Many rabbits become tame and happy to be handled (picked up) after some careful, patient training.

First Steps: Before handling your rabbit, let him get to know you. Let him out of his cage somewhere quiet and safe. Lie on the floor and let him com to you. Be patient and eventually he will come over to sniff you. Do not grab him. Let him hop around you and over you as he gets to know your smell.

When your rabbit feels safe with you, try stroking him between the ears. Then you can stroke his back, let him lie with you, and eventually start to play together. If you give him time to get to know you, he will think of you as a friend. Offer your rabbit a treat from your hand, such as a piece of apple or carrot, while he is getting to know.

Take Care: Rabbit bones break easily if they fall. If your rabbit tries to get away from you, he may bite or scratch you. So, if your rabbit struggles when you hold him, hug him firmly but gently to your chest to stop him clawing you. Kneel and put him down so he is facing you, back legs first. Rabbits are less likely to jump if they cannot see where they are going.

Picking Rabbits Up: Pick rabbit up from the front, not from behind, because he may kick out in surprise. Wear gloves until you get used to doing this, in case your rabbit scratches. With one hand, hold him gently by the scruff ( back) of his neck. Use your other arm to support his back end as you lift him up. Or you can hold one hand under the front and other under the back end of his body. When you pick him up, hold him against your chest or shoulder, or sit with him on your lap so he feels safe.

· Never lift your rabbit up just by the scruff of the neck, or by his ears, as this can hurt him badly.

· Don’t lift him too high. If he wriggles and falls, he may injure himself.

Reward Good Behaviour: You may be able to train some rabbits to stop unwanted behaviour such as chewing furniture or leaving droppings out of the litter tray. When the rabbit does these things, just say “no” firmly, and point your finger at the rabbit. If she stoops, reward your rabbit by stroking her or giving her a food treat. Never shout at or punish your rabbit or she will become frightened of you.

Rabbits can’t be expected to use their litter tray all the time. When they are young, let them play out for a short time before feeding them. They usually get better as they get older, but even then they might leave droppings where they shouldn’t.

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