Nails/handling

[CantDutchThis]

So, completely new rabbit owner here.
When I picked up my rabbit I was shown and told to practice flipping him on his back in my lap for when it was time to trim his nails as it was an easy position to clip them in and it would just take some practice to get used to it for him.

I am TERRIFIED of hurting him when I pick him up and I am ver timid about picking him up as the first few times he had a melt down over it. now he lets me pick him up briefly, but if I try to turn him over like I Was shown, he freaks out and of course, in fear of hurting him, I have stopped trying. However his nails are getting a little long/sharp and need to be done.

(he is three months old, velveteen lop male)

Any suggestions on positions/ways to trim his nails? i know how to cut them, just not how to place him to make it a pleasant experience for the both of us.

Thanks in advance

 

[goofymare]

Hi,
Haha that is ALOT like Karam and Iman when I first got 'em! They still dont enjoy being picked up and are on the ground most of the time, except when their nails need to be cut. Well anyways, the reason you are told to flip your rabbit onto his back is cause it puts them in a trance and this trance is actually a result of fear. This is the reason that their are many rabbit owners who are against the use of trancing. I usually sit crosslegged, put my rabbit in between my legs, and hold her under her under her front two legs and let her bottom rest on the floor. While I cut her nails, I sooth her by petting to her and talking to her and that usually distracts her from the CLICK of the cutter. Iman really appreciates this and she comes and licks me right afterward! However, if this doesnt work for your bun, you could sit on a chair, flip him upside down and put him in between ur legs. TO flip him upside down, hold him like you normally hold a rabbit, one hand under stomach and one under his bottom, and flip him overr. Get ready for any kicking or struggling. If this still doesnt work, some rabbit owners wraps a blanket around their rabbit in what they cal the "burrito" and flip them over. Remember to ALWAYS keep soothing your rabbit by petting and talking to him while clipping his nails because it can cause rabbits alot of stress! though I really dont like the idea of trancing, i think you should use it if its necessary because long nails can be extremely painful to a rabbit.
Wel anyways, hope this helps. Good luck! I thinks he will do just fine! just remember to reward him after the experience! Oh and also remember to keep flour with you in case your rabbits nail starts to bleed so you can dip it in there to stop the bleeding. Me, Karam, and Iman wish you good luck!

 

[Mindy10]

Well Blossom does not like to be held either. The vet cliped her nails but I will tell you how they did it and i will try this next time because I tried 4 times with no luck. She was high on a table and they placed her on a towel. Then the wrapped the towel around her (even her face) and pulled one paw out at a time and it was a piece of cake. So next time I will have to get her in her carrier (because I cant pick her up) and put her on a table with a towel and try to do the same thing they did. I dont think I will be as lucky as them. She was so good for them because she was probably scared to death!!

 

[qtipthebun]

I wrap Tippy up, even though she likes being flipped. I do what Mindy does for Blossom, and get her to stand on a towel (I usually give her a piece of cilantro or something so she'll stand still). Then I wrap her up really fast and scoop her up and flip her, still wrapped. I sit on the floor and brace her between my legs (head up by knees, tail by hips) and cuddle her little ears and kiss her nose and tell her what a good girl she is.

Then I can reach into her bunny-wrap and take out a paw at a time to clip.

She doesn't complain.

Some bunnies refuse the flip altogether. My dad's bunny: you put her down on the handler (usually my dad)'s lap. Someone (usually my mom) feeds her treats. Someone else (usually me) clips the nails while she's distracted. Not the most efficient, but see what works.

The wrap-and-flip tends to be the best way to go. Treats after so they know it's okay, and they get over it.

 

[CantDutchThis]

thanks for the tips all! He just flails all over and I'm afraid he's going to twist and break his back but I guess he can't really do that in a towel! haha

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Love the name. My sons helps me. He holds them on his lap in the "prairie dog" position with them facing out. I hold one paw at a time and clip away. This has worked great for us. If you can get someone to help, that is.

 

[ZRabbits]

Tried the towel. Maybe I'm not doing it right but all my boys freak out when wrapped. Thankfully I have a husband who is completely involved with our bunnies as I and we both make a very quick job of nails.

The first few times were a disaster (thankfully no boo-boos) but we are getting better with the nail clipping as well was our bunnies are getting used to us.

Practice the best way you feel comfortable.

K