Taming Rabbit

Question
I have an 8 year old daughter who is in 4-H. This past weekend we went to a rabbit show and found a 5 month old Holland Lop. The first breeder we talked to said he was a very sweet rabbit and he had been handled. Then the other breeder finished showing another rabbit and came to talk to use. I didn't really ask her anymore questions I just explained it will be our first rabbit for my 8 year old who was with me. I explained we had no idea what to loom for in a rabbit or what questions other than the ones the other breeder answered. We took the rabbit home and let him rest on Saturday. Sunday we took him out and he was crazy scratching and flopping around to get away. His nails were so long and sharp. I email the breeder she tells me he has never really been handled. Come to find out the two ladies which are the breeds one lives north and one lives south from us. Today is the third day and when in his cage he comfortable. He comes to the opening and we can let him. We have gotten him out several times and he is not kicking as much but still gets really scared for noises. He will sit on my daughters lap and she can let hi
For 15 - 30 minutes at a time. Now knowing he has never been handled I think he is doing really well. In your opinion, a 5 month old rabbit with never beening handled will we be able to get him tame for my daughter to do showmanship with? My daughter is not scared at all, but I have been the one getting him in and out of the cage. Thank you in advance!

Answer
Hi Jeri,

I have had many 4-H kids in my club over the years who've gotten rabbits from breeders who haven't been handled and have gone on to do just fine with some work and patience.  A 5 month old Holland Lop is still very much a baby, so you've got plenty of time to get him acquainted with your daughter and prepared for next year's showmanship season.  Before you continue his handling training, you'll want to take some toenail clippers (human ones work just fine for bunnies) and just take those sharp points off of his nails so you and your daughter don't get scratched as much.  Long sleeves help too:)  You'll want to start out doing just what you're doing now, making his experience out of the cage as pleasant as possible.  Just sitting in her lap and maybe nibbling a few rolled oats or some dandelion greens will help him to understand that being out of the cage and held is a good thing!  As he gradually gets more used to being handled, he'll be ready to start his showmanship training.  The biggest feat to overcome there is getting them used to being turned over onto their backs.  To start this, have your daughter sit and slowly help her turn him over on her lap and hold him between her upper legs with his head towards her knees.  He'll feel comfortable in the crook of her legs, and she can stroke his forehead to show him that being upside down isn't so bad either.  When he gets used to being upside down on her lap, gradually have her start touching his feet, tummy, chin area, tail, all of the areas that she will have to touch while doing showmanship.  Always keep his handling sessions short but frequent like you have been, and before you know it he'll look forward to being taken out and held.  Please let me know if there's anything else I can help you with, and congrats on the new bunny!