Turning Over Your Rabbit

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Place your rabbit on a carpet or non-slip surface.

To begin, scissor the ears by placing your thumb on one side of the ears, the index finger between the ears, and your middle finger behind the ears. Your other fingers can rest on the back of the neck for additional support. With the other hand, cradle the rump.

You will also use two hands with this activity. One hand will support the head while one hand supports the rump/hindquarters. Keeping the head and rear secure makes the rabbit feel safe. If the head is allowed to move freely, the rabbit will shift its weight. If the hindquarters are not supported, the rabbit will feel as though it is falling. This feeling will cause the rabbit to panic, including struggling and scratching to regain its footing on something solid. 

  Slightly lift the head. Remember to be gentle. At the same time, roll the rabbit’s hindquarters towards you and the head up and away from you.

When the rabbit is in your hands, you are responsible for making the rabbit feel secure. If a rabbit knows it can freely move, it knows it could fall. Whenever picking up a rabbit from an otherwise secure location (table, hutch, ground, etc.), your hands and body are now the means for it feeling secure and safe.

Once the rabbit is on its back, the table will support it. The hand that was on the rump will be free and can be used to examine the rabbit.

You can also turn the rabbit over while you are sitting down. Instead of a table, the rabbit will be cradled between your thighs for support. You can even lightly secure the head between your knees if you need two free hands for examining purposes. However, this form should only be used when both the rabbit and human are very accustomed to this position and comfortable with each other.