Validating the use of box training as a refinement to rabbit handling (2023)

Kinally, A., Onions, L., Glenn, S.

Abstract

In the wild, rabbits are prey animals and so the act of being picked up and handled can be extremely stressful for them. Yet, the most used method of handling laboratory rabbits is to grasp the animal by the scruff, while placing your other hand to support the rear, lifting the animal free of the cage/pen. We wanted to introduce a new method of lifting and carrying the rabbit that would reduce stress, similar to the already recognised and widely used method of tunnel handling mice. The method uses a carrying box (or carrying crate). The results of this study showed that rabbits can successfully accept the box training as a less invasive and more positive method of handling.