Well-Being
Handle With Care
By Chandra Moira Beal
Most people who are new to rabbits are surprised to learn that they are not the cuddly lap pets depicted in children's books. Rather, rabbits are ground-dwelling prey animals that, for the most part, detest being held. Being swept off the ground from behind by a creature they cannot see is frightening to them. Their prey instincts cause them to react first and think later, seeking the safety of the ground and a quick escape at any cost. They can wriggle and twist and jump from your arms without a thought toward safety, and can suffer injuries and even death. This is not to say that rabbits don't enjoy petting and affection. In fact, most adore it and will return the favor from the comfort of terra firma. However, there are times when you must handle your rabbit, such as placing them in a carrier or checking their health, so it is important to know how to ensure their safety.
Rabbits should never be lifted by the ears or scruff! The image of a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat by the ears is terribly misleading. Pulling on the ears is excruciatingly painful and can cause permanent damage. Don't do it!
Begin by stroking the top of the rabbit's head. Don't offer your hand to sniff the way you would a dog. Rabbits have a blind spot in front of their nose. They may interpret you as an attacker and lunge and bite. As long as you firmly pet the bunny's head, they will be discouraged to move. Many rabbits are sensitive or ticklish under their chins and feet, so avoid these areas unless they indicate otherwise.
Whether you're lifting a rabbit out of a cage or off the floor, always support their hind legs. Rabbits can kick with such force that they can injure their own spines. If they don't feel a secure surface supporting their legs, they will kick and flail as they try to get sure footing. Keep one hand on the head and bend your torso close to them. Gently slide your hand from the head to under the chest, and quickly place your other hand under the groin and back legs. Scoop the rabbit toward your chest and hold them firmly. The key is to position the rabbit within a few inches of you and shorten the time they are suspended in mid-air.
Don't be dismayed if your rabbit resists being lifted and carried. Even a normally affectionate rabbit may express indignation at being picked up by wriggling, thumping, or nipping you. The rabbit is simply trying to retain control of her own fate. If she is uncomfortable or impatient, jumping may seem the best escape. Rabbits are very fragile. Their skeletons are light compared to their bodies for quick escapes in the wild, and susceptible to trauma from falling, twisting, and kicking. If a rabbit begins to struggle, you must resist the urge to let go and instead hug the rabbit tightly to your chest. This will also prevent you from getting raked by their claws. Squat before you release him and set him down facing you, or cover his eyes with your hand. If they can't see where they're going, they're less inclined to leap before they look.
Use the environment to your advantage. The easiest starting place is a small area accessible from the top, such as a top-opening carrier or cage, or small room with no hiding places, such as a bathroom. More difficult is a cage or carrier with a small side-opening door, or a room with furniture bunny can hide under. If bunny is underneath something, try coaxing him out with food.
If you must pull bunny out of a cage, try the backwards method. Pet bunny firmly and turn him around so his bottom is facing the door. Take his chest in one hand to prevent forward movement, and with the other hand, maneuver his hind end towards you. Once you have his hind feet out, the hard part is over.
Rabbits can also be "hypnotized" by cradling them on their back in your arms like an infant or across your lap, and tipping their head backwards until they appear "out". Stroke the nose, cheeks, and head at the same time. This trance can be helpful when cleaning bunny's sensitive areas, like the face, feet, or under the tail. It also helps to calm an agitated rabbit. If the hind feet vibrate, it's normal. Touching them will stop it.
The more you practice handling your rabbit, the more confidence you will exude and the more readily your rabbit will accept being held. And always reward bunny with a treat to decrease their apprehension of being handled.
© Copyright by Chandra Moira Beal. All rights reserved.
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