Trancing Rabbits

Question
Hi Pam-

I've read that you can put a rabbit into a sort of "trance" where they freeze up and don't move by placing them on their backs and elevating their legs so they're higher than their heads.  The trance is only supposed to last a few minutes.

Does this really work? Is it safe to do?  I have a large rabbit (about 10 or 11 lbs and still growing) and I'm wondering if this would be a good way to hold him still for grooming, clipping nails, etc.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Jessica

It does work on some of them some of the times, some of them all of the times and some of them it doesn't work at all.  I have one rabbit that trances every time, a few that trance some times and some that don't trance at all.

It is safe if you do it right.  You want to make sure that you don't let go of the rabbit at any time.  You want to make sure you keep a firm hold of the rabbits belly and you want to get the grooming done as quickly as you can.  

It is believed by some that some rabbits go into this trance as a defense mechanism.  It is kind of like they are playing dead as a way to escape.  As soon as they feel a moment that they can safely escape some of them will try to take it and they will bolt.  This is why you want to always take a firm hold of their bellies.  If they twist they could break their spines and end up paralyzed.  I have to tell you that I have 1 male fuzzy lop that will seriously lay there with his feet in the air until I flip him over.  He will literally lay there for hours.  I can even lay him on the floor like this and continue to brush him.  It is the funniest thing I have ever seen but I wouldn't do this to any of the others.  I just know that he won't move.  I have had him for several years and he has just been like this since he was a baby.

I hope you enjoy your big bunnies.  I just love big rabbits I think they are so precious.

Good luck and have fun with the bunnies.

Sincerely,

Pam