I really love to pick her up and hold her in my chest. How can I make her love to be picked up? Thanks.
2006-09-16 01:14:36 · 6 answers · asked by Squid 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Hi -- It does take practice and daily holding to have your rabbit feel comfortable being held. Make sure you are holding her securely with a place for her hind legs to rest. If not, she feels like she is "falling" or on unstable ground.
In 4-H we require long sleeves when holding/working with our rabbits as scratching is quite common. We also use what is called the carrying position which places the rabbit under our arm because seeing some things also startles the rabbits. So, be sure there is nothing -- like a dog or cat -- that maybe scaring your rabbit.
And, some rabbits are just "cuddlier" than others. Pet and groom your rabbit while she is sitting on the floor and enjoy her!
2006-09-16 02:02:44 · answer #1 · answered by hhnews 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Rabbits are very sensitive and feel vulnerable, and as a result want to be very aware of their surroundings. Just lay on the ground for a minute and look at the world from their eyes, and you'll understand better why they're so sensitive and a little insecure - everything looks so big from their viewpoint!
The very best way to get closer to your bunn is to sit on the floor/ground while you let her explore, and she'll eventually come and explore you - and have some food with you, so that when she approaches you, you can show her that you're her friend with this food - a little slice of carrot, or apple, or banana. But don't try to force her, wait until she approaches you. Another thing you can try is laying on your stomach ... when we do this, our bunn comes right up to my face and sits on the floor in front of me. But this will only happen when they've had plenty of hours and days to explore first! The longer you have her in your company, the more she will become familiar with your room, and then will settle down, sit down and relax, and then you can pet her. Another tip, keep things the same around your room, so that she doesn't have to begin her explorations from scratch every time. Bunnies need their areas to be the same every day ... this is how they feel safest and become calmest and more interested in you.
Also, here's a few excellent articles on rabbit behaviour and communication -
http://www.muridae.com/rabbits/rabbittalk.html - this one is SO good - how to translate bunny behaviour and language!
http://au.geocities.com/leaswebsite/bunnyhouserabbits.html - this is my site - please have a browse and enjoy!
Very best of luck - give her time and patience, and you'll be rewarded!
2006-09-18 02:57:43 · answer #2 · answered by Lea 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to keep trying. Rabbits don't like to held that much. I also have a dwarf lop rabbit and she is now 7 years old and only likes to be picked up for a while. She does however loved to be petted if she is on the floor. I can fuss her a lot if she can keep her feet on the ground. Keep trying!!! I use to get a lot of scratches when she was little.
2006-09-16 01:25:08 · answer #3 · answered by nelly 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
thats rabbits, we have a holland lop and shes only 13 weeks old, my daughter gets mad because "clover" doesnt like to be held for to long.
So she takes her out of her cage and they play in the sun room together, the bunny will hop and crawl on her, I think thats just about as nice as holding her.
2006-09-16 02:18:50 · answer #4 · answered by atticbat63 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot make her like being picked up. It is a natural instinct for her to kick when being lifted. She feels as tho she is in danger when you do that. If you pick her up incorrectly and she struggles you could very well break her back. http://www.rabbit.org
2006-09-18 01:37:23 · answer #5 · answered by sugarcarat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most rabbits don't like to be picked up as they live most of there lives on the ground they are used to being on ground level, so when you come along and scoop her up it freaks her out as she likes to have her feet firmly on the floor, you may be able to get her to sit on your lap but to do so u'll have to get down to her level and wait for her to come to you don't be forceful with her you may also find that she might only want to lay beside you not on you but with lots of love you'll still have loads of fun with your bunny
2006-09-16 01:52:28 · answer #6 · answered by daftarseuk 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋