Can you hold your rabbit lying on its back?

Answer 1

People often talk about "hypnotizing" their rabbit by laying it on its back. It's true that many rabbits do become still and dazed when they're laid on their backs, and this can be useful when grooming the rabbit or giving it an at-home physical exam, but it can also be dangerous and stressful for the rabbit.

Some people say that becoming hypnotized like this is a rabbit's defence mechanism to prey, so you shouldn't do it at all because it's actually frightening for the bunny.

Other people say that if you lay a rabbit on its back, the blood will flow towards the head, adding pressure to the top part of the body, and causing damage there (even breaking its spine).

Other people say there's nothing wrong with it and it's fun.

BUT: Some rabbits just don't hypnotize well and these rabbits should never be laid on their backs. With these rabbits, you'll lay them down, and then they'll become a little hypnotized but then they'll snap out of it and panic -- when the rabbit does this it can seriously injure itself.

If you do put your rabbit on its back, make sure to support the hind legs -- don't leave them loose in the air because rabbits have such strong hind legs, but such weak bones generally, that a rabbit kicking into thin air can actually break its own back.

Answer 2

No, most rabbits don't like lying on their backs, although most rabbits, when they're happy, relaxed, and feeling safe, do like lying on their sides. Some rabbits do like lying on their backs, though! If your bunny is like this, leave her alone when she's on her back: if she's frightened or suprised in this position, she can struggle and seriously injure herself.

Resting a rabbit on its back usually "stuns" it. With placid rabbits, this can be a good way to do certain grooming tasks and health checks without the rabbit struggling and getting in the way. Some rabbits, however, are not good with this practice: they won't "stun" properly or for long, and they'll soon struggle and kick out of position. "Stunning" your rabbit in this way can be very dangerous if your rabbit struggles. Rabbits are delicate creatures and susceptible to severe (even permanent) injury from mishandling.

If you are going to try to "stun" your rabbit like this (by laying her on her back), be very careful, no matter what the temperament of your rabbit! Do it on a towel on the ground, or on your lap on the ground. Prevent the rabbit from kicking into the air with her hind legs (this can lead to a broken back): try leaning forward so that the hind feet are resting against your stomach, or something like that. While one person does the grooming (or whatever it is you're doing), another person should keep their hands on the rabbit, and if the rabbit starts to move or struggle, gently ease the rabbit into the normal standing position (don't let the rabbit kick and flail and roll over on her own, as this can lead to injury).

If your rabbit does not "stun" well, stop trying to lay her on her back (if you keep trying, you'll only stress the rabbit, and raise your chances of illness/injury). Try other restraint techniques instead, like the "bunny burrito," and talk to your vet about ways you can safely restrain your rabbit at home.

Answer 3

Possible reasons for a rabbit lying down:

• He's resting, napping, or sleeping
• He's frightened
• He's acting in mock-fear to show you he's submissive (e.g. it's time to go back in the cage, and he knows it's time to go back, but he's been running away from you for 10 minutes -- then he lays down, looking at you, and soon he goes willingly into the cage)
• He's uncomfortable, or even in pain (e.g. if it's pressing its belly flat against the floor, this could be a sign of gas pain -- gas can turn into a very serious problem with rabbits, so pay attention! See the related questions below for help.)

See the related link below for more info about a rabbit's body language.

Answer 4

yes. (coming from an owner of 48 rabbits.)

Answer 5

It is either dead or asleep. Poking it with a stick may provide a solution to your problem.

Answer 6

No, but it could be where they hide and sleep. Elmer Fudd had a heck of a time with Bugs Bunny.