There are 4 main ways which you can hold your rabbit. I call these methods the Cuddle, Clench, Cradle, and Clamp methods. Outlined below are the techniques for these methods. Click on the title of any of these methods to see step-by-step demonstrations.
Cuddle Method: The simplest holding method, the Cuddle Method, involves simply picking up your rabbit and holding it against your chest with its head facing your neck. You should support the rabbit's rump with your left hand, while placing your right hand firmly across its back. Though simple, this method is very important since many other holding methods begin with the Cuddle Method.
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 genital, and checking the teeth.
Cradle Method: This method involves flipping your rabbit onto its back, and cradling it in your arms like a baby, with its head tucked firmly under your left arm. You should support the rabbits rump with your left hand. This method is useful for holding the rabbit, clipping the back claws, inspecting the genital, and grooming the back fur of your rabbit.
Clamp Method: The Clamp Method begins in a similar way to the Clench Method. However, in the Clamp Method, instead of resting your rabbit on a table, you lay it down on your lap with its ears clamped between your knees. This leaves both hands free to check the teeth, inspect the genital, and clip the claws.
To learn more about these methods of handling, click on any of the links below:
