When rabbits are picked up, or held on to their owners, there are many ways they resist. Because the action of human beings holding a rabbit is basically like the action of a predator grabbing their prey, so that the rabbit instinctively has the reaction of wanting to escape, hide, and even struggle. When the rabbit is caught, there may be a kick, or a sudden jump out of the owner's arms. A rabbit that is close to people may try to escape by wriggling, stomping or nibbling its owner to show his indignation and dissatisfaction. All these actions are made because the rabbit wants to get back on firm ground so that he can control his own destiny. Now that you know about rabbits (hate being picked up by humans), it is your responsibility as the owner to teach them to accept being picked up by humans. Here are some basic common sense tips on how to pick up a rabbit.

Make good use of the environment. The easiest is to use a small area with an opening at the top, such as an open-top cage or cage, a fence, or a small room with nowhere to hide. A little more difficult is a cage or cage with a small door open on one side, or a room with furniture (where the rabbit can hide). Rabbits are good at holding them in place (and you can't drag them), and some rabbits will even attack people when cornered. If the rabbit is hiding under things (like furniture), try to lure them out with food.

Start with the tail first

If you have to drag the rabbit out, try starting from the back. Touch the rabbit first, then turn him around so his butt is facing the door you're taking him out of. Place one hand on his chest to prevent the front half of his body from struggling, while the other slowly pulls his hind legs out (towards himself). Once his hind legs are out of the cage, you've done the hardest part.

How to Hold a Rabbit for Beginners

Now that the rabbit is out, it's time to pick it up. If you're not sure, or have difficulty picking up a medium to large rabbit, here are some guidelines (for right-handed people) Start with the rabbit on the floor (anywhere, like the bathroom) . Approach him slowly, pet him, put your hand on his head, and let him run away. Rabbits get upset when they sense something is wrong in the air and are most likely to struggle when picked up. So before holding a rabbit, be sure to prepare everything. Think about how you're going to put the rabbit in your arms once you pick it up. For example, pick up the rabbit from the right side with its nose to the left, its left half against your mid-abdomen, and your right arm supporting his weight. Next, while the rabbit is still lying on the floor, gently slide its body to find the best position where you can easily pick it up, such as body side to you and head to left. Does it want to slip away? Continue to put your hand on his head or hold his shoulder gently. Pick it up without holding it by the nape of its neck. If it runs away, don't rush to grab it; go behind it and use a baby-like tone to ease the tension. Wait until he stops running before continuing.

Practice more and more

The more you practice, the more confident you will become and the more your rabbit will accept the feeling of being picked up by a human. If you do the practice of holding the rabbit several times in one go, and immediately reward the rabbit with some snacks after putting it down, its previous fear will be reduced (Author: I did this exercise with a rabbit before, the third time I put it down) After it hit the ground, he ran back on his own and nuzzled me).

Rabbits are fragile

Don't assume a rabbit in your hand will feel safe. If he doesn't feel comfortable, or doesn't have the patience to stay in your arms, he will try his best to jump down and out of your arms. The problem is, rabbits are fragile animals. Their bones are fairly light compared to their bodies, and they are likely to be traumatized when jumping, twisting, or kicking. If the rabbit you are holding or is holding up starts to struggle, you must resist the urge to let go, hold the rabbit firmly, and clamp him with your body, which will not only protect the rabbit, but also prevent it from hurting you . This also allows him to say that this trick of constantly struggling to tell you (let me down) is not going to work.

Oh! I'm finally free!

When you're ready to put the rabbit back into its territory, it may be desperate to break free from you Jump on the ground (or jump back into the cage) To prevent the rabbit from getting hurt when it jumps out of your arms, sit down with him in your arms, turn him around so that he faces you, and then slowly lower him down. to the ground. Or it can be used to cover his eyes first, if it can't see the ground it desperately desires, it will not rush to the embrace of freedom.

Find out the best way to hold a rabbit

There are many ways to safely lift a rabbit from the ground and in your arms, depending on your rabbit's size, temperament and It depends on which one you think is better. Before picking up an unfamiliar rabbit, ask for permission and advice from someone more sophisticated if they are nearby.

Smart Rabbit

The Rabbit is actually very smart. If the Rabbit finds out that he is being picked up, he is going to a place to play, then (holding him) this act will be good for him. Saying it has a positive meaning. Conversely, if a rabbit finds that the only time it will be picked up is when playtime is over, or when it has to go to the vet, it may learn how to run away. The solution is to let it jump where we want it to go. Open the cage door and put delicious grass and some fresh vegetables in it. Compared with humans chasing them, most rabbits will choose the former. Some rabbits even learn to use the climbing ramps to get back to their homes. Likewise, some rabbits will prefer to jump in and out of cages on their own rather than being caught. Is hugging necessary for a rabbit who can come and go freely in the house? For these independent rabbits, although the owner will reward them afterwards, the act of holding them is undoubtedly It's telling them: it's time for grooming, travel, and medicine.