- Every rabbit is different. Adjust these tips to your rabbit's personality and temperament. Don't try to fit your rabbit into a "mold" - these tips & tricks won't work for everyone, but I've found that they work for me.
- Practice putting your rabbit on his or her back (without clipping nails), several times a day for only a few seconds each time. When they struggle, have them there for longer. Let them go when they have been still for at least two seconds.
- When you go to actually clip your rabbit's nails, do so when the rabbit is tired, such as after a long time playing or exercising. This will decrease his/her energy levels and make him or her more willing to cooperate.
- Hold your rabbit tightly, so they feel secure, but gently. Don't squish his or her guts out!
- When you get down with a nail, rub/scratch your rabbit's head or his/her favorite petting spot, or reward him/her with a tiny treat.
- Put your hand in between the rabbit's back feet and front feet. Wear a long-sleeved shirt to minimize scratches.
- Talk to your rabbit during the nail clipping.
- Clip the nails every month or two. Don't go too long without doing it or the rabbit will get unaccustomed to it and you'll have a harder time next time.
- Cut only the tip off each time. Some rabbits don't like the pressure change of a chunk of their nail coming off.
- If you let the nail get long, the next time you cut it, only cut the tips. As the nail grows, the quick (blood supply), in the nail also grows, and when you cut the nail, the quick shrinks back and gives more nail to be cut off the next week.
- Above all, DON'T GET STRESSED OUT! Your rabbit can sense your frustration and anxiety, and because of it he or she won't behave any better for you. Stay calm.
A "difficult bunny", is any that doesn't like to be picked up; won't let you flip them over and hold them on their back; an easily excitable, very energetic bunny; one that will kick and bite and scratch whenever they're put into an uncomfortable position. You can say that I have one of those. I have a "difficult bunny". And I've found that these 10 tips and tricks REALLY WORK, to help getting those claws clipped!
10 Comments
Erin
10/20/2015 06:37:56 pm
I have a holland lop bunny and he's probably about 6 months old... My problem has started before step number 1... He hates to be picked up let alone try and put him on his back... I need a bunny whisperer
Reply
Lucy
4/15/2019 09:19:28 am
I have thé same problem but my rabbit is 3 months, Were you ever able to change his or her behavior, been trying everything possible and still very difficult.
Reply
Karyss Beekman
3/27/2018 11:27:44 am
I have about a 3 m/o black lionhead rabbit, and he's a very excitable ball of fluff. One thing he loves the most is running around and playing with my dogs, but when I try to catch him when he's tired, he still fights me a lot. He manages to rotate himself in my lap, but today he fell asleep! These tips really work! Thanks!
Reply
Anna
2/29/2020 05:58:59 am
isnt flipping a rabbit over to its back dangerous? Ive also heard that their hearts can stop because they are so afraid when exposed like that
Reply
Heatherlynn
5/26/2020 05:16:04 am
DO NOT FLIP A RABBIT ONTO IT'S BACK!! Please. This is terrifying for your rabbit and way more stress than necessary. Have someone help you and hold your rabbit down while sitting upright. Or wrap your bunny in a blanket. There's some really good videos on YouTube. Just don't do this, please
Reply
John Earle
6/2/2020 02:57:53 pm
If you have to put bunny's head on your stomach so it's head it elevated
Reply
I don’t want to put my name for privacy reasons so just call me Felix
6/25/2020 09:04:08 am
Thank you I will use these tips on my rabbit :) he is 2 years and 5 months old American Chinchilla Rabbit.
Reply
Kaycee
5/12/2021 08:53:22 am
You're doing a tutorial and clearly know nothing about rabbits. NEVER put a rabbit on their back! Their spines are very delicate and it can result in a broken spine not to mention it terrifies them and if they are "calm" while you do this it is because they are traumatized and their heart slowed way down to accommodate the fear.
Reply
Beatrice Francoise Shults
2/19/2022 10:03:16 pm
Im going to adopt a 9 yr old rabbit that has very long nail the lady told me that her vet said nothing to worry about and don't stress the rabbit out that it could cause him to have a heart attack is this true and he don't like to be held.
Reply
Emma Denholm
3/3/2022 11:35:10 pm
I never put a bunny on its back its called Tonic Immobility, often referred to as “Trancing” or “Hypnotising”, is a technique for handling rabbits that has been around for many years. It takes advantage of the rabbits’ tendency, as a prey species, to “play dead” and stay immobile when placed in a vulnerable position, on its back.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
My name is Holly.I'm glad you're here! Don't be a ghost; leave a comment every once and a while! Let's talk ;) Categories
All
Archives
June 2019
|