How to Restrain a Rabbit

A struggling rabbit is prone to serious injury, especially to its spine, and can inflict bites and scratches on the person trying to restrain it. Rabbits are usually passive and easy to handle, but they are prey animals with a natural instinct to bolt when frightened or stressed. A visit to the veterinarian can trigger those reactions, but proper restraint increases the rabbit's sense of security and lowers the chance of it injuring itself.

Things You'll Need

  • Rabbit
  • Cage or pet carrier
  • Towel or blanket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lift the rabbit from its cage or pet carrier, fully supporting its hind quarters with your hand. Protecting the powerful back legs is extremely important because they are high in muscle mass but low in bone mass. Rapid kicking from a feisty rabbit can cause dislocations and fractures to the back and induce paralysis in both rear legs. Top opening cages are recommended for rabbits to reduce the chance of them leaping out, but if using a side opening model and the rabbit is reluctant to emerge, grasp the loose skin around its neck and very gently pull it to the front of the cage. Take care not to lift the rabbit while holding it by the scruff of the neck. Cradle the rabbit in the football hold once it is out of the cage.

    • 2

      Place the rabbit on the examination table, fold one hand around its rump and rest your other hand across its shoulders. This protective stance keeps some rabbits calm, but others remain safer when swaddled in a "bunny burrito." Lay a towel or blanket over the rabbit's back and wrap it around its body, making sure to secure all four feet. Speaking softly to a rabbit while covering its eyes and stroking its fur may lull it into a relaxed, hypnotic-like trance, making it much easier to handle the animal. Resist trying to overpower a kicking and thrashing rabbit; set it on the floor instead. Rabbits feel most secure when their feet are on the ground. Do not drop a rabbit that is fighting you, as you can cause injury to the animal.

    • 3

      Return the rabbit to its cage by carefully guiding its hind quarters into the cage first. Brace the back legs with study hand support. Maneuver the rest of the animal's body inside and secure the latch.

    • 4

      Avoid lifting or trying to restrain a rabbit by its ears, tail or limbs. This can cause injury to the animal and will likely instigate a tussle. Struggling rabbits can easily break their own bones as they attempt to escape. They are also very fast and will probably outrun you.