Rabbits head sways side to side?

Question
Hi, I just rescued a male rabbit age is unknown, I think he is apx 1-2 yrs.
I have noticed that when he is sitting in one spot for a few min his head sways slowly side to side as if you were to look at one side of the room and slowly look across the room to the other side and back again.
It seems like his mind is somewhere else, he doesn't notice me moving around him.
He seem very healthy no other symptoms, no head tilt rolling or diarrhea, or eating problems he's very social and energetic.
They seem not to take very good care of him at his previous home, did a nail trim his nails were apx. 1/2 inch long that came off.
He is a mix of holland lop/Australian.

Do you have any idea what this swaying from side to side is?

Answer
Dear Char,

Some rabbits who are perfectly healthy exhibit this behavior, which is called "scanning."  No one knows exactly why they do it, but it appears that albino animals are more prone to be scanners than other types of rabbits.  Lops also show up with this condition with some frequency.

It's not a problem as long as the bunny is otherwise healthy and eating well.  If you see the head begin to tilt, though, this could be a sign of trouble, and you need to read:

www.rabbit.org/health/tilt.html

and find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

For now, let's hope he's just a scanner, and consider this part of his cuteness.

Good luck with your new pal!  For all the best information on his proper care, please visit and surf:

www.rabbit.org

Hope this helps.

Dana