For a rabbit to be comfortable with being picked up, they must learn through positive experiences that being lifted isn't something that causes harm. This should start when they are just as few weeks old as part of socialisation.
They need to learn to trust you again. If you hurt them while grooming, they'll also fear handling. A common reaction of frightened rabbits is running away when you approach. They suspect you're going to pick them up, and want no part of it.
If the floor won't work for you bring the rabbit up on the sofa or bed with you. Be Patient, don't rush. It can take a few months for a rabbit to adjust to a new home and new people. Speak softly.
Your rabbit doesn't want to be held
Even though many people think of rabbits as cuddly animals, most rabbits absolutely hate being held. In fact, being carried is a scary situation for rabbits. Their first line of defense is to run as fast as they can and hide.
The rabbit had bad past experiences
Maybe they have been handled roughly, or people pet them in a way that made them feel uncomfortable. In this case, the rabbit's avoidance of being touched is based entirely on fear. You will need to teach your rabbit to trust you before you can pet them.
Rabbits like to play and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Ideally you want to provide them with up to 4 hours daily of supervised time out of their cage.
For a rabbit to be comfortable with being picked up, they must learn through positive experiences that being lifted isn't something that causes harm. This should start when they are just as few weeks old as part of socialisation.
If you're a new rabbit owner, try to make the first few interactions with your rabbit as positive as possible which means lots of gentle petting, treats and quiet bonding time. This way they'll grow more comfortable with you - and you'll be able to pick them up and hold them with better success.
You may need to handle them for any number of reasons, from grooming them to checking them for any signs of a medical condition. While most rabbits won't appreciate you picking them up all the time, it's still important to practice handling them occasionally. That way you can pick them up when you have to.
You should avoid leaving a rabbit alone for more than 24 hours. This is because rabbits can get sick suddenly and require immediate medical attention. Conditions such as GI Stasis are very common, so you should always have someone checking in on your rabbit daily even if you are only away for the weekend.
Fear. Rabbits that are not used to being handled can view their owners as a threat when they try to pick them up or stroke them. They will act like they would in the wild when faced with a predator; freeze, try to run away or show aggression.
Anything longer than 24 hours is too long – and even that is pushing the solitude limits of rabbits. Rabbits are social creatures and require about as much, if not more, interaction and maintenance as dogs do and more than some cats need. Considering rabbits to be low-maintenance pets does them a grave disservice.
It is best to let your rabbit initiate this i.e. sit on the ground and let them approach you. The best times of day for cuddles are morning and evening when your rabbit is naturally more active. Avoid disturbing your rabbit when it is sleeping.
One guideline to go by is at least 8 square feet of enclosure space combined with at least at least 24 square feet of exercise space, for 1-2 rabbits, in which the rabbit(s) can run and play at least 5 hours per day.
If you have a single rabbit, it's never too late for them to bond with another rabbit. If you have a young rabbit (under 12 weeks old) you'll usually be able to introduce another young rabbit of the same sex easily. If you have an older rabbit it take a little longer.
Small pieces of apple, banana, bell pepper, and carrot are often good treats to try. It's sure to make them super happy. To really tell your rabbit you love them, you do need to keep the treats to a minimum though.
The best places to pet a rabbit are their forehead and behind their ears. The cheeks and strokes down their backs are also good spots. But rabbits dislike being pet on their bottom, feet, chin, and underside.
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!
Rabbits are often very shy and can take a while to warm up to new people and trust them. It might seem like they are aloof or skittish animals by nature. However, if you give them time and teach them to trust you, you'll start to notice your rabbit choosing to stay with you and become more affectionate.