"Bailey in bandages" - c. Susan Cleghorn

HOW DO I PICK UP MY RABBIT?

Most rabbits do not like to be held as it is threatening for them to be up in the air. Many of them don’t like being cuddled much either. You need to start accustoming a rabbit to handling as soon as possible, but be patient and slow. To pick up a rabbit first stroke it on the head to relax it. Then put your left hand behind its front legs and your right hand on its bottom above the tail. Scoop it up, and transfer the left hand to its head, with the thumb in front of the ears and the fingers resting over his shoulder.
Hold it with its head in the air, and its body against your chest. Your right hand should be under its bottom above its tail. Its feet are, as it were, resting on your tummy. Your left hand thumb should be in front of its ears and the fingers resting over its shoulder. If you are holding it correctly, it should be unable to kick out as all his feet are pressed against your body. Always give the rabbit a treat as soon as you put it down, so that it associates picking up with a reward. Some rabbits will never ever enjoy cuddling, just as some cats don't. Accept your rabbit as he is.
Many rabbits struggle when they are picked up, or about to be put down, so hold on kindly but firmly. Vets see rabbits with broken legs that were dropped by their handler.