Avoid chasing your pet rabbit, as this increases their stress and reinforces the idea that they should be fearful. Though your rabbit looks fluffy and cuddly, they naturally will resist being held, especially if you carry them around high off the ground. Forcing this on your rabbit can cause them to struggle and kick, which may harm you and may even be fatal to the rabbit, should they fall on the ground. [1] X Research source
It may take a while for your rabbit to approach, possibly even an hour. Stay as still and quiet as possible.
You may need to do this every day for some time to earn your rabbit’s trust. Moving too early can undo your hard work, so be patient.
Drop a large bath towel over the rabbit, covering them completely. Scoop the rabbit up in the towel, keeping their head covered. The darkness will be comforting to the rabbit. Transfer the rabbit to a dark, secure box.
Argente Crèmes, grey and white rabbits that pet owners often show, and English lops, brown and white bunnies with floppy ears, are both particularly skittish, so they might be harder to catch. [7] X Research source Similarly, Belgian Hares, named so because they look like wild hares in dark brown, may also be difficult to catch as they are particularly quick and smart. Beverens, medium-gray bunnies, Rexes, bunnies with a spotted coat, and Lionheads, a fluffy brown bunny, are also smart. [8] X Research source
You can use 2-by-4s and chicken wire to make fence frames to have on hand. These should be at least 3 feet (0. 91 m) high, though many rabbits can jump higher than that. The width is up to you, but you should consider the length or width of your car if you plan to transport them. Hold the frames together with hinges. [9] X Research source You can also use a puppy pen or deer fencing to create an enclosure.
Sometimes it’s easiest to just sit and watch the area. Leave out some treats that your rabbit likes, and see if she comes out. Check for holes near fences, as that could be a sign she escaped the yard.
Secure the legs by wrapping your arm around the outside of her body and then around the underside of the rabbit. Use your other arm to wrap the other way around the body, securing the shoulders. The best way to capture the rabbit is to get on the ground with her. Talk to her gently and see if she will come to you. She’ll be less threatened by you if you’re closer to her level. If that doesn’t work, you may need more than one person to trap her in a corner. Scoop her up from a standing position. Never pick up a rabbit by her ears. You’ll hurt her and frighten it.
Using a net to catch a rabbit is actually quite difficult. If you are not trained in catching animals this way, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to do it. [13] X Research source However, if you can sneak up on the rabbit, you may be able to throw a net over it to catch it. Depending on how close you are to the rabbit, a bath towel or a sheet can be a useful aid. Try to corner the rabbit, so they cannot retreat, then throw the towel over the rabbit. Scoop the rabbit up in the towel.
In addition, they will learn and will be even more skittish the next time you corner them. They are also able to elbow themselves into small spaces that you won’t be able to follow. However, you can fool the rabbit into thinking you have an enclosure by holding a towel sideways and touching the ground. You can then corral the rabbit into a corner and throw the towel over them.
If you do decide to use a live trap, try one that has openings on both sides, which will make it more likely that your bunny will enter. [14] X Research source Also, with a live trap, make sure to entice your bunny in with a good treat, such as bananas or carrots.
