Your new pet rabbit is soft, snuggly and oh so cute--you probably want to pick it up and hug it all the time! Before you do so, however, you need to learn the proper techniques for lifting and holding a rabbit. This knowledge not only ensures the safety of your pet but also makes sure you don't get hurt by the animal's claws and strong back legs.

If you're just learning how to lift and carry a rabbit, you probably should stick to long-sleeved shirts at first while handling your pet. Also, always keep in mind that rough, careless handling can frighten the rabbit and make it that much more difficult to pick up and hold the animal.

Basic Procedures

The best way to lift and carry your rabbit is to firmly but gently grasp the rabbit by the loose skin on the back of the animal's neck. If you are right-handed, grasp the skin with your left hand; a left-handed person should do so with the right hand.

Next, slide your free hand under the rabbit's body to support the hindquarters. Gently lift the rabbit and take it out of the cage or enclosure. Make sure the rabbit exits the cage head first. Do not drag the rabbit toward you; it could snag its toenails on the wire bottom of the cage.

To carry your rabbit, continue to grasp the rabbit's neck skin firmly with your left hand. Tuck the rabbit's head and body under your right arm, and support the rabbit's hindquarters with your right hand. (Reverse the process if you are left-handed.) Such a position holds the rabbit firmly and securely.

The procedure is the same when placing a rabbit back in its cage. Just make sure the rabbit enters the cage hind end first.

Other Methods

For nail-clipping purposes, it is important to learn how to hold your rabbit in your lap. In this case, the rabbit sits halfway up in your lap while reclining back against your stomach and chest. This hold is quite comfortable for both the rabbit and owner. This method also comes in handy at the veterinarian's office when the doctor needs to examine your pet's abdominal area.

Some rabbit owners prefer to carry their rabbits by placing one hand under the rabbit's body while steadying the body with the other hand. This sometimes works well with docile, trusting rabbits, but inexperienced owners may find this hold difficult to use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

At first glance, a rabbit's long ears seem to be the perfect handle for lifting the animal. They're not. Never pick up a rabbit by its ears; doing so causes the animal great pain and fear.

You should avoid lifting or grabbing a rabbit by its limbs, too. Such treatment not only scares the animal but also can injure its joints and bones.

At first your rabbit may struggle, and you may encounter some difficulty when trying to hold the rabbit. Don't become angry with your little friend. With continued practice, your rabbit will begin to trust you and will become more docile.

As you become more comfortable with your rabbit--and your rabbit with you--you can hold and snuggle your rabbit with confidence and find methods that you both find comfortable. Such interaction will only improve your relationship with your new pet.

Author(s): Stacy N. Hackett, 1996 Rabbits

Critters Home Page: Critter Library: Handling

©Copyright 1999, Fancy Publications, Inc. All rights Reserved.