Clench Method: To use this method, begin as if you are doing the Cuddle Method. With your right thumb and forefinger, you then clench the base of the rabbit's ears, while supporting the rump with your left hand, and slowly lean over an elevated surface such as a grooming table. Slowly move your arms away from your body, and towards the table, so that your rabbit is lying belly-up with your right hand firmly gripping its ears. This method is useful for inspecting your rabbit's genitals, and checking the teeth. Below are some images to show you how to perform the Clench Method on your rabbit:
Hold the rabbit with your left arm supporting the rump and your right hand across its back.
Firmly grip the base of the rabbit's ears between your right thumb and forefinger.
Slowly lean over while holding the rabbit against your chest in the way described above.
After you have leaned over far enough (90° angle for rabbits that are not used to this method; less for rabbits that are used to being handled in this way), gradually move your arms away from your body.
Slowly lay the rabbit on the table, while keeping your left hand under the rump and clenching the ears in your right hand.
Gradually remove your left hand, leaving the rabbit lying on the table, while always keeping the rabbit's ears clenched in your right hand.
The secret to success in this method lies in moving slowly, but very firmly. Rabbits that are not used to this method will be anxious, so to avoid dealing with a struggling rabbit, it is best to move very slowly. Also, make sure your grip on the rabbit's ears is more than just a 'hold'; it must be a proper 'clench', so that the rabbit cannot struggle out of your hold. Don't worry too much about hurting your rabbit's ears; your rabbit is much more likely to become hurt in the process of struggling out of your grip because you are not holding it properly.
To see other methods of handling your rabbit, visit any of the links below:
