Lots of Help Needed

[We<3Tonks]

We have a year and a half year old bunny named Tonks who will not let us hold her. The minute you make any movement that relates to picking her up, even if you're inches away, she'll kick, bite and run. This has gotten in the way of cutting her nails, which isn't good. When she was at the vet they picked her up fine, unfortunately we can't pay to take her to a vet to get her nails cut and we would love to be able to hold her. Any suggestions?

[VoodooJoint]

First of all most rabbit do not like being picked up. To gain trust though for when you must pick the rabbit up spend lots of time down on the floor with her and pet, pet, pet. Treat her like anoter friend rabbit would to bond with her. Everytime you pass her stroke her head and maybe give her a treat. Make he know that you being around is a good thing and that she can trust you. That will tell her that you do not always want to pick her up and may make her more relaxed when you do. She may even start to jump into your lap or onto furniture to lie next to you because she wants to be groomed and loved. If she starts to do this you won't need to pick her up for loving.

To clip the nails it is easiest with 2 people. One person should hold her tith one hand on hr chest and the other under her butt. Hold her firmly with her bck against the persn's chest so all 4 feet stick out front. You should do this all while standing and not sitting because the rabbit won't struggle as much since she doesn't have an easy means of escape like kicking and jumping off a lap onto the chair or floor. You can then clip the nails and the rabbit will feel fairly secure because she is being held securely and snuggled.

[We<3Tonks]

Thanks, but she already jumps on our laps and licks us. She even jumps on our friends that are visiting's laps. She's completely trusting, hangs out on the couch with us, will come and sit with you for 30 minutes while you pet her. it's just the minute you even act like you're going to pick her up she runs. She'll turn around and come right back if you call her tho. We've tried slowly moving up to trying to pick her up, like just sitting with her and petting her to just picking her up. Either way, she kicks and runs, and even bites.

[bunnyluv17]

Is there any way you could cut her nails while she's down on the floor? Maybe while one person distracts her with petting or treats, another could move slowly and try to cut her nails. I know my rabbit would not tolerate this but I thought I would suggest it.

[VoodooJoint]

Okay, well my first theory is out the window.

You will just have to be firm while holding her for nail clips and possibly securely wrap her in a towel to help restrain her,