will she get use to being picked up if i continue this every day????
2007-12-20 03:58:53 · 12 answers · asked by rabbit lover 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
It's a myth that rabbits like being held and cuddled. Most do not like being picked up. They are prey animals, so having their feet off the floor scares them. Gain her trust by sitting on the floor with her quietly - not touching her. Let her approach you and sniff at you - still don't touch her yet. After a few times of this, then slowly put your hand out for her to sniff at, then judge her reaction. If she scoots back or runs away, start the process over. If she sits there quietly or comes closer, pet her lightly on the back. Do not pick her up for a while - this might just scare her. I have a 4 year old that we've had for 2 years who just does not like being picked up and held - she always runs when we have to pick her up. But she absolutely adores being petted and will happily sit on the floor next to us for pets for hours! Also learn the proper way to pick your bunny up - put one hand on the back and scoop the other hand under her bottom, then quickly and confidently whisk her up and press all 4 feet against your body - this will make her feel more secure. If she gets "bug eyed" (her eyes all big like she's scared) or breathes hard like you describe, slowly bend down and let her go. Make sure you don't let her feet dangle in the air - rabbits may struggle to get free and can snap their backs very easily.
Honestly, it sounds to me like she just is not a holding type of bunny - that certainly does not mean she won't be affectionate or loving. My 4 year old is the sweetest bunny in the house, she just refuses to be held. Be very patient and she will learn to trust you. Good luck and lots of bunny love!
2007-12-20 05:28:58 · answer #1 · answered by Bunnigirl 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Scared Rabbit
2016-11-06 22:46:18 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello Friend,
It's possible your bunny has an injury. A pulled muscle or an old injury. If you can afford it you should take the bunny to a vet.
Instead of picking her up every day with the reactions you've reported, instead try to gradually gain her trust. Start with her favorite snack in your hand and have her come to you to eat out of hand. While shes nibbling gently stroke her with a finger or two at the ears or under the neck. After a few days of this, or when she's relaxed at this action, start stroking her gently in other areas of her body. When you get a bad response (i.e. shaking, jumping back or startled) you may have located the area that is giving her pain. Take your time with her and she'll respond. Good luck.
2007-12-20 04:15:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
It's ok. Lot's of rabbits don't like to be held, and are not used to their owners sometimes. A good way to make them trust you a lot is to hand feed them a couple of times. If they already trust you, it's because they just don't like to be held. My young dwarf bunny did that, but now, she is getting used to me holding her. I think she will get used to being held if you do it every day. Have fun with your rabbit!
2007-12-21 14:54:59 · answer #4 · answered by Lauren 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She will get used to it. But you have to do it right. Make sure to support her hind legs so they aren't hanging loose.
Rabbits have a very rapid rate of respiration, compared to humans. This is because they are a lot smaller. A lot of people mistake this faster breathing for fearfulness, when it's normal.
2007-12-20 07:55:16 · answer #5 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Rabbits are prey animals - being picked up signals the end of life. If you want to stroke her do it when all four paws are firmly on the ground; she'll thank you by not having a heart-attack.
2007-12-20 05:28:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The more you can pick her up the better, ans as she gets used to you the less scared she will be
2007-12-21 05:42:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
mine were like this when i bought them.. ive had them a year and a half and they havnt got much better no matter how much contact i give them..
there back legs always shake if im not supporting them properly..
soo thats rabbits for you..
they just want to feel safe... if you hold them high up they dont feel as safe.
2007-12-20 04:30:18 · answer #8 · answered by wouldnt u like to knoo 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
yeah it is very common for that to happen.
animals are usually very scarred of humans.
so if would be good that you sit down with her.
now if she runns away call her.
make her understand that you just wnt to love her and not do any thing bad.
pretty soon she will come to you without you calling her.
2007-12-20 05:01:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
sounds like the rabbit having panic attacks
2007-12-20 04:06:37 · answer #10 · answered by big guy 1 · 0⤊ 4⤋