Newly rescued Max!

Hi my name is Sarah, I have just rescued a 1 year old Dwarf lop called Max. He is so good lovely nature except not quite got the hang of picking him up he struggles a bit but loves having a cuddle. Is it natural for them to lie on their back for ages? He seems very settled. He has been kept indoors well a lean to, in a hutch but i think he would love to be a house rabbit :-) Any advise would be great, just customised a large dog crate, I hope he likes it!! Anyway hi everyone and I look forward to talking to you all xx

Hi there Sarah

Welcome to HH. There is a lot of information in our reference section which is found here https://happyhoppers.forumotion.co.uk/rabbit-care-articles-useful-links-f1/

Rabbits generally don't lie on their backs. Some very chilled out buns do. One of our mods has a bun, Bertie, in his Avatar who is doing a 'dead bunny' but that is pretty rare. If they choose to do it, it is up to them, but they don't really like to be put into that position. Some people think that doing this, or 'trancing' them as it is sometimes called, is a pleasant, peaceful thing for the rabbit, but in reality, they are extremely stressed and often very scared by this. Sometimes you might need to do this for a short time to check a bottom in the summer or to cut nails, but this should be for a short time and then put them upright.

Rabbits generally don't like to be lifted up because, as prey animals, they associate this with being grabbed to be eaten by a predator. We are very big compared to a rabbit! I only pick mine up to take them to the vet and then I catch them with a towel as they just struggle too much and could hurt themselves - but usually scratch me to bits as they struggle.

Hi Sarah! Welcome to Happy Hoppers! There is so much information on this site and really friendly people. It has been so helpful for me!!

If you're lucky enough to have a bun that loves to be snuggled and pet while he is on the ground than that is awesome! I wouldn't be too concerned if he doesn't like to be picked up. As Nickie has said, it is not natural for them to be picked up so they don't actually like it. Picking him up as little as possible would likely be appreciated by Max!

One of my rabbits despises being picked up. She fights like crazy and I have to be really careful that she doesn't hurt herself. After a few seconds she calms down, but that is not because she likes it... instead it is because she is so scared she is basically giving up . Obviously, I only pick her up when it is extremely necessary (eg vet visits, nail trimming). My other rabbit has no problem with being picked up, but I still avoid it (even though it's tempting) because I know that he likely doesn't actually enjoy it.

I'm so glad to hear that you have found a little rescue bunny to add to your family. Rabbits are really so amazing! Can't wait to see pictures of Max!

Welcome to HH and well done for taking on a rescue bunny

Hello and welcome.

Thats great that you rescued max. We recently adopted.
Our rabbits love to roll over, and then lie on there side. They sometimes end up on there backs! Its pretty funny to watch, we were amazed when we first saw our buns do it, Looked just like a dog. lol.

Mufassa is not to keen with being picked up, he never has been. But he is getting better. The best thing is to keep doing it pretty regular, and allways make sure he feels safe and secure. He'l come around after a few months.

TTFN

Hellooooo,

Welcome to HH!

Well done on your rescue. I have a house bunny and while it isnt easy sometimes - its amazingly rewarding! Bunnies are the best!!!!

Katie X

Welcome to HH!

Hi and welcome to you and Max!

Hi Sarah, welcome to HH Well done for adopting Max, I hope we see him soon
As well as the care section, we've got some helpfl videos on housing, husbandry and house bunnies on the HH you tube channel which may give you some ideas

Hello Sarah, welcome to Happy Hoppers.

Hi and welcome