Caring for rabbits
Rabbits are gentle, intelligent animals, but they’re also prey animals, which means being lifted can feel frightening. Without the right handling, lifting or cuddling could cause stress or injury. That’s why knowing how to pick up your rabbit safely is so important. In this guide, we explain how to handle your rabbit correctly, reduce stress and build trust.
Why Don’t Most Rabbits Like Being Picked Up?
Most rabbits feel safest on the ground because, in the wild, being lifted usually means danger. Even domestic rabbits keep this instinct.
This means many rabbits prefer interaction at floor level rather than being picked up.
Whenever possible, stroke or play with your rabbit on the ground — and only lift them when it’s essential (e.g., vet checks or cleaning).
How Do I Prepare to Pick Up My Rabbit Safely?
Before even attempting to pick up your rabbit, it’s essential to understand how they communicate and react to touch. Rabbits are naturally alert and can be startled by sudden movements, loud noises, or unfamiliar environments.
Before lifting your rabbit, make sure you:
- Create a calm, quiet environment
- Approach slowly from the side, not above
- Move gently and speak softly
- Make sure hands are dry and steady
- Handle one rabbit at a time
This helps your rabbit stay relaxed and reduces the risk of them panicking.
What Is the Best Way to Hold a Rabbit?
If you need to pick your rabbit up, follow these steps to ensure you lift and hold them safely and securely:
- Place one hand under the chest to support the front.
- Slide your other hand under the hindquarters, supporting the back legs.
- Lift gently and hold your rabbit close to your body — this gives them stability and prevents kicking.
- Keep the hold short — rabbits should not be held for long periods.
- Lower them close to the ground before putting them down to prevent falls or twisting.
Always keep their back legs supported — a strong kick can cause spinal injury.
What Not to Do – Common Handling Mistakes
- Never pick up a rabbit by its ears, scruff, tail or limbs. These are painful and can cause serious injury.
- Never hold a rabbit on its back or upside down (sometimes called “trancing”). Though the rabbit may go still, this is a fear response (playing dead), not calm and is extremely distressing for them.
- Avoid tight or restrictive holds. Squeezing, restricting movement or holding for too long can cause injury or stress.
- Do not force handling. If your rabbit resists, growls, freezes or tries to escape stop, give space, and build trust slowly.
Avoiding these mistakes protects your rabbit’s wellbeing and prevents stress-related injuries.
How Should Children Interact With Rabbits Safely?
It’s best not to allow young children to lift rabbits, particularly larger breeds that are harder for them to handle safely. Instead, children can enjoy bonding with rabbits in safer ways, such as gentle stroking, offering treats or sitting quietly nearby. Always supervise any interaction between children and your pets.
- Encourage children to sit on the floor during interactions.
- Give your child the rabbit’s favourite treat and let the rabbit approach in its own time.
- Teach children that rabbits don’t like loud noises or sudden movements, and show them how to offer gentle strokes and calm handling.
How Can I Bond With My Rabbit Without Picking Them Up?
Many rabbits prefer bonding through ground-level interaction. Try:
- Sitting quietly while your rabbit explores
- Offering natural treats or leafy greens
- Giving gentle head strokes
- Providing enrichment toys or tunnels
- Allowing your rabbit to hop around safely nearby
These low-stress interactions help build trust and confidence.
Is It Ever Necessary to Hold a Rabbit?
Yes, there are times when lifting is essential, such as:
- Health checks
- Administering medication
- Transporting to the vet
- Cleaning their living area
In these cases, using the correct technique ensures your rabbit stays calm and safe.
How Can I Keep My Rabbit Safe When Holding Them?
Handling a rabbit safely is all about respect, patience and understanding their instincts. By supporting them properly, keeping movements gentle and avoiding unnecessary lifting, you’ll create a bond built on trust.
At Newhay, we believe good pet care goes beyond feeding — it’s about creating comfort, security and a happy lifestyle for your rabbit.