Step By Step Guide on How to Handle a Rabbit by https://padlet.com/u10426548/klenc47488pt en-us 2018-10-15 10:34:24 UTC 2025-10-29 16:28:30 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Beartoy.png u10426548 https://padlet.com/u10426548/klenc47488pt/wish/292754897 1. Before holding a rabbit for the first time, it is best to let the rabbit get used to you.
Get comfortable. If the rabbit's cage or hutch is on the ground, sit next to it. Height can often be intimidating to smaller animals and sitting down reduces height and can make you seem less intimidating.]]> 2018-10-15 12:03:01 UTC https://padlet.com/u10426548/klenc47488pt/wish/292754897 u10426548 https://padlet.com/u10426548/klenc47488pt/wish/292755253 2. If you've given the rabbit a treat and it does not show signs of aggression or fear, pet the rabbit. Pet in long, slow strokes from the shoulders down towards the flank, stopping at the top of the hip. Avoid touching the rabbit's head because this is what a predator would do and the rabbit might not like it.]]> 2018-10-15 12:04:06 UTC https://padlet.com/u10426548/klenc47488pt/wish/292755253 2. You want to pick the rabbit up in such a way that you are supporting the weight of its body at all times. The first step is sliding your dominant hand, palm up, under the rabbit's armpits, gently positioning your hand like a cradle. You'll want your hand to rest behind the elbows, but snug against the back of the forelegs. u10426548 https://padlet.com/u10426548/klenc47488pt/wish/292755747 2018-10-15 12:05:23 UTC https://padlet.com/u10426548/klenc47488pt/wish/292755747 u10426548 https://padlet.com/u10426548/klenc47488pt/wish/292756106 4. In one motion, you'll lift the rabbit with your dominant hand, while scooping under the rear and back legs with the other. Don't worry if it doesn't work the first time. Your rabbit may be skittish, or you may be a little awkward. Be patient, offering treats and pets until the rabbit seems relaxed again. Remember that the key is to lift and support the rabbit's front and back legs at the same time.]]> 2018-10-15 12:06:23 UTC https://padlet.com/u10426548/klenc47488pt/wish/292756106 6.Cradling it close to your chest, gently hold the rabbit. Your body acts as a stabilizing force for the rabbit and makes it feel more secure. Sometimes, rabbits will even lean into your chest while you hold them. You can also re-position it a little so that its tummy touches your torso, being sure not to force it onto its back, which can frighten it. u10426548 https://padlet.com/u10426548/klenc47488pt/wish/292756281 2018-10-15 12:06:50 UTC https://padlet.com/u10426548/klenc47488pt/wish/292756281 u10426548 https://padlet.com/u10426548/klenc47488pt/wish/292756503 5.Pat gently with the scooping hand still in place. Rub the rabbit's ears and/or shoulders with the hand under the torso. If the rabbit relaxes, replace the hand holding his torso with the forearm of the hand holding his bottom. Using the hand from the same arm, cradle his chest between his forelegs. This way, the rabbit is in a secure position but can be petted with your other hand]]> 2018-10-15 12:07:20 UTC https://padlet.com/u10426548/klenc47488pt/wish/292756503