Your pet rabbit is not a cuddly stuffed toy rabbit. You can't treat it the way you would your toy rabbit. Rabbits have very fragile backbones. Never pick up your rabbit so that its hind legs are left dangling.
The rabbit might kick violently, possibly fracturing its backbone. Make sure that this does not happen, because the only solution if this happens is to put the rabbit to 'sleep'. Never lift the rabbit by its ears. It is very painful for the rabbit, just like it would pain you if someone tried to lift you by the ears.
The best way to lift your rabbit is to put one hand below its hind legs for support and the other below its chest and then lift it. The entire weight of the rabbit must be supported by your hands.
As far as possible avoid small children from picking up the rabbit. They tend to get a bit exited and might cause unintentional harm to the very rabbit they want to care for. If they insist on carrying the rabbit around, please get them well trained in the technique of lifting the rabbit.
When to visit the veterinarian
If you feed your rabbit with the correct diet and allow it to exercise enough, the veterinarian is someone you may never have to visit.
Always watch out for abnormal behavior in your rabbit. If you notice something different, it may be time to take your pet to the veterinarian. This may include a sudden loss in appetite, a sudden weight loss, suddenly wanting to be confined to the cage, extremely aggressive behavior, and just about anything that may seem abnormal.
If you notice that your rabbit has diarrhea (not very common in rabbits), do not wait. Your pet requires medical attention immediately.
Your rabbit is not as hardy as a cat or a dog. Do not wait for the symptoms to subside when you see one. If you are not sure of what it is, at least call the veterinarian. Based on the symptoms he will let you know the urgency.
Buy your pet rabbit from a reputed pet shop. Always keep the cage open and try to place it where there is a good flow of fresh air. Always keep the cage clean, with a sufficient stock of fresh food and water. Be very careful while lifting and handling your rabbit. Take your pet rabbit to the veterinarian as soon as you notice the slightest change in its behavior.
Following all this will allow you to have a bunny good time with your pet rabbit!
