achhean Posted January 26, 2010 Share Posted January 26, 2010 My two rabbits are a year old now. We carry them every now and then; but since they were bunnies, they never liked being carried. They are so cute, but whenever we carry them, they don't like to be carried for more than like 3 minutes. I am wondering if we carry them more, starting now, will they be like those rabbits who are used to being carried and won't resist as much? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franklyrabbit Posted January 29, 2010 Share Posted January 29, 2010 For you to be able to pick your rabbits up for 3 minutes is very good. Most rabbits do not tolerate being picked up. They feel safest on the ground because they are prey to other animals and their security is being able to bolt to safety as fast as they can when needed. I was able to pick Frank up immediately he came to us but he was initially nervous when I walked with him. After keeping him very close to my body, walking slowly (to his hutch) and talking and stroking, he came to like it. Bonnie and Bandit however, do not like being picked up at all and in the 6 months I have had them, I've picked Bandit up once and Bonnie twice. My bonding with them occurs on the ground and I spend a lot of time stroking and talking to them. I'd love to be able to handle them more and hope to the in the future but it can't be rushed as I don't want to lose their trust. Luckily, they take themselves into their run each evening which is great. I hope that helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted January 31, 2010 Share Posted January 31, 2010 My bunny usually resists being picked up but sometimes he just sort of goes limp if he's OK with it. He much prefers being stroked on the ground i.e. on his terms! Occasionally he does jump up on the sofa for a hose rub. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franklyrabbit Posted February 1, 2010 Share Posted February 1, 2010 A hose rub MedusA? You're right about the picking up - ALWAYS on their terms - just difficult when you need to pick them up for getting them to the vets and the like. I can't wait for the spring when I can properly lay in the garden at their level to spend time with them as the buns love that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedusA Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 Oooops! I meant to type "nose rub". If I need him for vet appointments etc., I attract him into his cage with a treat and then he's quite easy to grab. If he sees the pet carrier though, he runs and hides, so I have to be very sneaky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franklyrabbit Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 A nose rub sounds heaps better! Bandit loves them and will settle down for a long time but Bonnie is a little more elusive - I have to mostly start to stroke her when she is in a trance or eating and then she accepts it. And you're right, the best time to pick them up seems to be when they're relaxed and/or preoccupied. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethany Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 My rabbits love being carried but they are too heavy for me to carry them both at the same time so I put them in a pet bag until they are sat on my knee. It keeps them safe and makes a cosy bed when they are waiting to be picked up. I got mine from a seconds shop for about £10 but you can get them cheaper or from tons of pet shop. Bear in mind though that they are designed for small dogs and won't come under the dogs section! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franklyrabbit Posted February 3, 2010 Share Posted February 3, 2010 What a brilliant idea - I'll look out for them when I'm out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
