Hiya Romy
when handling bunnies it is important to hold them firmly so that they feel secure, you wont hurt Bridget, but she could injure herself if she is allowed to wriggle.
What I tend to do, is push the bunny onto their side into a large pice of vetbed, lay my arms across their back legs so they cannot kick and prise their legs apart at the back to access their bot. It is hard to describe, i wish I could send you a picture over.
I find putting bunnies on their side and pinning them to the floor :shock: works well, and is less stressful than putting them on their back.
If you really cannot clean Bridget, I suggest as a last resort that you ask the Vet to do a clean up for you :wink:
If you lived closer I would pop around and show you how to do this myself... :?
you need to get Bridget used to being checked and cleaned up, if you do this each day, they soon settle into it, and allow you to pop them onto their side, to do the task.
I wear sunglasses when handling rabbits incase they try and kick me...
:lol: and cover my arms so I do not get scratched.
I think you just lack a bit of confidence , but please do not be afraid to have a go , it is very important that you clean her bot, else she risks getting infections and fly strike.
Dont let her hissing put you off, and try not to react to this if possible, but instead gently but firmly continue to clean her underside. :wink:
If Bridget is smelly and this comes from the urine, I would ask teh Vet to do a urine test, as bladder infections are common in Does especially and often missed during a routine vet check.
Keep some Rescue Remedy in and give her one drop directly into the mouh five minutes before you attempt to clean her and after you have done the deed.
play some calming music, and dot some lavendar around onto pieces of cottonwool or tissue, create a soothing, calming environment each time you try and clean Bridget, and she will soon see that there is nothing for her to be worried about. Bridget will pick up your uncertainty too, so try and be confident around her, and speak to her gently as you turn her onto her side etc.
I hope this helps a bit??
Love and best wishes to you and the beautiful Bridget