Tips on the Proper Way to Pick Your Pet Rabbit Up
Improper handling may cause serious, life-threatening injuries.
Fractures and dislocations of the back, most often resulting in
paralysis of both rear legs, are the most common injuries. These
injuries also occur when rabbits are suddenly frightened and
attempt to escape from a small enclosure.
A rabbit's spine is relatively lightweight and fragile. When a
rabbit becomes frightened, it violently struggles by powerfully
kicking its back legs. The lightning-fast movements of the rear
legs cause over-extension of the lumbosacral (lower back) region
of the spine, which frequently results in fractures or
dislocations.
One should never try to overpower a struggling rabbit.
If a rabbit violently resists physical restraint, it should be
immediately released and approached later when it has
calmed down.
A soft-spoken, relaxed approach with rabbits works well.
Covering the eyes and lightly stroking a rabbit will usually result
in a hypnotic-like trance that often renders them less prone to
panic and injury.
Rabbits should never be picked up by their ears. If you are
concerned about being scratched by the claws, place a towel over
the rabbit's back and wrap it around the body to restrain all 4
feet before picking up the rabbit. An alternative method of
picking up a rabbit involves sliding one hand under its breast
bone and grasping both front legs between the fingers of this
hand. The other hand is then gently worked under the rear
quarters to fully support them as the rabbit is lifted upwards,
in the same manner as cats are held and supported.
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