RABBITS DO NOT LIKE TO BE HELD!
Please remember:
- Rabbits are ground loving animals
- Rabbits can break their backs if not supported properly. This is because unlike cats they cannot support their backend weight.
- Cats are designed to climb trees and balance on walls and fences, making them more trusting when held and able to balance their back weight, rabbits are not and cannot
- We do not expect to hold dogs, why do we expect to hold rabbits?
- We have a fulfilling relationship playing with dogs on the floor and stroking them, why can't we with have this with rabbits to!
- SUPERVISE YOUR CHILD WHEN HOLDING A RABBIT AT ALL TIMES
- Teach your child to enjoy playing with the rabbit on the floor
- Teach your child to NOT pick up the rabbit, or teach them to do it safely. Most children under 12 years are not large enough to do so
- The best method is to get the child to sit on the floor or on a chair and for an adult to place the rabbit on the child's lap, on a towel while supporting the rabbit themselves as well. Remember, if the rabbit does not feel it's on steady ground, it will feel unstable and insecure.
- Or to place the rabbit on top of the hutch or on a table on a soft towel with some treats in front of it and let the child stroke it.
- Your child will learn from you. Respect and value the rabbits and so will your child
If you have had rabbits before and thought they were easy to handle, consider these facts:
- Was it because the rabbit had no choice and cowered in the corner of the hutch or small run while picked up
- Did you observe the rabbits body language- it's eyes were probably showing white and popping out and body stiff
- Was it uncomfortable, being handled carelessly/ awkwardly?
- Putting up with handling through fear, prey instinct and confusion/ stress
- It probably jumped out of your arms or started to wriggle or nip, his is the rabbit expressing distress. Even a confident rabbit will have enough.
- Your rabbits probably became shy and withdrawn, trust lessening. Stomping of feet and more difficult to approach, wanting to be left alone more, trying to escape, run off or freezing.
- Was it really sitting there willingly or frozen?
It is far better to teach your child or self to;
- Hand feed the rabbit
- Gently stroke its forehead, then back when ready
- Sit in the floor, and this is why we suggest a shed or run attached to the hutch, accessible to humans and let the rabbit climb over your legs, lie down and let it climb on your back. This will gain real trust.
- It is of course important to check the rabbit's bottom and do health checks, which the adult should be responsible for.
