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Picking up rabbit.

22 10:20:39

Question
Some times I will pick up a rabbit like one does a child with a hand under each armpit.  They are OK with this as long as I don't hold them too long.  They are relaxed but if I hold them too long that way they start to shake their head and kick.  Am I making it hard for them to breathe or does it hurt them some where?

Answer
Dear Tom,

Rabbits don't generally like being picked up at all, let alone the way you describe.  Holding them under the armpits is not only uncomfortable for them (their hindquarters are heavy with muscle, and holding them this way puts strain and pressure on the tendons and muscles of their armpits) but also dangerous.  

Rabbits have very light skeletons for their muscle mass, as they are designed for speedy getaway.  For this reason, they can very easily subluxate or completely dislocate or break their vertebral column with one good kick, if the back end is not supported.  And the prime way this can happen is by holding a bunny exactly as you describe.

Please don't ever pick up your bunnies that way any more.  It's just asking for a terrible disaster.  They obviously don't like it, and are telling you so in the only way they know how.  For instructions on the proper way to hold and carry a rabbit, please see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=394WrfWmXKE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdt0XKNlfRY

and

http://www.mnhouserabbit.org/care/bootcamp_handling.html

I hope that will help you win the trust and love of your bunnies, and keep everyone safe from harm.

Good luck,

Dana