I got bunny nipped

SDShorty · Jul 5, 2007

Well maybe it was too soon. Yesteday I tried picking up Dori. She came home with us on Sunday, so I figured after a few days of not picking her up it would be ok. OMG she FREAKED out. First I picked her up and I tried craddling her like a baby so she couldn't see the ground. She didn't like that and flipped over, so I was holding her close to my chest and holding her bottom.She was breathing SUPER hard, like she was terrified, which I understood. Well, she moved herself to the side and as I was sllooowly trying to kneel down so I wouldn't be so up high off the ground, thinking if maybe I could sit on the floor she would be ok, then she nipped my arm twice, hard! And I was close enough to the ground that she jumped out of my arms :?.

How long should I wait before trying to pick her up again? I would love to be able to hold my baby girl like I see allof you doing in your pictures. Oh my goodness,at this point I can't even imagine trying to clip her nails or puther in my lap togroom her :shock:

~Bracon~ · Jul 5, 2007

I had to pick bracon up the first day I got her (to take her outside). She didnt like it at first, but shes got used to it now. I suppose it helps with age aswell, it helps when there a lot younger. Id carry on sitting her on ur knee or picking her up when your kneeling down, she'll feel safer then and if she did struggle and fall she wldnt hurt herself. Keep at it! x

hunnybunny63 · Jul 5, 2007

Most rabbits dont like being picked up anyway so i wouldnt worry if she doesnt like it much speacially at first.

Where a thick jumper so if she does nip you wont be able to feel it. Then pick her up everyday, at first just pick her up so her feet leave the floor for a few seconds then put her back down. Give her a few minutes then do this again. Slowly increase the time you are holding her.

This should give her and you convidence.

SDShorty · Jul 5, 2007

Should I pick her up while she is inside our outside her cage? The first time I tried picking her up yesterday was outside her cage, and she bolted! I mean I tried and she tried to run I was holding her in the middle for like a second and she was kicking her legs super fast and finally ran away! And should I pick her up while I'm still on the ground? I just don't want to traumatize her :?

hunnybunny63 · Jul 5, 2007

how old is she? where did you get her from?

pick yer up while she is in her cage to start with as this will make her more confident and she cant run as far or panic as much. Then cone she is calm while she is off the ground in her cage then start to pick her up and bring her up to you. Dont lie her on her back as most rabbits hate this. Hold her close to your chest, making sure you are supporting her bottom and all four paws are on somthing!

hoep this helps!

SDShorty · Jul 5, 2007

Thanks. She is 8 months old, and I got her from the Humane Society. They did mention on her kennel card that she was very scared of being held, they think she may have been badly dropped at some point in time. I'll try to slowly pick her up in her cage, but it may be hard because she only has a small door and I'll have a hard time reaching her, lol. but I'll take it slow

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