Rabbits do not always enjoy being picked up. Some of them will tolerate it, but many will struggle when you try to lift them. Here are a few tips on how to hold a rabbit correctly.
Never Pick a Rabbit Up by the Ears, Scruff, Legs or Tail
The most important rule of holding your rabbit correctly is to never pick him/her up by the ears, the scruff, legs or tail. It is painful and can cause serious damage. You wouldn’t want to be lifted by your ears, would you?
Approach Slowly
Approach your rabbit slowly, and get down to their level. It will help put your bun at ease. Petting the rabbit will also have a calming effect.
Support Your Bunny While Lifting
When you feel confident your rabbit is ready to be picked up, scoop them up by placing a hand under their chest and pull them in close to your body.
Support your rabbit’s hindquarters. Your bunny needs to feel secure in your arms.
Be Ready for Squirming
Keep in mind that rabbits have very strong hind legs and can kick at random. Be ready for this. You don’t want them to leap out of your arms.
Rabbits are fragile and have weak skeletal systems. So they could get hurt jumping from a high location. Use both hands to support them and hold them firmly, close to your body.
Put Your Bunny on the Ground Gently
When putting your rabbit down, slowly squat down while holding your bunny close, and let them down gently.
Your rabbit may respond with a thump or may kick up their hind legs at you while scampering away. It’s nothing personal, they just disapprove of being picked up.
About the Author
Abi Cushman is a veteran house rabbit owner and a contributing editor of My House Rabbit. She currently shares her home with one mischievous dwarf bunny named Otis.
When she's not writing about bunnies for My House Rabbit, Abi writes and illustrates funny books for kids, including Soaked! (Viking) and Animals Go Vroom! (Viking). And yes, there are bunnies in them. Learn more at abicushman.com.
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