Rabbits freak out every time I try to hold them!

[Ollie.Edison.]

Hello. I know it takes quite some time to gain a rabbits trust- I got my rabbits almost a month ago and my rabbits somewhat trust me. They will come up for a little pet and then they hop away. They don't like getting pets for more than a minute. I know rabbits don't like being held in general but they won't let me hold them for more than 5 seconds! So, I don't know how I could trim their nails if they won't let me hold them. I quickly scoop them up, one hand on their chest and the other on their hind legs and I try to support them. My one rabbit is fine for a short time but then he start kicking, scratching, and biting! Then he escapes from my arms. My other rabbit is very big, and it is awkward to pick her up. She absolutely HATES being picked up and will squirm even if I hold her tight. I've tried so many methods that I have read about, but none of them work

Does anyone know how I can get them to tolerate being held for nail clipping? Also, how to I get my rabbits to enjoy cuddling or sitting on my lap? they only jump on my lap to get a treat and then jump right off. I don't want rabbits to just feed and clean up after, I want rabbits that I can interact with and that will love me back. Thanks in advance!

 

[HalaBuns]

Bunnies generally don’t like being picked up. None of my buns enjoy being picked up and all but 2 of them find it very stressful. One of my foster girls gets extremely agitated by it and it makes her scared of me, so I do not do it unless it it absolutely necessary.

I trim my bunnies’ nails on a counter top, rather than holding them, as I feel I have more control of them. To get them there, I put them in a carrier, rather than putting them through the stress of being picked up.

Some bunnies are cuddly buns, some are not, it just depends on their personalities, but you need to let them come to you. My adopted buns have never sat next to me on the sofa or on my lap, they just don’t enjoy it. But sometimes they might hop on the bed and have a cuddle there. I wish they were more affectionate, but I accept that it’s just how they are.

My fosters are super cuddly though and will hop on my lap and snuggle next to me for ages and sometimes give me kisses. I joke that I’d like to swap them for my less affectionate girls.

If I picked any of them up and put them next to me or on my lap though, they would get stressed and run away. It always has to be on their terms.

As they really don’t like it, unless you really need to pick them up, then let them have all 4 paws on the ground and pet them where they feel safe. It’s early days, so that will help strengthen your bond with them and eventually they may feel like hopping up next to you for snuggles. Them kicking, scratching and biting is them communicating to you that they don’t like what’s happening, so listening to their signals will let them known they can trust you.

 

[Space Monkey]

From everything I've read and been told, most rabbits do not like and will never like to be held. They're prey animals and like to have four feet on the ground. We've had our rabbit for 5 weeks and this has held true.

HOWEVER, some rabbits do like to be held. No matter the animals species, there are always some in the ranks who go against the norm.

My little Freya, in 5 weeks, has gone from:

Harming herself by slamming into objects to run away from us when we would enter the room or get close,

To coming up to sniff us,

To allowing a few pets before backing off,

To running happy circles around our feet and accepting pets for a few minutes,

To laying out flat near us for pets as long as we wanted to pet her,

To flopping on her side and allowing us to pet her belly,

To almost rolling on her back for belly rubs,

To jumping up into our laps when we're sitting with her to rest her chin on our legs to receive pets for as long as we are willing to pet her.

She's like a dog at this point. She loves head and ear scratches like you would a dog. She loves belly rubs. She loves chin scratches. She lays on her side right by us fully spread out for all the pets in the world. I think being able to hold her is on the horizon.

Just give your rabbit time and you might be surprised by what they allow on their own time when they aren't forced.

 

[JBun]

If you aren't able to find a method of nail trimming that works for your rabbit, I would suggest taking your rabbit to your vet to have it done.



https://rabbit.org/vet-listings/
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-with-your-bunny.html
https://flashsplace.webs.com/bondingwithyourbunny.htm

 

[Momma Luvbun]

I wouldn't get too upset if you have issue "picking them up" it may just be the way it's going to be
I have two buns. One I got as an abandoned 8-10 month old so he was pretty weary right from the get go. I've had him 4 years now and I am just NOW able to rarely pick him up. In turn he has taught his ladybun to act weary.

I used to bring them to the vet to get nail trims but I found a local pet groomer who comes to my home and is a great price. Not only that, it has given my buns the understanding that they WILL be picked up!! I do have to have them corralled in an expen but that's simple enough, with treats to entice them.
When they go to the vet, I just put their carrier down and treats inside they can smell but have to find amongst their blanket folds and when they are occupied foraging for them, I shut the door voila. No picking up involved

Now, I do other things to mingle with them (they are free run house buns) such as sit on the floor and play with their toys, or stand in their expen just being with them while they are outside.
Every single morning when I wake, they are at my feet to get a good morning treat and a quick little brush and pet. So they get human touch every day at least once, but always more than that

 

[john.thorpe1952]

Just a thought which I've passed on previously a couple of times to people on this subject.one of my rabbits is very easy going regarding handling,the other ,while very good in every other respect,hates to be picked up with his head facing away from your body,and struggles.I tried this once and then found that if I approach him from the front,with his head towards my body,if possible under my armpit or into my chest,and my hand and arm around him,cradling his bottom,he's fine and doesn't mind at all.Could be worth a try.best of luck but do persist or they'll run rings round you!

 

[Orrin]

None of our rabbits like to be picked up; furthermore, they read all the signs, perfectly, and know when it is nail trimming time. ;-) However, the sooner I can get them into the "football hold" and get their feet supported after picking them up, the sooner they calm down. We use a grooming table for nail trimming and it really helps. Generally, when we place the bun on the table it feels as though it is free to move and look around a little. It gives the bun assurance it is still somewhat in charge.

I heartily recommend all the Cotter/Sedaris videos regarding rabbit care. They are the best ones I've found. Cotter explains the football hold and gives a good how-to on nail trimming. When we got started in rabbits we had professionals do the nails and grooming. Now, my wife and I do it, together, and it has become something we both enjoy--even the bunnies, after they get caught, that is. ;-)

How to Take Care of a Pet Rabbit