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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Handling and restraint for rabbits. Rabbit Handling and Restraint. A soft-spoken, relaxed approach with rabbits works well. Be sure to let them know so the rabbit can be in the proper place on the plane and not be harmed. Handling and restraint for rabbits Rabbits have very powerful hind legs. Also, double check to to see if you are allowed to bring a pet from one country to another. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Sometimes you may need to pick up your rabbits and it's important you do this safely. My bunny won't let me pick her up––no matter what she always finds a way to squirm out of it, what should I do? Next, wrap the rabbit in the towel by tucking one edge under the rabbit and then turning the rabbit onto his side to wrap the towel around him. Last Updated: October 14, 2020 Do not offer your hand for a bunny to sniff the way you would to a dog, because most seem to find this gesture offensive and may attack (lightning fast lunge with a snort). Even experienced rabbit handlers and veterinarians can tell you horror stories about rabbits that have panicked and broken their back. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you are concerned about being scratched by the claws, place a towel over the rabbit's back and wrap it around the body to restrain all 4 feet before picking up the rabbit. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. [1] X Research source For example, do not yell, jump up and down, or thrust your hand into the rabbit’s cage. The rabbit should be held its head tucked under the handler’s arm and with the back and hindquarters supported by the handler’s forearms. Rabbits must not be picked up by the ears or hind legs. Rabbits should never be held by the ears; they should be scruffed at the neck, and the body firmly supported at the rump. When handling the rabbit out of the carrier, try to provide support for all sides of the rabbit, as well as from beneath. These injuries occur when rabbits are suddenly frightened and attempt to escape from a small enclosure. Improper handling may cause serious, life-threatening injuries. If a rabbit violently resists physical restraint, it should be immediately released and approached later when it has calmed down. Keep wrapping the towel around the rabbit until he is bundled up to the neck and cannot escape. You might also want to contact a vet's office before he gets home for some advice on how to talk to your son about losing a pet. You can take the rabbit to a veterinarian, and they will be able to perform tests that will indicate the age of the rabbit. Rabbits should never be picked up by their ears. You can also use a zippered canvas cat bag or restraint box to restrain a rabbit. You can try giving your rabbit a treat every time you pick them up so they associate it with good things but do try to reduce the amount of times you pick them up. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Rabbits don't usually like being picked up and held unless they've become used to it from a young age and even then handling must be done carefully and gently. Rabbits are especially susceptible to the effects of stress and should always be approached in a calm and confident manner. You can also try placing the rabbit on a flat surface and keeping one hand on its scruff and the other on its backside. Picking Up Grab scruff of the neck with one hand and lifting up while placing the other hand under the rump for support or wrap patient securely in a towel. Rabbits are a prey species. Permanent methods include tattooing or the use of an ink or dye. roper handling is important to ensure safety of both the handler and the rabbit. The handler is restraining the rabbit firmly by the scruff with the other hand ready to support the animal's hindquarters. References. Restraint Techniques for Animals. For example, Swennes et al. Our own pet rabbits can find this just as alarming, because fear of being lifted is hardwired into their genes. Use this video clip or text with still images to review the equipment needed and techniques involved in rabbit handling and restraint. Handling and Restraint: Rabbits are especially susceptible to the effects of stress and should always be approached in a calm and confident manner. Fractures and dislocations of the back, most often resulting in paralysis of both rear legs, are the most common injuries. Proper handling and restraint is important. Categories: Mammals , Rabbit , Resources & Education. The rabbit's hind end must be supported as it is removed from its cage. Fractures and dislocations of the back, most often resulting in paralysis of both rear legs, are the most common injuries.
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