Picking up help

I am Having issues still with buttons not wanting to be picked up at all! He pegs it under the sofa and hides for ages! I know rabbits generally don't like being picked up, but i need him to get used to is so i can check him over and also for when i need to cut his nails! I will also point out that he used to be fine being picked up, he was very well handled and loved by the breeder i got him from and there was never an issue picking him up, until i got him neutered! I rang the woman i got him from and she said the vets may have picked him up or moved him as he was coming round and it scared him, or they picked him up incorrectly and it hurt him and again is now scared (which i wouldn't be surprised by as i wasn't impressed with that vets!). Last time i had to cut his nails i had to take him to the vets, but even the vet couldn't pick him up or catch him, (he's so small and quick it makes it even harder!!) so we just had to pin him down in his carrier.

I have been trying everything but i don't want to scare him more, or hurt him, but how do i try and pick him up and make him see it is nothing to be scared of? any suggestions would be very much appreciated!!

I will also say that his is not scared of us, he happily hops over and licks my hands and face and hops on me if i lay on the floor, but as soon as 2 hands appear and he feels we might attempt to pick him up, he runs!!

He may well respond a reward based 'treatment' (sorry, couldn't think of a better word). Start slow and small, have some treats in your pocket at the ready. Whan you're stroking his head, move your hand upnder him and lift him an inch off the floor, then treat and reward. Continue to do this, adding another inch every few lifts. Each time, reward. If he gets really stressed, back off. I'd start with one lift a day, and do that for a couple of weeks, then make it two. Make sure you're not lifting him at the same time each day, or he'll work that out and run!

Let me know if this works or not, as I'm quite into promoting it, but it doesn't work on all buns

This is exactly what ive been trying, but i can't even get my hand further than his side, before he freaks out! I guess i just need to be patient, but ive been trying this for a month now with no prevail!! For example i haven't managed to get him to the vets for his VHD jab due to me not being able to pick him up, i keep having to cancel appointments!!!

I'm going to have to try this actually, Tigger and Jeeves used to be fine at being picked up (before they were bonded) but now they're together, in their new house they just won't settle for it. Also, I think it could also have something to do with my mum and OH just grabbing them for cuddles

Crikey, he really does need some help. Some people move buns like Buttons around in their carrier. Maybe try leaving his carrier in his living space, open, and pop treats in it each day. He'll (hopefully) become comfortable sitting in that, and you can carry him around. When you need to see the vets, entice him in, close up and off you go!

Are you being anxious around lifting him, cos AFAIK, this doesn't help either.

I was going to say I pop a cat carrier on the floor and mine hop in of their own free will, I shut the door before they can change their minds. Then they behave really well at the vets, they will let me pick them up and all sorts, so maybe once you get Buttons there he may behave?

Dotdot wrote:I'm going to have to try this actually, Tigger and Jeeves used to be fine at being picked up (before they were bonded) but now they're together, in their new house they just won't settle for it. Also, I think it could also have something to do with my mum and OH just grabbing them for cuddles

I think this is far more likely TBH.

Flo is a nightmare to catch but we sort of have an agreement of places I can pick her up from. Either she goes to the litter tray or she goes to the corner of the tabletop. She does not enjoy it but she puts up with it. I always give her some sort of treat when I hold has her so which I think has helped in her accepting it. Perhaps you need to shepherd him into an area where he cannot escape but good footing so he feels secure. Also when I first started with Flo I would put a fleece blanket over her and then lift her. I think made her feel more secure. And once you have decided to lift him do it swiftly and securely. Behind the front legs and between the back legs so can't struggle and get away from you. Flo has a good kick occasionally and I am able to just hold her away from me until she stops and yet she is supported and she cannot twist her spine and hurt herself. She is occasionally a really grumpy madam! It is really about practice for both of you.

Jay wrote:

Dotdot wrote:I'm going to have to try this actually, Tigger and Jeeves used to be fine at being picked up (before they were bonded) but now they're together, in their new house they just won't settle for it. Also, I think it could also have something to do with my mum and OH just grabbing them for cuddles

I think this is far more likely TBH.

I thought so Jay.
And there was me sitting with them everyday slowly but surely introducing them to being touched and picked up little by little. Time to have a good talking to that pair and start again (the hoomins not the buns )

most of my little fluffs were like this, didnt like being picked up would run a mile as i bent down. So I started to sit out side with a bit treat in my hand real still then they would come and take it and run but slowly they just sat there waiting for the next one. Now when I go out they all here the crinkle of the box they all bound up from the bottom of the garden (prob where they are planning there escape) thumper roman twinkle and rose dont mind being picked up, even though they give me a look of if you dont put me down im gonna scratch you, but they put up with it. Ive still got to work on jasper gertrude and domino but getting there. good luck hun xx

cheryl'n'bruce'flo wrote: Also when I first started with Flo I would put a fleece blanket over her and then lift her. I think made her feel more secure. And once you have decided to lift him do it swiftly and securely. Behind the front legs and between the back legs so can't struggle and get away from you. Flo has a good kick occasionally and I am able to just hold her away from me until she stops and yet she is supported and she cannot twist her spine and hurt herself. She is occasionally a really grumpy madam! It is really about practice for both of you.

I'd forgotten about that technique, we used to use it on Bertie when we needed to catch him, it was effective but a bit stressy on him.

Thanks for the tips everyone!! I think i am a bit nervous when picking him up sometimes, because i am so concious of not wanting to scare him but obviously by being hesitant it is likely to scare him anyway!!!

I will keep being patient and trying, and hopefully i will be able to report soon some success!!!

I actually used a hand towel, just gently put it over him and lifted him while he was slightly wrapped in the towel, seemed to lessen the stress for him, pluss no scratches for me, but last few times he's been fine, let me lift him and to take him out side for a pee no problem. even cuddled into me.

With Marshall i find picking him up in one quick movement works best, and holding him secure as hes more likely to wriggle and escape from me if he doesn't feel safe. He will also only tolerate being picked up once a day at present so i would say don't rush and only try once every day to start with. Make sure hes confidant with stroking first and build up his trust with you. than as Jay said i would start the reward method.

Mine hated being picked up and used to struggle. I even got scratched down the face once which drew blood but luckily didn't scar me. After that I used to put a towel over them and gently lift them up. They wouldn't struggle and it was over and done with in a flash

Ok, so i have been attempting to edge my hand gently under his front paws a little each day while he sits and licks my other hand, but he just bolts it!!! Ive had to give up for now because he was getting scared of coming close to me!!!

Anyone have any other suggestions? He really doesn't sit still for more than 5 seconds!!! he's such a wriggler!!! Ive watched possibly every you tube video on picking up your rabbit, but they are little help as their rabbits in the videos just sit still and let them lift their front paws, but buttons runs the second my hand gets to his side!!!

Have you tried the towel as others have suggested? I'm going to have to attempt nail cutting very soon so I'm going to give the towel a go.

yea ive tried the towel, but he's so quick i can't even do that!!! Honestly ive never met such a feisty bunny! Its just so annoying because he used to be fine with being picked up before he was neutered!! I'm off to the vets for his VHD jab later so might ask the vet if they have any tips!!! (not sure they will as they can't even hold him!!!)

What a cheeky monkey
I really hope he behaves himself!

You need to throw the towel over him - hopefully this will stun him into stopping and then it gives you the opportunity to scoop him up whilst he can't see you. make it a decent sized towel.

Well after going to the vets this evening to have his VHD jab, he has been such a loving bunny!! The Vets let me borrow a carrier from them for £10 deposit, so he was in that and as it was one of those wire ones he seemed much happier he could see what was going on! The vet got him out and he elegantly stood on his back legs for her while she checked his breathing and heart with the stethoscope!! It was so cute!!!

Since coming home he seemed much more loving!! maybe he was just glad to be home, or maybe he is just glad i don't grab him as rough as the vet does! But he hasn't left me alone all night!! he's been following me around, i think he has licked every part of my hands arms and face and is currently moved onto my jeans!!!

But the craziest part is while he has been sat licking me, i have been stroking his side and even managed to stoke his belly and put his front paws on my hand!!! I won't get too excited though as i have been trying this all day and failing!!!