Why You Should Never Trance a Rabbit

Rabbits go into a trance thanks to something called tonic immobility. Immobility means the state of not being able to move and we can know a lot more about it from the rabbit action's alternative name: apparent death. This is because the animal seems as if it is indeed dead to the world. This process is not unique to rabbits. It also occurs in sharks, frogs, swifts and even certain insects. The reasons for this state occurring are not yet fully understood, but there have been studies carried out which shed some light on the matter.

While it may appear that the bunny is unconscious, the truth is that the rabbit is actually in a state of increased stress. By turning the rabbit on its back and resting its chin against its body, the bunny goes into an automatic response. The reason for this response is fear. When rabbits are attacked in the wild, the predator will do so to kill. If the predator attacks the bunny and the rabbit goes limp in its jaws, it may stop the attack in the belief the rabbit is dead. The attacker may leave completely or simply give the rabbit enough time to make an escape. This state isn't just a defense mechanism, but also a fear response. Rabbits can also go into this state if they are made to perform a task which it doesn't enjoy, such as bathing.

The rabbit does go limp, but it is not a state of relaxation, nor does it become so voluntarily. It is an automatic response and it can have a serious effect on the rabbit. Rabbits are prone to heart problems in a similar way to human beings^[1]. By putting them on their back an inducing this trance state of tonic immobility, their heart rate increases and their plasma corticosterone levels increase. These are both signs of extreme stress. Heart disease in rabbits is much more common in older bunnies^[2], but stress related death can occur at any point in the rabbit's lifespan.

Many people want to put their rabbit into a trance for various reasons. The first is referenced above with those who simply want to have a laugh, often innocently thinking there will be no ill effects of this phenomenon on their bunny rabbit. Unfortunately, while their intentions might be funny to them, it is not so for the rabbit. Some owners will have heard from sources telling them that laying the rabbit on their back like this will allow them to groom better. While this may be so, if you are simply performing some cosmetic treatments to your bunny, the possibility of causing damage to them emotionally or even physically is not worth it. There have even been anecdotal reports of bunnies being put in a tonic immobility trance and then dying hours later from stress induced heart failure.

Part of the problem also has to do with the temperament of your rabbit in the first place. If you have a rescue rabbit or have a bunny which is the runt of the litter, often they can be prone to stress. Their little bunny hearts are made to pound too quickly and can possibly lead to heart failure. Inducing tonic immobility in your rabbit can send a weak rabbit over the edge. If your rabbit is used to being handled in such a way, it is possible that putting them in a trance will do little harm. However, it is not a risk you should be willing to take with a beloved pet.

In saying this, some rabbits will enter a state of tonic mobility on their own. This could be as a response to a perceived attacker or even jumping awkwardly and contorting their body into the position which induces the trance. If this happens, do not panic. Simply scoop the little one up carefully and turn them over onto their front slowly. Be aware that the rabbit may be in a state of shock, so it could jump out of your arms in excitement. Keep them close to the ground and out of harm's way. Cuddle and soothe the rabbit as bes you can and as long as you can.

The exception to the rule is when trancing your rabbit is the lesser of two evils. Although rabbits can still feel pain and we are not completely sure of how conscious it is during this tonic immobility state, administering anaesthetic can also be dangerous. If you take your rabbit to the vet and they know what they are doing, then they may want to put them in a state of tonic mobility rather than anaesthetizing them. This could be to administer an injection, check a particular health problem or other medical issues. This is up to a trained vet and their discretion should be advised.

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