In most cases, a rabbit laying on their side is just sleeping. They aren't sick or dying in any way. Instead, this is a position rabbits will sleep in when they feel completely safe and secure in their environment. This is what's called a rabbit flop.
A flop is when your bunny rolls over onto their side. This indicates contentment when bunnies roll over and flop down to relax.
What is Floppy Bunny Syndrome? Floppy Bunny Syndrome is a condition that usually presents with acute onset of generalised weakness or flaccid paralysis of the body, resulting in the rabbit's inability to hop around or, in severe cases, not do anything but lie on their sides.
Rabbits will lay down on their side or stomach, with their back feet and tail stretched out behind them. The rabbit will either keep their head upright or rest it down in front of them by their front paws. Their eyes can be either open or closed.
Scared: Your rabbits are scared when they flatten their abdomen to the ground, have their ears against their head flat, and their eyes may bulge. Nipping is a gentle bite where your rabbit might be telling you to move over or to put them down.
When a rabbit nibbles or bites you softly it is often accompanied with licking, which is a sign of love. He is trying to groom you and is simulating the grooming process (however, you have no fur to build up knots in so it results in just a little nibble of the skin).
In very simple terms, rabbits are happy when they are healthy, well cared for, and have a safe and enriching environment to live in. You will know if your rabbit is happy because they will: Lie down with a relaxed body. Lie down with a stretched body, still relaxed.
There are lots of ways your rabbit might show they are relaxed, usually when lying down. They might sit with their legs tucked under their bodies (like a little rabbit loaf!), or lie down completely stretched out. Curiosity. Rabbits who are hopping around, exploring their environment and munching are happy bunnies!
When rabbits suddenly flop down on their side it's a sign of a happy rabbit. Okay, it may look incredibly dramatic and looks like they've had some sort of horrible bunny seizure or tantrum, but I can I assure it's a good sign that they're content and relaxed.
Often a rabbit in pain will sit hunched up, unwilling to move. A rabbit that sits hunched up, with eyes half closed, and firm teeth grinding is likely in pain and needs a vet check form filled out and supervisor notified.
Sprawling. This is when a rabbit is laying down on their side or belly, but is not completely flopped over. This is exactly what it looks like, your rabbit is getting comfortable. Sometimes they'll even put their head down on their paws and look super cute while they sleep.
Bunnies are super-soft, and many will love cuddling with you as much as you love cuddling with them. Once a bunny is comfortable in their new home, they may claim you as their own by rubbing their chin on you to mark their territory. They might even groom you with little bunny licks to show you love!
Rabbits love being stroked on their foreheads and backs. Always stroke in the direction of the hair, never against the hair (unless you are checking for skin problems). Most also like being stroked behind the ears.
Licks and Nibbles
Bunnies show affection by grooming, so if your rabbits gently nuzzle, lick, and perhaps even try to nibble you gently, they are showing you that they love and care for you.
Rabbits enjoy being around people and can usually recognise their owners by sight and sound.
If your rabbit nips or bites you (sometimes rabbits nip when they want something or want your attention - it's not always aggressive): give a high-pitched squeal as soon as she nips or bites you. This will let her know that she hurt you and she should not nip or bite you.
Signs that your rabbit might be bored
Rabbits might start chewing things that they shouldn't, destroying their pen, or trying to dig out. They might also start to over-groom themselves to give them something to do.