Thumping

[bigtab]

My rabbit thumps her back foot when I put her down, is she telling me she doesn’t want me picking her up? I don’t think my rabbits like me very much

 

[PeanutsPlace]

Rabbits hate being picked up in general. They feel its like they are getting picked up by a hawk. I would only pick them up if it is needed

 

[CrazyChickenGirl]

She is probably telling you that she doesn’t want picked up. When I was new to rabbits I always picked Dune up to go sit with him on the couch for attention. Eventually he started hiding whenever I came in. When I started just sitting on the floor with him while reading or doing schoolwork he became WAY friendlier, but I’m not saying that it automatically make your bunnies like you more. Opal and Bullet still ignore me most of the time. When they aren’t ignoring me Bullet won’t let me pet him, but will lick me and Opal wants pet, but won’t lick. It all depends on how you give attention and your rabbit’s personality.

 

[bigtab]

I pick them up to move them outside for exercise.

 

[CrazyChickenGirl]

I pick them up to move them outside for exercise.

Try a putting their daily vegetables or a treat in a carrier instead. They may bed suspicious of it or not want to go in, but eventually food usually wins. Or find a alternative way to get them outside.

 

[JBun]

I pick them up to move them outside for exercise.

I would suggest using a pet carrier to move your rabbits. They can be trained to go into it with treats. This way it all remains a positive experience for them and they won't associate you with something negative to them(eg. being picked up).

It's best to limit picking up to times when it's absolutely necessary. And even then it's best to gradually work with your rabbit to learn to tolerate being picked up, in a way that doesn't damage their trust in you.

https://smallpetselect.com/rabbits-dont-like-to-be-picked-up/
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bonding-with-your-bunny.html
http://language.rabbitspeak.com/
Training a rabbit to accept minimal handling

Something to be aware of is the increasing danger of RHDV in the US. If your rabbits are unvaccinated and there is a risk of RHDV in your area/state, then I would strongly urge keeping your rabbits indoors. Though even if it's not active in your area and even with a vaccinated rabbit, there is still a risk.

https://rabbit.org/rhdv/
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/bringing-outside.html

 

[Blue eyes]

One thing that is inevitable when a rabbit is habitually picked up and carried somewhere -- there will come a time when the rabbit's squirm will cause the handler to either squeeze too hard, causing injury, OR the handler will end up dropping the rabbit, causing injury. It's only a matter of time. Switching to using a carrier, as suggested, is the safe alternative. (and the links from @JBun are worth the read!)

 

[bigtab]

One thing that is inevitable when a rabbit is habitually picked up and carried somewhere -- there will come a time when the rabbit's squirm will cause the handler to either squeeze too hard, causing injury, OR the handler will end up dropping the rabbit, causing injury. It's only a matter of time. Switching to using a carrier, as suggested, is the safe alternative. (and the links from @JBun are worth the read!)

Yes, this has been a fear of mine for sure because they will squirm so much some times. I’ll definitely switch to the carrier