afternoon nap, grooms themselves, uses the litter tray, and eats. She will not allow us to hold/pick her up. You’ll startle your bunny, and they’ll react by biting or kicking. Little and often is the key, along with plenty of patience - good luck! Every time I do he jumps down. Some rabbits resist any form of handling from humans. Talk to him often, and let him get used to the sound of your voice. Is There a Reason My Cat Won't Cuddle With Me? Gradually increase the distance and the height, building up very gradually and going back to include small distances too. Some bunnies love to handled, petted, and even cuddled. He will start to like being held by you but may never be happy to be picked up. Above all, you need to ensure that your rabbit considers you a source of pleasure. Some rabbits do not enjoy being held. Since I got back she won't let me pick her up. My rabbit is petrified of her nails being cut, and she won't let me wrap her in a towel, and I can't bring her to the vet. As the Rabbit Welfare Association explains, this should never be done. With enough time and effort, fear can be overcome. If you frequently pick your rabbit up, and your rabbit hates getting picked up (most do) then by avoiding you, the rabbit avoids being picked up. You need to make your rabbit want to stay - food is great for that! That will only be achieved by forging a bond of love and trust. This could be because they never learned that handling is pleasurable while young. Your rabbit will be in distress while tranced. You must also get your rabbit used to petting before picking them up. how to clean my rabbit coco cage if she don't like me wont even let me pick her i just got her. If so, you might like to try my book: Understanding Your Rabbit's Habits. I'm not sure? No bunny will welcome the contact initially. Some rabbit breeds enjoy handling more than others. Don’t pick her up for a cuddle unless she asks. Once they do so, you’ll have a best friend that rarely leaves your side. If a rabbit shows signs of discomfort – squirming, biting, etc. Your rabbit knows that those are the actions that signal you are about to try picking them up and that triggers their fear. Repeat past steps to reinforce the learning; for example, even if your rabbit will now let you lift his chest, you don't have to always do that, sometimes just rest your hand there so your bunny doesn't go back to associating every touch in that area with being lifted. If your rabbit runs in the opposite direction when you walk towards them, you are not going to be able to pick them up. My instincts say I've just been grabbed by something that wants to eat me and if I don't make them drop me quick I'm a goner. Bunnies will typically sit and eat their fill of hay. Rabbits are easier to handle once they have been rolled onto their back. Don't move your rabbit far or too high from the ground. Moderate Lighting and Temperature. Even the friendliest rabbit breed will initially be afraid of you. heyx on August 10, 2012:. You’ll need to build a bond of love and trust to help them overcome this instinctive fear. My dog won’t let me pick him up. The same applies to animals. You should also pay attention to your bunny’s vocalizations. Use a soothing voice to calm your rabbit. So, it can be disheartening if your rabbit doesn’t want to be handled. Their bond with their owners is a significant factor. Many rabbits can be taught to accept handling. The most important thing to remember is that rabbits are prey animals. Don’t chase your rabbit, in this instance. There are subtle signs to look out for, though. One full, rabbits are content to relax with their human family at night. Its a long thing, but it has a point. This will make your bunny much more likely to accept, and even welcome, handling. This is a great opportunity to practice petting and handling. 9 year old to keep as a treat, right my rabbit won't let me pick her up anymore, staring at my feet when the! Don’t let her get too hot, either. Humping: While humping certainly indicates sexual maturity and readiness to mate, it can also be a display of dominance. They may even start nudging you with their nose, asking for attention. Before you can teach your rabbit not to be scared of being picked up, you need to teach your rabbit not to be scared of having those areas touched. If you would like to use the text or images on this If your rabbit formerly loved handling but now rejects it outright, something is wrong. They’re already scared of you. If your rabbit won't let you touch him, there are other ways you can bond with and soothe your nervous bunny. Your rabbit sees being picked up as a frightening experience and associates you or people in general with that. You need to show your bunny that you can be trusted, and will respect their wishes. Never pick up a bunny by their ears, tail, legs or scruff. Listen out for the following sounds: If you ignore these verbalizations, your rabbit will understandably grow to distrust with you. Rejecting handling is one thing. Wash your hands before any attempted handling, using unscented soap. If your pet is safe, walk away and let them change the position of their own accord. Think about the areas you stroke your rabbit and the areas you touch to pick your rabbit up - often they aren't the same. If a rabbit isn’t used to being touched here, they’ll reject handling. You need to teach your rabbit that handling is fun. If they’re not enjoying a petting session, they’ll remove themselves post-haste. Am I going to fall? That seems a little forward - shouldn't we start with a handshake or something? Your rabbit tells you a lot through sound. You can then progress to lifting your rabbit on and off things, for example a thick textbook, low box or on to your lap when you are sitting on the floor. To pick up a rabbit you'll need to lift the back end too. Get down on your hands and knees, so you’re at the rabbit’s level, Let your rabbit smell your hands before placing them on your pet, Pet your bunny, and speak to them in a soothing, low tone of voice, Slide one hand under the rabbit’s torso. The first six weeks of a bunny’s life are critical for socialization. It doesn’t mean that your pet hates you. If you can follow these steps, your rabbit will soon realize that you’re a great pet parent. Once your rabbit is comfortable with this, then lift the chest so his front feet leave the ground slightly and then put him back down. Just talk to him in a soft voice. They are terrified, and thus playing dead as a survival mechanism. You'll have to put the food on the floor this time! My pet rabbit is not eating pellets anymore. aka. I'm guessing you've tried a few times already and your rabbit is probably not showing any signs of getting happier about the process. Rabbits are curious animals. Some bunnies cannot overcome their fear of being restrained by a human. Trimming nails, grooming and moving your rabbit to their run require picking up your rabbit. Rectify this if you want your bunny to allow you to pick them up. They are also quite capable of feeling pain while in this position. The first thing is to stop picking your rabbit up. As The Rabbit House explains, petting involves different parts of the body to handling. Your pet should appear relaxed entirely. The golden rules of rabbit handling are as follows: If you feel that you’re ready to attempt handling, follow these steps: If your rabbit is not comfortable, you must not force the issue. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. In a similar way, some rabbits prefer to hop in a … She even sometimes won’t allow us to pet her. Some rabbits are scared of people. The following breeds actively enjoy handling, once a bond has been forged: Naturally, you’ll need to interact with the rabbit first to ensure compatibility. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Rabbits do not welcome or enjoy trancing. Gradually your rabbit will stop reacting to your movement by heading in the opposite direction. This is known as trancing, or hypnotizing, a rabbit. When you bring a rabbit into your family, you need to get them used to being handled. Many rabbits are happy to be handled up until you touch a specific area or move your arms in a specific manner. This can be problematic. These suggest that your rabbit is growing fearful. Just ensure they have had sufficient exercise first. It can be a delightful surprise to learn how affectionate a rabbit can be as a pet. If your rabbit walks away, don’t follow. After running themselves into the ground they’ll be exhausted, and unlikely to resist handling. As a prey animal, they hide such weakness well. Initially your rabbit will probably move away. As you wrap your arm around him, click or say “yes,” and give him a treat. While being handled and cuddled, they sense that they cannot escape. Don't even try again until you've first taken plenty of time to build a bond with her. I even gave her different types of pellets but still she is not interested. The classic signs of a bunny that loves their owner include: If your rabbit demonstrates these behaviors, pat yourself on the back. Bunnies are emotional animals, not shy about making their feelings known. You should only attempt to handle a rabbit when they are completely relaxed. Although the process I'm about to walk you through will take time and patience on your part, it will help your rabbit learn that being picked up isn't scary. This can be almost impossible to reverse. #4 The litter of baby rabbit kits is unusually large. Talk to your rabbit before handling them, using a soothing tone. She used to love it! If your rabbit rejects handling, don’t take it personally. Mia on April 29, 2020: I'm getting a house rabbit soon at my mum's I've had 3 before at my dad's but … Why won't my rabbit let me touch it? Many rabbits find handling frightening. She has her own large room where she roams supervised for a few hours a day, and large cage to secure her when we can’t allow her to roam freely. You can pet your bunny while they keep all four feet on the ground. It depends on the rabbit’s unique personality and experience. You wouldn’t hug a stranger before offering a handshake first. Similarly if you have two rabbits of the same gender, it is more likely they will fight, no matter if they are spayed / neutered or not. "Cats are generally more aloof and … Give your rabbit frequent physical examinations. My cat Chowder is a lovable cat. Have you got me? Being picked up is not a natural experience for a rabbit. A rabbit’s love needs to be earned. An open door, a nice stack of hay and some fresh veggies in the cage, versus a human determined to track him down and pick him up, is an easy choice for most rabbits. When your rabbit is comfortable with you supporting the weight of his chest and bottom separately, it's time to put the two together. I give her loving all the time and I’m very nice to her and I just don’t understand why I can’t hold her. If your rabbit knows that he can leave if he wants to he'll be much more relaxed. Do not actually lift your rabbit at first. Even a child towers over a rabbit. The breed of the rabbit will also play a part. Some bunnies are also cuddly, and like to be scooped up. My bearded dragon won't let me pick him up anymore and nips at me when I try . You have provided a safe, comfortable environment, and they love you for it. You can also allow your fingers to drift down your rabbit's side gradually until they tuck under the chest. The lower body and she 'll follow me around the head and he loves rubbing chin! Don’t attempt any petting or handling until you’ve done this. Have you noticed that your pet is more social in the evening? This should start when they are just as few weeks old as part of socialisation. Continue this stage until your rabbit is comfortable when you put your hands in position ready to lift him. Wild bunnies thump to warn their friends in an underground warren that danger is nearby, though. He is friendly but sometimes can be a little skittish. Continue by moving your rabbit a few inches forward or sideways and putting him down, again keep your rabbit close to the floor - and don't forget to treat! Her nails have been growing for a year, she won't even let me touch her paws. As you progress through the stages of encouraging your rabbit to be comfortable when you pick him up, here are a few things to remember: Teaching a rabbit that is frightened of being picked up to be comfortable isn't a quick process. Every time you pick your rabbit up and he wriggles, fights and gets scared it just reinforces the message that being picked up is a frightening experience and should be avoided. As prey animals, their survival instincts are strong. I'm Tamsin, and I like rabbits, such as Scamp at the top there. You must also learn to understand your rabbit’s body language and vocalizations, so you know when to back off. Walk around, past, and through your rabbit's area - not directly at him - and completely ignore your rabbit. They’re telling you to back off, and you’re not listening. I’ve loved rabbits for as long as I can remember, so it felt natural to share my passion for lagomorphs with a much wider audience. If this happens giving supplemental feedings can help them get enough to eat until they start solid foods. My rabbit won t let me pick her up? After food is also an excellent time to handle a bunny. On paper, earning a rabbit’s love is simple. It’s also referred to as tonic immobility. This behavior is commonly associated with a temper tantrum. If you hurt them while grooming, they’ll also fear handling. Rabbits show their love for humans in many ways. Don't lift more than a fraction off the floor; you don't want your bunny to feel like you're trying to make him do a forward roll. Rabbits learn from experience and know what actions precede others. Unlike many animal parents, such as cats and dogs, rabbit mothers don't pick up their kits and carry them around. Let them explore before attempting handling training. Bottom checks can be done by feel or by encouraging your bunny to sit on top of something see through like the mesh on top of a cage. If your rabbit has had enough, they must be left alone to cool off. If there was previously a mishap while handling a rabbit, such as dropping them, you’ll need patience. If you have trouble, you could try resting your hand on his chest, then raising the treat upwards so your rabbit naturally lifts his front feet to reach and keeping your hand in position as he moves so you are just supporting his movement not making it. It’s essential to learn why your rabbit has changed its approach to handling. Back to his cage and got out of the cage door opened but he wont even come out their by. Rabbits are social creatures and they get bored sitting in cage all day. They may also have endured a bad experience that put them off for life. Most bunnies can be taught to tolerate handling, though. Many bunnies that reject handling were subjected to it before they were ready. The first step in acclimating your rabbit to being touched on particular parts of their anatomy. My Rabbit Won’t Let Me Pick it Up Anymore. I'm not stupid, I know when you sidle up to me like that you plan to try to grab me. The first thing you need to teach your rabbit is that you aren't going to do anything scary to him - like pick him up. Uses the litter of baby rabbit kits is unusually large session, ’. Nails have been growing for a cuddle unless she asks more compliant at this until... 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