Any advice on how to pick up my rabbit without him freaking out?

[Arloismybunny]

He’s still getting used to me so I’m not annoyed or hurt that he hasn’t let me pick him up let I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on picking him up for the first time? I’m going to need to pick him up eventually to brush him and trim his nails and it won’t be very good for either of us if he kicks his legs out and jumps out of my arms.

 

[ArtistChibi]

I'm still working on the picking my bunny up as well. As long as he's not force, it will eventually work in picking him up. I know the first time I tried to brush Shen, he hopped right out of my arms. The second attempt, I laid on the floor and brushed him, then gave him a treat when I was done. I did this a couple more times and Shen has let me do it since. Another thing I learned can be done is the light tug at the fur to pull the loose hairs, which mimics a grooming session with another bunny. But definitely try the laying on the floor and letting your bunny climb you.

 

[Mariam+Theo]

Theo has gotten so chill with being held since our bond has gotten stronger, but when he was little and really hated being held I would get on his level and give him nose rubs. After a while, I would use my other hand and rub his back. Then, very quickly I would scoop him up, holding him close to me so he couldn't wiggle. Make sure to support his bottom so he doesn't freak out. Give him lots of treats after.

If you don't feel good about picking him up you could always just bunny burrito him:

 

[Blue eyes]

Please be sure to include relevant info when posting a new question. Most people won't be able to keep track of each person's rabbits and how old they/how long they've had them. In this instance, it would be important for people to know that you've had your bun less than a week and that he's only 8-9 weeks of age.

Since you've only had your bun not quite a full week, it's a bit early to be trying to pick him up. At this stage, it is huge progress if he lets you pet him!! It can take some new rabbits weeks or even months to get to that point. So please don't rush things!!

Also remember he is still a little baby. He will behave differently when he's an adult. It isn't necessary to handle him when he's young to make him get used to it. I'll quote from a Rabbits USA magazine:

Founder of Bunny Bunch rescue, Caroline Charland, states, "People often think a rabbit must be held a lot as a baby in order to like being held as an adult. I don't find this true at all. Over the years, the Bunny Bunch rescue I founded has saved many mother and baby rabbits from shelters. All the babies were treated the same. When they became adults their personalities varied-- some liked to be held, some hated to be held and some tolerated being held."

When the time comes to brush him, it won't be necessary to pick him up. That can be done when he's on the floor and you're sitting there with him. Same with nail trimming.

 

[Madelyn L.]

I like to bring my bunny onto my bed then hold him on my knees. I then brush/clip nails as needed. My bed is one of his favorite spots and he is very comfortable there.

 

[Mariam+Theo]

My bed is one of his favorite spots and he is very comfortable there.

No way! Theo hates my bed! It is too high for him to jump onto, but whenever I put him on it he freaks out, jumps down, and runs away thumping and foot flicking at me He actually hates being off the ground in general tho. He isn't a fan of my couch unless I'm eating something or doing school (he likes to run across my keyboard, and chew my books) and he doesn't like his Ikea bed

 

[Madelyn L.]

No way! Theo hates my bed! It is too high for him to jump onto, but whenever I put him on it he freaks out, jumps down, and runs away thumping and foot flicking at me He actually hates being off the ground in general tho. He isn't a fan of my couch unless I'm eating something or doing school (he likes to run across my keyboard, and chew my books) and he doesn't like his Ikea bed

One day my bun just jumped onto my bed and ever since he had loved it up there