Training Laboratory Rabbits to Refine Routine Husbandry Procedures

We intend to improve animal welfare. For as long as animal experiments are carried out, it is our moral responsibility and duty to ensure that the laboratory animal suffer as less as possible. This also includes caring for and handling the animals in the gentlest way possible.

For instance, by using positive reinforcement training. Our research suggests that gentle handling techniques and positive reinforcement training reduces stress in laboratory animals. Animal caretakers and researchers are currently confronted with the requirements to train their laboratory animals.

However, this is extremely challenging for someone without any previous experiences in animal training. Therefore, our protocol provides step-by-step instructions that should allow everyone to get the first positive experiences in training a rabbit. First of all, it is animal-friendly.

We compared the behavior of the rabbits after they were picked up in a transport box or with the conventional handling techniques. The transport box was less aversive, and therefore, could serve as an effective refinement measure. To begin, obtain rabbits that have associated the click with the reward and eat the reward from the bowl after the click.

First, place the target close to the nose of the rabbit. Click and treat after the rabbit touches the target. Then, place the target at different spots where it can be touched with head movements only.

Next, place the target at a wider distance from the rabbit, requiring the rabbit to make one hop to reach the target. Further, place the target in front of the rabbit's nose and slowly move the target away from the rabbit to let it make a variable number of hops. To prepare the rabbit for entering the training area, place the target in front of the rabbit's nose and then slowly move the target away from the rabbit to lead it through the corridor.

Keep moving the target until the rabbit finally enters the training arena and separates itself from the group. To begin, obtain the rabbits that have associated the click with the reward and eat the reward from the bowl after the click. Using a target stick, lead the rabbit towards the weighing scale.

Move the target slightly above the scale and let the rabbit step on it with the front paws. Then, place the target slightly beyond the center of the scale and move it further to let the rabbit step on the scale with the front and hind paws for touching the target. Next, lead the rabbit onto the scale and reward after a few seconds.

Using a target stick, guide the rabbit to approach the transport box. Then, hold the target stick through the lid opening and lead the rabbit into the box. Close the door of the box for a few seconds and open it.

After leading the rabbit into the box again, close the door again and carefully lift it a little. Finally, lead the rabbit with the target stick out of the box. Behavioral data collected from seven rabbits suggested that the rabbits interacted with the transport box for a longer time when they were handled with this method when compared to being restrained by the scruff of their neck and lifted on the arm.

Moreover, the rabbits spent less time hiding in the shelters after being handled with the transport box. Begin by obtaining rabbits that have associated the click with the reward and eat the reward from the bowl after the click. Place the target above the rabbit's head.

Repeat and raise the target higher to make the rabbit lift the front paws. Then, place a palm in front of the rabbit and move the target above the rabbit's head to let the rabbit put the front paws onto the hand. Then, using a target stick, steer the rabbit near the trainer and move the target slightly above the legs to let the rabbit place the front paws on the leg.

Then, repeat and move the target further away to let the rabbit stretch forward. Next, move the target a little more away so that the rabbit jumps onto the lap to touch the target. Carefully stroke the rabbit with the free hand from the shoulders to the tail.

Then, carefully stroke the rabbit's ears. To visually inspect the ears, repeat the steps and finally grasp one of the rabbit's ears. Then, stroke a front or hind paw with the free hand.

And carefully lift a paw.