Things You'll Need
- Rabbit Bottle Waterers
- Rabbit Salt Spools
- Rabbits
Instructions
Large Rabbits
Kneel beside your rabbit and place one hand under his chest, between his forelegs. Do not hold his legs; if you do, his legs may break if he struggles and tries to get away.
Slide your other hand gently over your rabbit's back toward his rump, then scoop your hand under his rump.
Lift your rabbit off the floor and pull him against your chest, so he is lying almost horizontally in front of you.
Cradle him against your chest, feet down. Position your arm under his head and against his chest, so that his forelegs hang downward between your arm and your chest. Use the arm that lifted your rabbit's chest; that area of his body is lighter, and you can more easily slide your arm around him while you're still supporting his rump.
Sit on the floor or on a sofa, especially if you're just learning how to lift and hold your rabbit. That way, if he jumps out of your arms, he won't fall very far.
Hold your rabbit firmly, but don't squeeze him or you may break some of his bones.
Use your free hand to gently pet his head and ears and to rub his cheeks. Most rabbits like to have their cheeks rubbed after they get to know and trust you. It's the way they show affection to each other, so it tells them that you care about them.
Practice this technique daily until both you and your rabbit are comfortable with it. This will help your rabbit become accustomed to being handled, which will make vet visits and nail trimming easier and less traumatic for both of you.
Small Rabbits
Kneel on the floor facing your rabbit.
Place one hand on either side of his body, with your fingertips pointing toward and cupping his rump. Make sure your thumbs are facing the ceiling and the outside edges of your hands are grazing the floor.
Hold your rabbit firmly. Lift him up toward you and against your chest, so he is lying almost horizontally in front of you.
Follow steps 4 through 8 above.