is it ok to hold my rabbit?

[one-of-many]

Hi! Here's a few reference sites that have been absolutely indespensible to me as a new bunny owner. We've had our bun for over a year and a half. I joined a bunch of Yahoo groups at first but only one has proven to be VERY worth it. It has tons of members and ..well, if you subscribe, do so in 'Digest' mode because if you get individual emails, you'll be swamped. It's very active. Vets, breeders, house bun owners, etc. You'll love it. Their references section is extremely thorough.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/etherbun/

Also..
http://www.rabbit.org

But I suggest joining the group. They have a thorough links list to help you out and they're very helpful.
BTW, my bunny, Chopper, doesn't much care to let me hold her. But she's a five year old rescue who has had a long, possibly abusive life. With a younger bunny, you probably have a better chance of winning over his/her trust. All rabbits are different in behaviour but ALL seem to take a good amount of patience. :-) It's worth it.
Jae

[vashira]

Please do hold him firmly, as quite often bunnies will jump out of your arms, unexpectedly. They often end up with broken backs after doing that. (ask any exotics veterinarian). Patience, kindness and prudence. I've been a rabbit owner for 28 years, I can't imagine ever not having a buns. I adore them. They make wonderful pets and they are all so difference character wise. I have one rabbit that i've had for 6 years. He still doesn't like to be held, or even pet really. My other rabbit who i've had for 3 years lives to be in my arms cuddling. He'll choose that over treats any day. Good luck with your new baby.

BTW chocolate is suppose to be poisonous to rabbits and I see so many people feeding it to them. For his sake, please resist the urge to give him that. Try dried cranberries (such as Oceanspray Craisins) in natural flavour. Mine go absolutely crazy for them. Raisins also are a nice treat.

[dab_20]

the same thing everyone said is right. i have 5 rabbits and 7 three week old bunnies. two of them are new and they totally PANIC when you pick them up. i have two pretty deep gashes from them too. give peter a week or two and you can gradually start picking him up for a few minutes at a time. i recommend nuetering him too, as it will make him very friendly and will possibly add a couple years to his life. NEVER pick him up by the extra skin on his neck! predators grab on to rabbits necks in the wild to catch them. lots of rabbits will go into panic mode if you grab their necks, biting and kicking like nuts. possibly breaking its own legs and and back, plus hurting you. congrats on your new baby!!

[Jessika]

Any new small animal needs to be left alone and not be handled for a week or so until they adjust to their new environment. I nkow its hard, but if you handle him now you're more likely to get him - or yourself! - hurt.