Rabbits are prey animals that find being picked up profoundly stressful; correct handling technique and allowing rabbits to approach on their own terms greatly reduces fear.
Rabbit handling presents a welfare paradox that surprises many owners: the animals that appear most content when handled may in fact be experiencing the greatest fear. Tonic immobility - the limp, still state that owners often interpret as relaxation - is a prey animal last-resort fear response. Well-habituated rabbits that approach for food and allow gentle petting at ground level are genuinely more relaxed than rabbits that freeze when picked up. Understanding the difference between genuine comfort and tonic immobility prevents owners from inadvertently causing distress while believing their rabbit enjoys handling.