Large Rabbits
Step1
Kneel beside your rabbit and place one hand under his chest, between his forelegs. Do not hold his legs; if you do, his legs may break if he struggles and tries to get away.
Step2
Slide your other hand gently over your rabbit's back toward his rump, then scoop your hand under his rump.
Step3
Lift your rabbit off the floor and pull him against your chest, so he is lying almost horizontally in front of you.
Step4
Cradle him against your chest, feet down. Position your arm under his head and against his chest, so that his forelegs hang downward between your arm and your chest. Use the arm that lifted your rabbit's chest; that area of his body is lighter, and you can more easily slide your arm around him while you're still supporting his rump.
Step5
Sit on the floor or on a sofa, especially if you're just learning how to lift and hold your rabbit. That way, if he jumps out of your arms, he won't fall very far.
Step6
Hold your rabbit firmly, but don't squeeze him or you may break some of his bones.
Step7
Use your free hand to gently pet his head and ears and to rub his cheeks. Most rabbits like to have their cheeks rubbed after they get to know and trust you. It's the way they show affection to each other, so it tells them that you care about them.
Step8
Practice this technique daily until both you and your rabbit are comfortable with it. This will help your rabbit become accustomed to being handled, which will make vet visits and nail trimming easier and less traumatic for both of you.
Small Rabbits
Step1
Kneel on the floor facing your rabbit.
Step2
Place one hand on either side of his body, with your fingertips pointing toward and cupping his rump. Make sure your thumbs are facing the ceiling and the outside edges of your hands are grazing the floor.
Step3
Hold your rabbit firmly. Lift him up toward you and against your chest, so he is lying almost horizontally in front of you.
Step4
Follow steps 4 through 8 above.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 I currently share my home with four rabbits (Momma and three babies). Even though I've been handling all three lovingly and for equal amounts of time since birth, every rabbit is different. Some just don't like to be held as much as others, and no matter how much you work with them, will always prefer not to be held. If they struggle when you try to pick them up, they can severely injure themselves as well as you. I have found it makes things a lot easier for all involved if you use a towel or pillow case by draping it over their back like a blanket, then gathering them up while supporting their bottom, then holding them close, with them looking over my shoulder, swaddled and in the same position you might use when burping a baby. They are calmer and seem more comfortable with being held, and I don't end up looking like I've been mauled by a lion when we're done. It's just a suggestion that has worked very well for me whenever I've used it.