Rabbits can make wonderful pets but before adopting one, it’s important to ensure you know the basics on how to properly handle them. Rabbits are fragile animals, so picking them up correctly is necessary in making them feel secure.
To correctly pick up and hold a rabbit, start by crouching down to their level. This will make your rabbit feel more secure and less threatened then if you approach them from above. Keep your hand on the rabbit’s back and make sure you’re securing it at all times. Hold a hand underneath your rabbit as well as you never want to pick a rabbit up by its mid-section alone. Make your rabbit feel safe by holding them close to you, have a firm grip to ensure they won’t jump but make sure your aren’t restricting their breathing. Some rabbits may not like to be picked up and can be wiggly once you have them in your arms. If you feel your rabbit may try to jump, get yourself as low to ground as possible so they don’t injure themselves.
The most important part of handling your rabbit is keeping calm and quiet to make the rabbit feel at ease. The earlier you can get your rabbit used to physical contact, the more comfortable they will become.
As the third most surrendered species at our shelter, we have plenty of rabbits that are in need of loving homes. If you’re considering adding a rabbit to your family, visit our small animal page to search available animals.
