What's at Stake? Flipping your bunny over on his back can do more than annoy or frighten him. It can cause him to panic and seriously injure himself, possibly even fatally. Rabbits have fragile spines, so it's possible your pet may break his back as he struggles and kicks to orient himself properly again.
Due to the fear and stress rabbits feel when placed on their back, things like general interactions, routine health checking and grooming should all be carried out without putting them in this position.
What are the main signs of injury or disease of the spine? A rabbit with a trauma or disease-related spinal injury will usually have immediate and marked weakness, often with partial or complete loss of movement in the limbs and torso.
Relaxed body language
If your rabbits are lying down or stretching out, it can indicate that they feel at ease and don't perceive any immediate dangers.
Hypnotising a rabbit is actually really traumatic for them. Sometimes called 'trancing', the action of placing a rabbit on their back and stroking their back legs was thought for a long time to make them happy and relaxed, and recommended to help develop a bond between pet and owner. Sadly, the total opposite is true.
This involves holding a rabbit upside-down, causing it to appear paralysed. For many years, this type of handling has been used under the misconception that it relaxes the rabbit — but the opposite is in fact true. 'Trancing' is actually a severe stress response in rabbits. Rabbits are prey animals.
Remember: Yes, bunnies can get mad. And a mad bunny can grunt, box, and, in a few circumstances, bite. No matter how badly your bunny behaves, it is never a good idea to try to physically discipline your rabbit. Not only does it not work -- it can kill your rabbit.
Loafed / Splooting: Loafing or splooting is when your rabbit is in relaxation mode. They're either bundled up and looking like a little loaf with their front legs tucked in to form a rounded shape or stretched out with their back legs stretched out behind them.
Whilst you may like to give your bunny a nice big cuddle every time you see him, this really isn't advised at all. Rabbits are prey animals and can become easily spooked and scared. They don't really like to be picked up and handled too often, even by humans that they like!
If your rabbits look tucked up and quiet with their chins tucked in and noses not twitching this can be a sure sign of them feeling unhappy or stressed, as this is not a normal position for a rabbit. Moving or running away. Your rabbits may turn and move away from you (or each other) if they're unhappy.
What's at Stake? Flipping your bunny over on his back can do more than annoy or frighten him. It can cause him to panic and seriously injure himself, possibly even fatally. Rabbits have fragile spines, so it's possible your pet may break his back as he struggles and kicks to orient himself properly again.
signs of pain, such as not wanting to be touched on parts of its body. teeth grinding. flinching. difficulty with breathing, especially if your rabbit is breathing through its mouth rather than its nose.
That said, they tend not to like being touched on the ears, neck, feet, stomach or tail. Usually, my bunnies are most receptive to petting when they're relaxing after a meal. So if your rabbit doesn't appear interested in affection, wait until just after feeding time.
Rabbits generally have a few sensitive spots where they dislike being touched - their dewlap (under the chin), whiskers and feet. Some rabbits are also extremely sensitive about their ears or tail.
Help them feel secure by holding all four feet against your body. Never pick rabbits up by their ears - this would be extremely stressful and is highly likely to injure them. Minimise restraint - reduce stress and minimise the risk of injury by using the minimum level of restraint necessary.
5. Nudging, head butting or rubbing against you is rabbit body language for loving attention. 'Give them a stroke or cuddle, or what you know they enjoy', says Rosie. 'Rubbing their faces against you is a way of sharing their scent profile, and showing that you really are friends.
Two baby rabbits (under 12 weeks of age) that are the same sex, or a “love at first sight” couple, can live with each other immediately. All other combinations will need to be carefully and gradually introduced.
Tonic Immobility, often referred to as “Trancing” or “Hypnotising”, is a technique for handling rabbits that has been around for many years. It takes advantage of the rabbits' tendency, as a prey species, to “play dead” and stay immobile when placed in a vulnerable position, on its back.
Typically this isn't something you should worry about especially since it often doesn't hurt. Many times this is how your pet rabbit will show its love for you. When a rabbit nibbles or bites you softly it is often accompanied with licking, which is a sign of love.
A binky is a large jump and twist. It's literally a bunny's happy dance and sometimes will occur when a rabbit runs laps around the room – a behavior that many call “zoomies.” When rabbits display these behaviors, they're showing us that they are full of energy, happy and excited!
Grunting or growling is a sign your rabbit is angry or stressed. You may be invading their territory, and they're telling you to back off. Aggressive behavior will most likely ensue, so watch out.
Rabbit spritzer
You can use a plant spray/mist bottle to gently spray water on your rabbit's ears which can help them to cool down.
The best way to let your rabbit know it's not allowed to do something is by saying their name followed by a firm NO! If they keep going back to their naughty behavior then take them away from the situation and give them something more interesting to do and encourage them by spending time with them.