Handling Bunny

Question
My four year old house rabbit is happy and confident, but hates being handled.  It really seems to scare him.  He likes to be stroked and even cuddled quite firmly when on the ground, but panics as soon as he is lifted.
I want to respect his natural behaviour but feel it would be so much easier for him on occasions when I am forced to pick him up if he could get used to it as a normal part of life.  As it is, I am probably making the problem worse by not handling him except when I need to do something unpleasant to him, like cutting his nails.

Any ideas?

Many t hanks,

Julie

Answer
Dear Julie,

First, try these steps to make sure he's trusting:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html

And then use proper rabbit lifting technique on a regular basis just to get him used to the idea that being handled isn't always a terrible thing.  

Most rabbits don't like being picked up, but sometimes you have to do it to take them to the vet, examine them, cut the nails, etc.  Gentle, firm handling with proper technique should be done regularly (maybe a couple times a week) without doing anything "unpleasant" to him, and giving him a reward afterwards, just to help him get over his fears.

Here's a very good rundown on proper rabbit handling that I hope will help you:

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

Good luck!

Dana