Move slowly and talk quietly around rabbits so as not to startle them. They're more likely to be relaxed in a quiet and calm handling environment. Picking rabbits up when you're close to ground level is less likely to scare them, and is also safer, as it helps prevent them from being dropped from a height by accident.
Many rabbits find handling frightening. As prey animals, their survival instincts are strong. While being handled and cuddled, they sense that they cannot escape. You'll need to build a bond of love and trust to help them overcome this instinctive fear.
In the wild, rabbits are prey animals and so are naturally cautious. They feel much safer on ground level where they can run and hide if they need to. This instinct still runs strong in our domestic rabbits, who might be nervous and scared when you pick them up.
In general, rabbits do not like to be picked up. The act of bending over them and grabbing them by their ribs to pick them up is very similar to being picked up by a hawk – scary!! The best way to interact with your rabbit is on the floor.
Hold rabbits gently but firmly - ensure one hand supports their back and hindquarters at all times. Help them feel secure by holding all four feet against your body. Never pick rabbits up by their ears - this would be extremely stressful and is highly likely to injure them.
Unfortunately many baby rabbits miss out on this socialisation before they go to their new home, or they may have bad experiences later on that make them fear being picked up. When a rabbit kicks out and tries to stop you picking him up, it's because he is frightened.
Remember that rabbits are ground dwelling creatures and liken being picked up to being captured by a predator – they are, after all, prey animals. Be prepared for it to take several months before they become comfortable with being handled.
'Rabbits are naturally fearful of anything coming from above, like their predators would. If we bend down to pick them up, that action is scary,' says Rosie. 'They also dislike being lifted up, as that's what happens when they're in a predator's mouth.
Rabbits don't like to be petted the same way that cats and dogs do. They hate when you touch their chin and can get offended if your hand approaches them directly in front of their nose (they have a blind spot). Always pet your rabbit with your hand coming from above their head.
Few like being held or carried as being so high up from the ground makes them feel insecure, however, many will happily sit on your lap or snuggle up next to you for a cuddle. It is best to let your rabbit initiate this i.e. sit on the ground and let them approach you.
If they are sitting upright and their front paws are 'boxing' at you, they are likely very unhappy. Vocalising. Rabbits don't tend to make much noise and when they do it's a sign they're feeling very threatened. You may hear them grunting or growling and in extreme cases, they can scream.
A biting rabbit is usually a very scared rabbit, and this may be due to one of the following reasons: They have not bonded with you, either because they are new to the household, or this vital process has not been completed yet. Attempts to pick up your rabbit may lead to several loud thumps as a warning.
A rabbit will only scream if they are scared, stressed, or frightened. Hopefully, you never hear a rabbit scream, it is eerily chilling. Some other sounds of anger, pain, or fear include: Growling: Rabbits certainly can growl and it often precedes a lunge and possibly a bite.
If you hold the bunny out at arms length, they are well aware that they are dangling far off the ground. They may become nervous and struggle. Hold them close to ease their stress and make them feel safe.
Whilst you may like to give your bunny a nice big cuddle every time you see him, this really isn't advised at all. Rabbits are prey animals and can become easily spooked and scared. They don't really like to be picked up and handled too often, even by humans that they like!
If your rabbit nips or bites you (sometimes rabbits nip when they want something or want your attention - it's not always aggressive): give a high-pitched squeal as soon as she nips or bites you. This will let her know that she hurt you and she should not nip or bite you.
They are very social. Rabbits enjoy being around people and can usually recognise their owners by sight and sound.