how to hold and trance a rabbit properly?
Posted: March 21, 2010 at 4:05 pm | Tags: hold, properly, Rabbit, trance
I’m having trouble with holding my rabbit for clipping. I didn’t have trouble when he was younger coz he’s still small. He’s almost 1 year and I have trouble holding him properly. Sometimes I’m afraid I would hurt him. How could I do it properly?
The Discussion
see what everyone is saying
with your hands
Hey! I also have a pair of rabbit. But usually I don’t hold it much. But as much as I saw & read about its care taking, they are caught by catching both of their long ears together!
With a larger rabbit it does get difficult to trance them. Some go out easier than others, for these I hold them in my arms like you would a baby and gently stroke their heads. For the more difficult ones, pick them up and hold them against your chest. Sit down and slowly lean foward until they are laying with their back on your knees, stroking their heads the whole time. When you’re sure they’re calm, sit up. Don’t make any sudden movements or noises and be sure to keep a hand on him at all times.
The best way to pick up a rabbit is described here. It has pictures so it’s easy to follow.
http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/care/handling.asp
Please don’t pick up a rabbit by it’s ears. Their ears are senstive. It hurts and it’s cruel.
Use a towel. If he can’t struggle, he’ll be less inclined to panic, plus it’s more certain than trancing. Not all rabbits are easy to trance.
Wrap him firmly in a large towel, so his head and three legs are covered. Blindfolding him will also make him less inclined to struggle.
Don’t worry. Dogs don’t even hold still when their nails are clipped, and rabbits will hardly be braver.