Handling Tip
by Debbie Vigue
DO NOT… pick up a rabbit by the scruff of the neck without supporting its' hindquarters.
This causes discomfort and stress to the animal. It can break small blood vessels under the skin. Plus it breaks the fur over the back of the neck/top of the shoulders which is detracting for a judge when you show an animal. It will also lose points on fur condition. Whenever possible place a hand under and behind the front legs and scoop up the hindquarters with the other hand. When returning an animal to its cage, put it in hindquarters first.
That way it won't leap forward out of your arms and either miss the cage doorway or catch a leg on it. If an animal acts panicked when held, tuck it's head between your body and the inside of your arm. Think football. It will calm down once it's head/eyes are covered and its sides are securely held. Still support the hindquarters.