I let my rabbit out of her cage for a walk and now I have difficulty getting her back. Everytime I want to carry her, she will just run off. Do I carry her by force or lure her with food? How to handle a rabbit who do not like to be handled?
2006-09-23 01:43:14 · 13 answers · asked by Mobidus Lee 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
In our experiences, luring bunns with food is the best way to get them to go into our out of their hutches or do things - luring her with food reinforces that you're her friend, whereas forcing her will just make her afraid of you.
Just always remember that 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://exoticpets.about.com/cs/rabbits/a/?once=true&
http://www.tagyerit.com/hopline/cold.htm
http://www.rabbit.org/
http://www.houserabbit.co.uk/
http://au.geocities.com/leaswebsite/bunnyhouserabbits.html - this is my site - please have a browse and enjoy!
2006-09-23 02:24:38 · answer #1 · answered by Lea 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits that are not handled often can be skittish when you are trying to catch them. Move slowly and talk soothingly. Don't leave the rabbit loose in an area that you can't control easily (e.g. the back yard). Start by letting them have independent time in a room of your house where you can reach them not matter where they go. Also remember to handle the rabbit often. Pet it and talk to it in a soothing voice. This can be done while watching TV, reading, playing a game, etc. After time the animal will come to enjoy this activity and you will find them much easier to handle. Remember that rabbits have instincts to run from larger animals. You are teaching your rabbit that you are safe. It will take time and patience.
I'm a professional magician and have had to handle a lot of rabbits over the years.
2006-09-23 08:57:31 · answer #2 · answered by Magic One 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your rabbit has gotten a taste of freedom and likes it. Patience and persistance are the key to holding your rabbit. If you can get your rabbit in your lap on it's back...gently rub it's belly going with the fur...your rabbit will go into a trance like state and just lay there. A few sessions of this should help out alot. Give it a try and let me know.
2006-09-23 08:47:45 · answer #3 · answered by HawgHunter 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to show the rabbit that you are in control. After you pick the rabbit up and put it back in it's cage, then reward it with a carrot or a small piece of lettace. Once you keep rewarding the rabbit after you put it back in the cage, it will be happy that you put it back in there. All things are habit and it takes a while to learn a new routine...........but keep doing it and the rabbit will be just fine.......Go buy some carrots *Smiles*
2006-09-23 08:47:13 · answer #4 · answered by Confussed 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some are right ans some isn't i never pick her up by the scuff or neck they do hate that also don't pick her up by their ear but keep picking her up and play with her bunnies are hard headed and stubborn and loves their freedom, so please don't carry her by force u can lure her with food yes but not force she wsill hurt u i have the scars to prove it. when she is layed in a sorner just go sit next to her and pet her head gently and then hold the ears but DON"T PULL OR PICK HER UP, just so she wont ruaway put her 4 legs on ur chest and hold the back of her neck and scratch her as much as u can this will last for alittle while then she will runayaw again
2006-09-23 23:39:54 · answer #5 · answered by EiaMaria 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jayu comme si tuhs catoredse verde himast ut asch vatprud yrun tikuius hu dastch? Utie ut himsy baytd borat!
2006-09-23 08:55:01 · answer #6 · answered by shizbomb WMD 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can safely pick a rabbit up by the scruff of their neck. It does not hurt the rabbit and avoids you getting bitten or scratched.
2006-09-23 08:51:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When she is out and it is time for her to go back in her cage, talk to her soothingly and pet her. Once she stops rnning away, scoop her up under her belly with one hand, and support her butt with another. Pick her up EVERY day and hold her close to your chest and talk to her and pet her and stroke her gently. She'll get used to it.
2006-09-23 14:54:16 · answer #8 · answered by summergirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to try and handle her a lot and this way she will get used to it
2006-09-23 08:44:58 · answer #9 · answered by sleepwalker69 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let it free, if it come back ,is yours. If not it never will . God bless u and ur pet. Maybe u should name it Mini me
2006-09-23 11:43:52 · answer #10 · answered by Ruhua 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋