rabbit handling and restraint

The handler is restraining the rabbit firmly by the scruff with the other hand ready to support the animal's hindquarters. Cage cards should also be used. If a rabbit violently resists physical restraint, it should be immediately released and approached later when it has calmed down. A rabbit’s hind end is very powerful and if not supported properly a rabbit can kick out and permanently injure its back. Holding Use the same technique but the hand under the rump is moved to support the abdomen. Fractures and dislocations of the back, most often resulting in paralysis of both rear legs, are the most common injuries. Do not allow too many students to attempt to handle the animal at one time. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. You can make restraining a rabbit easier by knowing how to approach your rabbit, pick him up, and keep him calm. The use of appropriate and skilled handling is essential to ensure that animals readily accept or actively seek human contact and … To restrain a rabbit, cradle it in one arm so its head is tucked slightly under your elbow, and place your other hand on top of it, almost like you're holding a football. This article has been viewed 29,223 times. Research on rabbit handling has evaluated the effects on physiology such as mortality rate, weight gain (e.g., Jezierski & Konecka, 1996), and behavior (e.g., McBride et al., 2006; Swennes et al., 2011). Rabbits equal to over 3.5kg receive 125 grams of diet daily. (304) 736-8555 | helpforanimals2@gmail.com. Try pulling the rabbit in closer to your body. 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. For more advice from our Veterinary co-author, like how to safely pick up a rabbit, read on! Fractures and dislocations of the back, most often resulting in paralysis of both rear legs, are the most common injuries. These injuries occur when rabbits are suddenly frightened and attempt to escape from a small enclosure. Rabbits are especially susceptible to the effects of stress and should always be approached in a calm and confident manner. This article discusses safe handling and restraint of pet rabbits in the consulting room in the interests of animal welfare and staff safety. My bunny always starts to eat the towel. The second hand or elbow supports the rabbit's weight and is placed underneath its rump. Make sure that you are ready to support the rabbit’s bottom with your other hand right away. Never lift a … Temporary methods of labeling rabbits include the use of water-proof pens and writing in the ear or on the back of the rabbit. Good restraint and calm handling for claw clipping usually preclude any need for tonic immobility – each paw can be gently lifted while the rabbit is sitting on a non‐slip surface. Rabbits should never be held by the ears; they should be scruffed at the neck, and the body firmly supported at the rump. Vetstream. 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). Rabbits have powerful hindlimbs, which can kick out and lead to broken backs. This article has been viewed 29,223 times. Handling and restraint for rabbits Rabbits have very powerful hind legs. A rabbit's spine is relatively lightweight and fragile. Categories: Mammals , Rabbit , Resources & Education. For more advice from our Veterinary co-author, like how to safely pick up a rabbit, read on! wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. You can also make restraining a rabbit easier by using a surface, a towel, or a special restraint device. When a rabbit becomes frightened, it violently struggles by powerfully kicking its back legs. Proper restraint and handling techniques are essential for reducing stress to laboratory animals and the handler. Try a zippered canvas bag or restraint box. What should I do? What should I do? Animals can be restrained either manually or in a plastic restrainer. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. In the wild the only time they would be picked up would be if they were about to become a predator’s dinner. Ask someone for help if you are having trouble restraining your rabbit. Restraining a rabbit can be a challenge, but there are some ways to make it easier. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 29,223 times. http://www.ahwla.org.uk/site/tutorials/BVA/BVA08-Rabbit/Rabbit.html, https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/upload/images/rabbit_edu.pdf, http://vetmed.duhs.duke.edu/GuidelinesforRabbitTechniques.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Be sure to let them know so the rabbit can be in the proper place on the plane and not be harmed. Try not to make any sudden movements or do anything else that might scare the rabbit. These holding methods can hurt a rabbit and cause unnecessary stress. Handling and Restraint a. A soft-spoken, relaxed approach with rabbits works well. Support the hindquarters and back with other. These injuries occur when rabbits are suddenly frightened and attempt to escape from a small enclosure. Rabbits possess a relatively lightweight, delicate skeleton paired with extremely strong, well-developed back and leg muscles. [1] X Research source For example, do not yell, jump up and down, or thrust your hand into the rabbit’s cage. Make sure you are sitting down, so the rabbit won't hurt itself if it gets away. You can take the rabbit to a veterinarian, and they will be able to perform tests that will indicate the age of the rabbit. An alternative method of picking up a rabbit involves sliding one hand under its breast bone and grasping both front legs between the fingers of this hand. Improper handling may cause serious, life-threatening injuries. Help them feel secure... Never pick rabbits up by their ears. The other hand is then gently worked under the rear quarters to fully support them as the rabbit is lifted upwards, in the same manner as cats are held. Rabbits are characteristically timid and excitable. Rabbits have very powerful hind legs. One should never try to overpower a struggling rabbit. If you do get an injury after handling a rabbit, seek medical attention promptly. SOP #100.2 Rabbit Husbandry Effective 10/05 Page 4 of 5 2. Sometimes you may need to pick up your rabbits and it's important you do this safely. Our own pet rabbits can find this just as alarming, because fear of being lifted is hardwired into their genes. Improper handling may cause serious, life-threatening injuries. Also, double check to to see if you are allowed to bring a pet from one country to another. Handling and restraint for rabbits. 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. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Remember that rabbits have powerful hind legs- and they use them if they get stressed even if they are generally docile. Grasp the scruff of the neck firmly with one hand. They are ground (and subterranean) dwelling. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. You should be honest with your son about what happened. The rabbit's hind end must be supported as it is removed from its cage. It would be extremely stressful and is highly likely to injure them. Be safe Hold rabbits gently but firmly, ensure one hand supports their back and hindquarters at all time. Only trained personnel should handle rabbits. Handling and restraint training can be scheduled through Center for Comparative Medicine. Use age appropriate language to explain. Most buns also do not like having the tips of their noses or chins touched. For example, Swennes et al. This is more common in the case of hutch-housed rabbits that have poor bone quality and have very little exercise. If the rabbit struggles, try applying some more pressure to help him feel secure. Discover the world's research. Do not hold the rabbit by the scruff of his neck alone. Removal from home cage: 1. 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. Handling and Restraint of Small Laboratory Animals ... back, a common outcome associated with inappropriate rabbit handling. 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. Use a towel to wrap around the rabbit and hold the rabbit to stop it from jumping out (see photo 3 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. Low-Stress Handling of Guinea Pigs The principles of handling guinea pigs are very similar to those of rabbits, but their shorter bodies and less-powerful hind legs means the risk of injury from handling is significantly less. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Restrain-a-Rabbit-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Restrain-a-Rabbit-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Restrain-a-Rabbit-Step-1.jpg\/aid7192567-v4-728px-Restrain-a-Rabbit-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"