For a rabbit to be comfortable with being picked up, they must learn through positive experiences that being lifted isn't something that causes harm. This should start when they are just as few weeks old as part of socialisation.
Some bunnies are fine with being held, but never assume that your bunny likes being picked up just because they don't struggle in any way. Many rabbits hate being held and will actually freeze with fear. Our advise would be that it is always better to get down to your bunnies level and have a cuddle.
Cuddle with rabbits by petting them on the floor. Once your rabbit trusts you, try lying down next to them, hugging them, or training your rabbit to hop into your lap. Above all, you should avoid cuddling your rabbit by holding them since this will cause anxiety. Sometimes it can take a while to gain a rabbit's trust.
3 - 5 years old: Middle Age
They may also become more and more affectionate, particularly house rabbits who live closely with their owners. Their level of trust in us has built up to the extent that they feel completely safe and secure in their home and able to truly relax and take it easy.
Your rabbit doesn't want to be held
When you hold your rabbit, they feel trapped in your arms. There is no way for them to get out and run if they sense danger. If you pick up your rabbit every time you interact with them, the rabbit will quickly learn to associate you with the fear of being held.
If the floor won't work for you bring the rabbit up on the sofa or bed with you. Be Patient, don't rush. It can take a few months for a rabbit to adjust to a new home and new people. Speak softly.
Rabbits are small and low to the ground. They are also primary prey animals. So anything coming from above is a big threat, and their instinct is to race away. Even if they can see YOU are the thing coming from above, that instinct is so strong, and so ingrained, that they really can hardly help themselves.
Hold rabbits gently but firmly - ensure one hand supports their back and hindquarters at all times. Help them feel secure by holding all four feet against your body. Never pick rabbits up by their ears - this would be extremely stressful and is highly likely to injure them.
You should avoid leaving a rabbit alone for more than 24 hours. This is because rabbits can get sick suddenly and require immediate medical attention. Conditions such as GI Stasis are very common, so you should always have someone checking in on your rabbit daily even if you are only away for the weekend.
Fear. Rabbits that are not used to being handled can view their owners as a threat when they try to pick them up or stroke them. They will act like they would in the wild when faced with a predator; freeze, try to run away or show aggression.
So, although you can and should train your pet rabbits to tolerate routine handling, they may never enjoy being picked up and cuddled. Rabbits who are properly socialised (including being handled appropriately) from a young age tend to be calmer and more confident when handled.
Rabbits like to play and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Ideally you want to provide them with up to 4 hours daily of supervised time out of their cage.
Scared Rabbit Behavior
They need to learn to trust you again. If you hurt them while grooming, they'll also fear handling. A common reaction of frightened rabbits is running away when you approach. They suspect you're going to pick them up, and want no part of it.
They may also be afraid of people and won't want to come out if there are any humans in the room. Your rabbit may have developed this fear from rough handling in the past. Or maybe they are afraid of being picked up if they come out of their safe place (most rabbits hate to be held).
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.
Rabbits are prey animals and can become easily spooked and scared. They don't really like to be picked up and handled too often, even by humans that they like!