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Rabbits/"Trancing" Rabbits

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Expert: Pam Enve - 8/1/2007


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

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Pam Enve

Experience

I have raised and shown several breeds of rabbits over the past 15 years. I worked as a Paramedic for over 15 years and then went back to school to become a NYS certified veterinary technician. I did not work in the field long due to an unexpected disability but in the short time I was employed it was with a veterinarian who worked solely with exotic animals. I have a basic knowledge of meat breeds but absolutely have no clue how to process them. I am uncomforable answering questions about rabbits raised for meat but if you cant find someone else I will do my best to help. All animals need care even farm and meat animals. I have been studying rabbit behavior for over 7 years. I teach color coat genetics at our local universities animal science class and although the class is based on dogs and cats I still have a thorough knowledge of color genetics of rabbits as well as genetics pertaining to the health of rabbits. I enjoy working with difficult bunnies. I spend 100% of my time with my rabbits and helping others to train theirs. I am NOT part of the House Rabbit Society, but believe they have the best interest of the animals at heart and that is what is important. Many breeders will outright tell you the HRS is bad, and many HRS members will tell you that all breeders are bad. Neither is the case but in any situation you are always going to find people who will disagree. The most important issue I can stress is that breeding must be "responsible" no matter what you intend to use the rabbits for. It is competely irresponsible to breed rabbits just because you want to. If you want to eat them I have no problem with that, but if you have a litter of say 6-10 rabbits and only bred them for fun, you better have figured out what you are going to do with those kits or before you know it you are going to have 600 rabbits in yours house and you aren't going to have a place to sleep.

Organizations
American Rabbit Breeder's Association. Little Angels Animal Sanctuary. Humane Farmers of America.

Education/Credentials
Certified Veterinary Technician. ARBA licensed registrar. Full-time Farmer. My father ran a thoroughbred horse rescue my entire life. He was diagnosed with cancer 5 years ago and although he is in remission he has decided it is time to retire. I was appointed CEO of his organization and his sanctuary was private. I, with the help of my husband are in the process of acquiring our 501(c)3 IRS tax exemption status. Rather than breeding rabbits we have now taken on the task of rescuing unwanted pet rabbits as well as some farm animals. I still remain a member of the ARBA and still teach genetics as well as register and promote the breeding of only purebred and genetically sound animals.

Awards and Honors
Volunteer of the year 2008, dedication above and beyond.

Past/Present Clients
I was employed by an exotic animal hospital for 2 years. I left due to a disability. I now spend all of my time training my rabbits and helping others to properly train and bond theirs.

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