Holding a rabbit behavior change

[lpetryk]

My female bunny always used to let me pick her up to get her out of her cage, but as she gets older the more she hates it. Her cage is in the garage, so for her to come in the house and play i have to carry her in. My last attempt she really freaked out and was mad at me for 2 days and wouldn't come to her door nor give me her normal bunny kisses. She was really mad at me. The more i try to pick her up the more she now avoids me. I know bunnies hate being held, but i use just enough firmness so she doesnt feel like she will fall and not too much that she feels threatened. She is 6mos, maybe just her hormones? She really needs to overcome it so i can bring her in the house, but the more i try the more she runs away from me now and breaks my heart!!!

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Regardless, she has to accept a certain amount of handling. Otherwise exams, nail clipping and other things can be a bit troublesome.

 

[Pipp]

How are you holding her? If she doesn't feel secure, this will often happen. Normally when they feel secure, they get better with time.

You need one hand firmly scooping up the butt, one on the chest, you lift and hold her tight against your chest.

We also really don't recommend cages that open from the top if that's what you have. The rabbits will instinctively think they're being grabbed by a hawk. A cage on the floor or one with a ramp to the floor allowing them to come out on their own is much better.

Maybe try the ramp leading to an area blocked off with an exercise pen or something similar? Then you can sit on the ground with her and scoop her up that way.

Photos of your set up will help.


sas

 

[lpetryk]

I have picked her up ever since we have had her, around 8wks. She never cared for it, as expected, but tolerated it. Her cage does open into a ramp with a big closed in exercise area. when i open her door i always just scooped her up and she always seemed better if i sat than stood with her. I have researched so much and feel like i have handled her properly, but all of a sudden she is getting worse with it. She is scheduled to get spayed in a few weeks, so hoping maybe after she will calm back down. she still loves lots of rubby-dubbys and being hand fed!!! thanks for your advice!

 

[Pipp]

Oh, missed the part where you said she was 6 months old, LOL! Yes, she's just going through the bunny-from-h*ll 'teenage' phase.

They get really hormonal, unruly and unfriendly for a few months, but she will get over it. Spaying will help.


sas :clover: