Fuzzy-Rabbit.com

Bethany · Joined: 09 Mar 2010 Posts: 21 Location: Nebraska

As much as I love my rabbits, there are times when I'm terrified of them.

While trying to get Lacey back into her cage about a month ago her back paws scratched me leaving deep cuts. I still have the scratch marks.

The thought of trimming nails and fighting three rabbits to do it doesn't exactly give me peace of mind. I know it needs to be done.

Cagney, my lop needs her fur brushed under her as she's got tangles. I have no idea how to do it and I know I'm in for a fight if I turn her over.

If they hide in their wood houses, I'm scared that I'll get bit as I need to get them out.

How do you get over your fear of doing the basic hands-on care?

DAISY_AND_PEACHES · Joined: 13 Jan 2007 Posts: 3589 Location: NJ

if you're afraid to do all of those, your vet can do it for you.

For clipping nails I do a bunny burrito, and my two generally like being brushed.

I'm not sure how to help you get over those fears though Confused

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Daisy&Roo

BumblebeexSweat · Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 6:03 am Post subject:

Buns usually kick when you pick them up. They don't generally like to be held and it definitely sounds like yours hate it. They are prey animals and have this kind of response imbedded in them so it's something that you are going to have to get used to.

Side Note: The 'bunny burrito' (never thought to call it that but it's awful cute Smile

) is AWESOME!!!!

If your'e really terrified of them, I would suggest adopting them out to an experienced bun owner. Chances are they won't stop kicking if you pick them up so if you don't/can't see past that and not be scared of them, this might be your best option.
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nytquill17 · Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 3323 Location: Quebec, Canada

It's kind of natural to be afraid, especially if you've already been scratched pretty badly. I've had my bun 3 years and he's as mild-mannered as they come, and yet I'm still nervous when it comes to clipping his nails. I even get a little twinge still when it comes time to pick him up or put him down. I'm not saying this to discourage you but just to explain that there's nothing "wrong with you" for being afraid.

It's especially normal if you have feisty buns that you know are likely to scratch and bite no matter how you try to "go easy" on them. Is this a feeling you've had for a while or has it started suddenly or gotten a lot more intense since your bun scratched you?

Your bun may not have intended to scratch you; they can't retract their claws so they can't help scratching something or someone as they're scrambling to get away.

First, get yourself some heavy duty gloves, gardening gloves or work gloves, and if you can find ones that go a ways down your arm that's even better, but if not use a long sleeved jacket or sweatshirt (or regular shirt if the fabric is sturdy enough). It will seem weird but wear this getup for a while anytime you have to do something with your buns that makes you nervous. The added protection will help you get up the nerve to do what you have to, and the more times you do these things the more comfortable and confident you will be. When I first got my bun it took me a good 45 minutes of struggling, shaking, crying, etc. to get his nails done, and now I still get nervous but it's over with in 5-10 minutes usually. You do get better with practice.

You can also train your buns to come out of hiding places/go into their cage with food. You just have to keep repeatedly offering them food at the same times when you want them to come out or go in and eventually they will get in the habit that there is something good in it for them if they behave!

You might also want to try trancing; this is an advanced handling technique and it took me quite a few tries and a lot of tears to get the hang of it so I don't recommend it for everyone. It is somewhat stressful for the bun, not calming as some people will tell you, but in cases like yours it's probably less stressful overall than struggling through a grooming session. Research it first and be aware that there will probably be a few horrible-feeling practice sessions before you get the hang of it. But if your buns will trance and you can learn how to do it, it is a good way to get through those kinds of tricky grooming and checkups that you're struggling with.

And as someone else has mentioned, you can always bring them to a nearby vet or groomer to have it done for you instead Smile

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Thanks, Liv, it's lovely!

I'm now a Fuzzy-Rabbit co-mod! If you need help with something on the forum, feel free to ask me and I'll do what I can.

Bethany · Joined: 09 Mar 2010 Posts: 21 Location: Nebraska

Thanks so much for the help. Lacey despises being picked up..she's my trouble one. The other two seem to be okay..I've only had them 3 weeks, but I haven't tried to do their nails. Lacey is also white and her nails are also. It makes it very hard to see so I don't get her nerves. I did once and felt terrible.

Cagney doesn't seem to mind being brushed..it's knowing how to get the bottom part of her fur and they are tangled up. You can sort of trance her but not for long. Is there a great brush for this?

Magnum loves attention, but being new he's still a little jittery and takes off into his "man cave" if he's feeling that way.

Lacey has figured out that food probably equals some kind of human contact and doesn't fall for it anymore.

The glove idea is great. The last rabbit I owned(about 4 years ago) figured out how to slide out of a towel.

I'm not about to give them up, they are wonderful and I just need a boost of confidence to get past the fears. My concerns are also for their safety as I don't want them hurting their backs as they panic. I don't want to hold on too tight but at the same time they need things done.

Thanks again for the help. It means a lot.

BumblebeexSweat · Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:49 am Post subject:

Bethany · Joined: 09 Mar 2010 Posts: 21 Location: Nebraska

I understood the adoption out option Smile

I may have figured part of the problem. Lacey has had the upper floor of the cage since I figured she'd get out through the sliding tray on the first floor. She's my escape artist and can get out of most things. Since she detests being picked up, I realized today that she might be cranky because being up high as she has to be picked up/down to get out. One of "Duh" moments.

I switched rabbits and both seem much happier. I wonder if Cagney has been scared of the slide out tray below the floor as she's happily laying on her side out in the open instead of hiding out in her box.

Lacey is hanging out in the slide-out tray and can now come/go as she pleases without my unappreciated help.

It's eased my fears some now that both appear less stressed. Hopefully this is part of the answer. I'll worry about trimming nails at a later date.

I did manage to carefully turn Cagney over and realized her fur isn't that bad. She'll be just fine. I don't brush that hard as I know their skin is senstive and I don't want chunks of fur coming out.

Several problems solved today and I feel much better.

Alison · Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 92 Location: Virginia

Bunnies are sooo cute and so a different kind of pet than a dog or cat. I think it just takes some getting used to and learning how they think. If I were in your slippers I'd ask around and find out who else has a bunny or knows someone who knows someone who can help you learn the secrets of bunny care.

Oh and white toenails on white fur has an advantage. You can see the pink quick so you don't have to worry about knowing what not to trim. I try to clip far enough away from the quick that not only am I not cutting it, I'm not pinching it either. I don't wanna hurt him, just make sure his nails are not so long that he's gonna hurt himself.

Hang in there and I hope your scratches go away soon.
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BumblebeexSweat · Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 3:21 am Post subject:

Glad to hear that everything is coming together!!! Very Happy

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Bethany · Joined: 09 Mar 2010 Posts: 21 Location: Nebraska

A breakthrough.. After doing some intervention on a rabbit bonding issue, I realized I was in charge of the situation which boosted my confidence big time. I feel terrible for getting a rabbit squirted with water, but it needed done.

Today while DH was cleaning out each cage, I took each rabbit, gave them a nice brush and managed to clip some of the nails on them. That's the furthest I've ever been on nail clipping! I can do this!

It was a wonderful bonding moment as I was able to check nails, feet, and brush out much needed fur. They seemed to enjoy it too.

jennyc1013 · Joined: 17 Nov 2008 Posts: 2003 Location: Manchester

yay! well done Very Happy

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Billy; Custard; Bobbin; RIP Biggles; Chunder; Shunt; Stoat; RIP Pepper; Flopsy; RIP Nutmeg; RIP Weasel; Wellie.

Schlippo · Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:39 am Post subject:

As you become more confident doing the bunny chores that freak you out, the easier time you will have cos your buns will be dealing with a relaxed human rather than a tense one. Glad it's working out! Very Happy

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Liv rawks