Dr. Vanderlip does not discuss one way or the other whether hypnotizing your rabbit is good or bad but leaves the impression that it is only for brief care and examination. Veterinarians (some) will routinely place your bunny on her back while examining her and/or cutting her nails. Dr. Vanderlip cautions that rabbit hypnosis is a short-lived event. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Tooth-clicking. These can form all over the body of a rabbit and are usually more firm than a lipoma when squeezed. When I first got my little 2-pound bunny Pudge, I would occasionally hold … TI is considered a last attempt for prey to escape being eaten by a predator. The “death feint” can help a wild rabbit should it be out of options with a predator. This is quite traumatic for bunnies and they sometimes never get over it. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. To put your rabbit back down, keep them as close to your body as possible and lower them to the ground as you squat down. Some use the terms “freeze response” or “rabbit immobility response”. The idea is to trick the predator into loosening its grip just long enough for the rabbit to escape. Yea. Please comment below. After TI, there was an increased frequency in hiding and grooming coupled with a decrease in exploration. Rabbits are terrified and so they stay still, they are *not* enjoying the experience. ", http://blog.rabbitnetwork.org/trancing-rabbits/, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1265954/Is-bunny-hopping-mad-Its-time-rabbit-whisperer.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. … This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Keep them held in a secure grip and put them down gently. How to safely pick up your rabbit to prevent injury. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 191,453 times. Rabbits are very inquisitive, so be patient! was intrigued, and can't believe I didn't know about this sooner, as much as we have researched about rabbits. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. 23 ways to discourage your rabbit from digging up your carpet. Don't try to pick her up because many rabbits actually suffer vertigo. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. All about rabbits, rodents, hares and more! Is my rabbit fat? There are so many "cute" YouTube videos of rabbits "sleeping" when the rabbit is actually being abused and is in TI. Bunny should ‘ball’ up easily, especially when picked up. The vessel is the quick. make sure you've got your hand underneath his tummy and back legs. Last Updated: February 19, 2020 Using TI as an alternative to anesthesia is still indicated due to the risk/benefit ratio. To put your rabbit in a trance, start by laying it on its back on your lap with its rump higher than its head. Placing a rabbit on its back results in a physiologic state of tonic immobility, or TI. [1] X Research source Get comfortable. Don't rush. Rabbits who are tranced have depressed reflexes, poor muscle tone and a drop in all vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure). A bunny on its back or side, with its legs out and tummy exposed, is very vulnerable, so if your rabbit does this around you it means that they trust you wholeheartedly. Your rabbit is curious about something and wants to investigate. This shows that your bunny feels safe enough to relax around you. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. It is understandably something that would seem to promote bonding. Cautious. And this is Pudge, the inspiration behind it all. It may stop eating a favorite food, have trouble chewing and swallowing, show changes in feces production, or simply not eat anymore. Many rabbits will resist a butt wash, especially if it involves a bath. This is a last resort, though. Of course, you will then let go of his scruff. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The bunnies goes into a "bunny-trance" in that position. In 2006, Dr. Anne McBride and her co-authors presented a paper at the  VDWE International Congress on Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare. This works on my rabbits and they enjoy it, is that normal? You must be very careful at this point. Step 2. She differs perhaps from Dr. Varga and Dr. McBride by not clarifying that TI should only be performed as an alternative to anesthesia and not by pet owners themselves. A rabbit on its back, allowing its stomach to be exposed is usually in fear. This said, some rabbit NEVER want to go back to their condos. Please don't trance your rabbits if you don't need to. This reputable organization does not mince words on this topic at all. Some claim to routinely trance their rabbits and feel that if your bunny is used to it, there are no ill effects. Textbook of Rabbit Medicine, Second Edition. You are trying to see if there's a problem with your rabbit. This strengthened previously held beliefs that the notion that the rabbits are relaxed using TI and using this practice to bond with pets are misplaced. It is understandably something that would seem to promote bonding. Read full details through the link at the bottom of my home page and thank you for being here! You are trimming its toenails. Please visit our bunny gallery to see the visual difference between bunnies that are old enough to be on their own, and bunnies that still need Mom’s help. Build up gradually until you are gently lifting your rabbit. Cuddle and soothe the rabbit as bes you can and as long as you can. One of the most important things to know about rabbit care, along with feeding your rabbit the right hay, is how to pick them up safely.. Usually, you wouldn't find a rabbit off the ground unless they are being held or picked up. Know Your Rabbit is an informational blog by Michele Ross: animal lover, rescue/adoption proponent, and bunny-mom. For male rabbits, the testicles are removed. Dr. Varga’s final opinion is that repeated trancing of rabbits by their owners for bonding reasons is inappropriate but that in the clinical setting, it is reasonable to perform this if it prevents the need for anesthesia. Rabbit teeth: Everything you need to know. ahh yes they do scratch you try to hold your rabbit like this put one hand to hold its back legs and put the other hand under its chest and front arms i hope i helped you. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Put-Your-Rabbit-in-a-Trance-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Put-Your-Rabbit-in-a-Trance-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Put-Your-Rabbit-in-a-Trance-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid139407-v4-728px-Put-Your-Rabbit-in-a-Trance-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"