Q&A for How to Pick up a Rabbit

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My rabbit struggles hard to escape when I pick her up. What should I do?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Be especially careful that you have a firm (but gentle) grip on the rabbit. Covering her with a towel and scooping her up will help her feel safer and reduce the risk of her jumping out of your arms. You may need to go back to basics by sitting on the ground and encouraging her to jump up onto your lap for a tasty treat, so that she's more comfortable with human contact, before being whisked up into the air.

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Question

Is it normal for my bunny to be 'shivering' a lot? We just got her and she seems okay when I pick her up.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Shivering can be a sign of stress or unease. Whenever possible, leave her to settle and provide a hiding spot to which she can retreat and feel safe. Put some food in the hide so that she can nibble without coming out, and then when she is feeling bolder and the room is quiet she may venture out.

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Question

Can I pick a rabbit up under its front legs?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It's best to support the entire length of the rabbit, and your aim is to hold the rabbit with their backbone parallel to the ground. It is not advisable to pick up a rabbit by either the front or back legs alone, since the weight of the rabbit will pull on the shoulders or hips and could cause fractures or dislocations. However, scooping one hand between the front legs and one hand under the bottom is perfectly fine.

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Question

I need to grip my rabbit's back legs firmly or she flips out. What should I do?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Some rabbits prefer to be held firmly, as it helps them feel secure. As long as the rabbit is properly supported both at the back and front end, then a firm hand is the best option, since wriggling could twist her back and damage her spine. You may find covering her head with a towel has a calming effect, which means you can grip less tightly.

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If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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