Does it matter that I don't pick my rabbit up?

feelinggood_2

I've had my rescue bunny for 6 months now. He was pretty timid when we got him, his previous owners weren't all that nice to him.

He doesn't like being picked up.

He is a house rabbit, and will come up and sit on my lap when I'm on the floor. He comes when I call him and when I tell him to go home he does. He does in his travel bag to go in the garden no problem and goes in his travel cage without fuss.

Am I making him miss out on anything by not pushing him to accept being picked up?

Raksha

It might mean that he finds being handled for a vet exam more stressful. This might help - http://www.ttouch.co.za/files/companion/rabbits.php

feelinggood_2

Raksha wrote: »

It might mean that he finds being handled for a vet exam more stressful. This might help - http://www.ttouch.co.za/files/companion/rabbits.php

Hes got his first trip to the vets with me at the end of the month, so will see how he likes it.

He doesn't mind being cuddled, stroked or proded, just dislikes being picked up. I can put him in his carry bag and up on a surface without any fuss.

Krystaltips

Maybe he just feels safer if his feet are touching something? I wouldn't fret too much. If he likes being petted and he's happy to be cuddled etc then picking up is not the be all and end all...

feelinggood_2

Krystaltips wrote: »

Maybe he just feels safer if his feet are touching something? I wouldn't fret too much. If he likes being petted and he's happy to be cuddled etc then picking up is not the be all and end all...

He loves a fuss. I'll be sat at the PC and he'll come over and nudge my feet until I lie down on the floor and play with him. He definitely is in charge in this house!

rita-rabbit

I reckon he's doing just fine :0)

BridgetJones_2

I rarely pick my pair up, they find it very stressful. One actually growls like a dog! Both are extremely affectionate though, they jump on my lap when I sit outside with them. To avoid it I've trained them to come when they're called and they climb into the carrier with a bit of encouragement (eg sprouts!) so I don't need to anymore.

stingylolo

My Lily is the moodiest bunny you can ever find. She grunts and attacks me, she's very territorial and won't accept me invading her space (even to get the food bowl from her cage).
Can't remember the last time I picked her up, we do tickle and stroke her with my little boy, and she's ever such a good girl with him.
Been to the vet plenty of times, and she's really good with them too. Always stays on the examination table, never attacks or bite.

Maybe you shouldn't worry too much. Your bunny sounds like a happy bunny, and the vets are used to rodents, and will know how to look after your bunny. Don't worry or bunny might feel you are stressing. Bunny will be in good hands.

Rummer

It sounds as if what you are doing is perfect for him, he sounds like a very loved and happy rabbit!

snowman2_2

Not handling any animal, rabbit or otherwise, makes a vets life harder. Tryingt o examine an animal that resents being handled, trying to get good information and then tryingt o medicate it afterwards are all made more difficult by having an animal that isn;t used to being handled. If you start them at a young age, or with rescue animals, take it slowly from the start, just about all normal domestic pets should be handable, examinable and treatable.

spankymonkey_2

i would recommend people pick up rabbits , my bunny was poorly and if it wasn't for me picking her up i wouldn't of known just how much weight she had lost as she did look ok, and was also (i thought) eating as usual.......