Providing Information About Rabbits

Tips on Handling Your Rabbit

Picking Up A Rabbit

Cradle Hold:

1. Place one hand under the rabbit’s chest just behind the forelegs.

2. Place the other hand just under the rabbit’s rump.

3. Lift the rabbit from the chest, supporting its weight by the rump.

4. Pull the rabbit into the crook of your arm and close to your chest.

Scruff Hold:

Many pet owners prefer the above cradle hold, however when done properly, picking up your rabbit by the scruff of the neck is just as acceptable.

1. Grasp the rabbit with one hand, catching one ear over your index finger then under the rest. (This is done to help maintain the rabbit’s equilibrium and prevent struggles as a result)

2. Close your hand around the ears and make sure to get lots of shoulder skin. NEVER PICK UP A RABBIT BY THE EARS.

3. Move your other arm around the rabbit so your forearm is parallel with the body and the hand is cupped around the hindquarters.

4. Lift the animal towards you by the scruff grip while simultaneously scooping the rabbit with the other hand, all the while keeping the rabbit securely against you.

5. You can then tuck the rabbit into the crook of your elbow or  just under your chin.

Towel Wrapping A Rabbit

Bunny Burritos:

When trimming nails or medicating your rabbit it may be necessary to secure your rabbit. The best way to do this is by using a towel and creating a "bunny burrito". The first step is finding a towel that is best suited in size for your rabbit. Larger towels can be folded as needed. One very important thing to remember when wrapping your rabbit in a towel is that they are very good escape artists. Therefore you want to make sure your rabbit is secure and safe. If your rabbit is too squirmy and kicking its hind legs, you might want to stop the wrapping and try again in a few minutes.

Open ended burrito:

This works best for trimming nails:

1. place rabbit on top of a flat towel

2. wrap towel tightly around legs & body starting from shoulder down to the hips

You can then pull each foot out when needed.

Closed ended burrito:

This method works best when medicating your rabbit or when trimming the hind feet of a rabbit that bites.

1. place rabbit on top of a flat towel

2. fold one end of the towel over the lower half of the rabbit

3. wrap towel tightly around legs & body starting from shoulder down to the hips

When you use the closed ended burrito to trim the hind feet of a biting rabbit you follow the same procedures as above but with a slight twist. Instead of folding the towel over the lower half of the rabbit you fold it over the top/head of the rabbit. Fold the towel loosely like a large hoodie to allow space for your rabbit to breathe. Please remember this sounds cruel but your rabbit will only be secured in this manner for a short period of time. You can then access each hind foot as needed.

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