Flipping a rabbit onto their back may seem harmless, but this practice called “trancing” is a cruel and terrifying ordeal for bunnies. When trapped in the paralyzed trance state, a rabbit’s heart pounds with mortal dread. Their bulging eyes frantically search for an escape while their body betrays them. Does your trusted companion deserve to endure this horror? Read on to uncover the chilling truth about trancing’s dangers. We’ll delve into the nightmarish experience from a rabbit’s perspective so you can vowed to never subject your bun to this traumatic betrayal again. The outdated myth that trancing has benefits persists, but science and compassion prove otherwise. Join us to learn why trancing should be banished. Your rabbit’s wellbeing hangs in the balance.
Rabbit Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of rabbit care that contributes to your rabbit's health and wellbeing. Regular grooming helps keep your rabbit's coat in good condition by removing loose fur and preventing tangles and mats. It also allows you to spot and treat any parasites, skin irritation or other issues early on.
When grooming your rabbit, you'll need a few supplies – a soft bristle brush, nail clippers, cotton swabs and cornstarch powder. Have your rabbit up on a table at a comfortable height for you. Speak to them softly and pet them to help them relax. Then use the brush to gently remove loose fur in the direction it naturally lays. Pay close attention to their hindquarters where fur mats easily. Brush their face and ears gently too.
Check your rabbit's paws and trim their nails if needed. Long nails can catch on things and tear. Apply cornstarch powder to their hindquarters if urine scald is an issue. Be very gentle if you need to remove any mats, working them out slowly and stopping if your rabbit seems distressed. Make grooming a regular routine and your rabbit will learn to enjoy this bonding time with you. Proper grooming prevents issues and keeps your rabbit clean, comfortable and looking their best.
What is a rabbit trance?
A rabbit trance, also called tonic immobility, occurs when a rabbit is placed on their back and enters a catatonic state. In the wild, rabbits may naturally enter this state when caught by predators as an instinctual defense mechanism. The appearance of being dead may cause the predator to release them.
Domestic rabbits can also enter a trance when flipped on their backs. Their body goes limp, eyes bulge and gaze off unfocused, and breathing slows. They appear paralyzed in this state. It's a fear response triggered by being restrained in an unnatural position. Some rabbits will kick in an attempt to right themselves while others remain still until released. The trance ends when they are turned over.
While some claim trancing calms rabbits for nail trimming or exams, it's an outdated and inhumane practice. Trancing induces extreme fear and stress. Rabbits under extreme duress may even die from the trance state. There are rabbit-friendly ways to handle them for care that don't require trancing.
Can wild rabbits also be tranced?
Yes, wild rabbits can also enter a trance state when flipped on their backs. However, it's not recommended to attempt trancing a wild rabbit. These rabbits experience the same fear and stress reactions as domestic rabbits.
Trying to handle and trance a wild rabbit subjects them to unnecessary distress. Wild rabbits aren't socialized to human touch as pets are. Restraining them can cause a dangerous struggle, injuries, shock or even death. Even if you can get them to trance, they may die of fright.
Leave wild rabbits undisturbed in their environments. If a wild rabbit allows you to approach, gently shoo them away so they don't become habituated. Enjoy observing them from a distance instead of attempting to touch or interact with them closely.
What is NOT trancing?
Some normal rabbit behaviors may be mistaken for trancing, but are completely different and not harmful:
-
Lying flat – Rabbits may press their bellies to cool floors when they're warm. They remain alert.
-
Lazing – When very relaxed, rabbits may flop over casually or sprawl out. They can hop up at any time.
-
Playing dead – Some rabbits mimic trancing while playing to entice chase. They voluntarily hop right back up.
-
Cradling calmly – An awake, relaxed rabbit being cradled on their back is not the same as a frightened, paralyzed trance state.
-
Medicated sedation – Tranquilization by a vet for procedures is also not the same as a rabbit terror trance. Sedated rabbits are not conscious and distressed.
Anything other than forcibly flipping a conscious rabbit onto their back and causing a catatonic state is not trancing. Look for signs of stress and fear to identify an actual trance.
Flopping
Rabbits have an endearing behavior nicknamed the "flop." You may walk into a room and find your rabbit sprawled out on their side looking blissfully relaxed. Flopping is a rabbit's way of demonstrating complete comfort in their surroundings.
A flop begins with the rabbit laying their head down, then slowly lowering their front legs, followed by a deep stretch of the hind legs as they ease down. Eyes may close in contentment but ears remain perked to sounds. Flopping over casually allows rabbits to lounge while staying ready to hop up if needed.
If your rabbit flops near you, consider it a big compliment! It shows they feel safe and comfortable in your presence. Some rabbits even flop on top of their owners for a nap. Never disturb or try to move a flopped rabbit – let them relax until they finish resting and hop off on their own. The flop is one of the best things about rabbits!
Cradling a rabbit
Cradling a relaxed rabbit on their back can allow examination of their teeth and abdomen. But this is only safe if done properly and for brief periods. The rabbit must stay awake, in control and feeling secure. Proper cradling should never result in a trance state.
Place one hand under the rabbit's hindquarters and use your forearm to support their back and head. Keep their torso at a slight incline, never flat on their back. Use gentle restraint – tight squeezing increases fear. With your other hand, you can carefully inspect the rabbit's mouth, eyes, ears and belly.
Stay low to the ground and keep the rabbit's head higher than their body. Watch for signs of stress like rapid breathing, struggling or staring off, and immediately turn them upright. Healthy rabbits will tolerate brief cradling while remaining calm and focused on you. Never cradle rabbits known to be elderly, ill or easily stressed. Respect their comfort level.
Why you should NOT trance your rabbit
There are many important reasons trancing should be avoided completely:
-
It's cruel – Trancing terrifies rabbits and goes against their nature.
-
It's dangerous – The paralyzed state puts excessive strain on the heart and breathing.
-
It's unnecessary – There are better ways to handle rabbits for care.
-
It erodes trust – Being forcibly restrained and frightened ruins the human-rabbit bond.
-
It's risky – Struggling rabbits may injure their spine or legs.
-
It's unethical – Trancing is opposed by rabbit veterinarians and organizations.
-
It's ineffective – Struggling rabbits are harder to trim nails or examine.
-
It's outdated – Decades of experience have provided rabbit-friendly alternatives.
The risks and cruelty of trancing far outweigh any potential benefits. There are no advantages that support this outdated practice. Rabbits deserve to be handled humanely.
How does a rabbit feel while being tranced?
For the conscious rabbit, trancing is a nightmare experience. Imagine your worst phobia – then being forced to endure it while paralyzed and unable to escape. This is the reality for rabbits during a trance.
Flipping a prey animal like a rabbit onto their back triggers an overwhelming panic response. Their stress hormones soar and heart rate escalates. All their instincts tell them they're about to die. They are completely aware but unable to move, adding terrifying helplessness to their fear.
Even after being righted, the rabbit remains in a state of nervous shock, unable to relax. Their entire body has flooded with stress chemicals that take time to subside. Frequent trancing compounds this chronic anxiety. Rabbits under extreme duress may even go into cardiac arrest.
There's no doubt that trancing inflicts severe mental and physical harm on rabbits. Their reaction alone shows the inhumane distress it causes.
What happens to a rabbit who is tranced frequently?
Rabbits subjected to trancing on a regular basis suffer both immediate and long-term damage to their welfare. Each episode floods their system with stress hormones and adrenaline while ignoring their prey drive to stay upright.
Frequent trances keep rabbits in a constant state of anxiety, even when not being handled. They become skittish, prone to thumping and running away, and losing trust in their owners. Appetite and bowel habits may change from the chronic stress.
There can also be lasting physical effects. Repeated extreme fear and paralysis puts strain on the nervous system and organs. Permanent injury to the legs, spine or skull may occur while struggling. Rabbits under frequent trance distress are also prone to heart attacks.
No caring rabbit owner should want to subject their pet to recurring trauma and deteriorating health. The only justifiable reason to have a rabbit is to provide them a happy life free of harm.
What are the exceptions?
The only potential times trancing may be medically necessary are:
-
Emergency vet examinations when no anesthetics are available. This reduces restraint needed for urgent treatment.
-
Taking quick X-rays during spay or neuter surgery rather than fully reviving anesthesia. This lowers risks of repeated sedation.
-
Shaving mats if the rabbit is completely unresponsive to sedation and other options are ruled out. This prevents wounds from mats pulling skin.
In all cases, the minimal trancing time required is used and under experienced veterinary discretion. The intent is never to deliberately induce a trance state outside of dire need.
There are no situations where an owner should intentionally trance their rabbit outside of a life-threatening emergency. Even most veterinarians advise against the practice under normal circumstances due to extreme stress it inflicts.
Rabbit Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of rabbit care that contributes to your rabbit's health and wellbeing. Regular grooming helps keep your rabbit's coat in good condition by removing loose fur and preventing tangles and mats. It also allows you to spot and treat any parasites, skin irritation or other issues early on.
When grooming your rabbit, you'll need a few supplies – a soft bristle brush, nail clippers, cotton swabs and cornstarch powder. Have your rabbit up on a table at a comfortable height for you. Speak to them softly and pet them to help them relax. Then use the brush to gently remove loose fur in the direction it naturally lays. Pay close attention to their hindquarters where fur mats easily. Brush their face and ears gently too.
Check your rabbit's paws and trim their nails if needed. Long nails can catch on things and tear. Apply cornstarch powder to their hindquarters if urine scald is an issue. Be very gentle if you need to remove any mats, working them out slowly and stopping if your rabbit seems distressed. Make grooming a regular routine and your rabbit will learn to enjoy this bonding time with you. Proper grooming prevents issues and keeps your rabbit clean, comfortable and looking their best.
What is a rabbit trance?
A rabbit trance, also called tonic immobility, occurs when a rabbit is placed on their back and enters a catatonic state. In the wild, rabbits may naturally enter this state when caught by predators as an instinctual defense mechanism. The appearance of being dead may cause the predator to release them.
Domestic rabbits can also enter a trance when flipped on their backs. Their body goes limp, eyes bulge and gaze off unfocused, and breathing slows. They appear paralyzed in this state. It's a fear response triggered by being restrained in an unnatural position. Some rabbits will kick in an attempt to right themselves while others remain still until released. The trance ends when they are turned over.
While some claim trancing calms rabbits for nail trimming or exams, it's an outdated and inhumane practice. Trancing induces extreme fear and stress. Rabbits under extreme duress may even die from the trance state. There are rabbit-friendly ways to handle them for care that don't require trancing.
Can wild rabbits also be tranced?
Yes, wild rabbits can also enter a trance state when flipped on their backs. However, it's not recommended to attempt trancing a wild rabbit. These rabbits experience the same fear and stress reactions as domestic rabbits.
Trying to handle and trance a wild rabbit subjects them to unnecessary distress. Wild rabbits aren't socialized to human touch as pets are. Restraining them can cause a dangerous struggle, injuries, shock or even death. Even if you can get them to trance, they may die of fright.
Leave wild rabbits undisturbed in their environments. If a wild rabbit allows you to approach, gently shoo them away so they don't become habituated. Enjoy observing them from a distance instead of attempting to touch or interact with them closely.
What is NOT trancing?
Some normal rabbit behaviors may be mistaken for trancing, but are completely different and not harmful:
-
Lying flat – Rabbits may press their bellies to cool floors when they're warm. They remain alert.
-
Lazing – When very relaxed, rabbits may flop over casually or sprawl out. They can hop up at any time.
-
Playing dead – Some rabbits mimic trancing while playing to entice chase. They voluntarily hop right back up.
-
Cradling calmly – An awake, relaxed rabbit being cradled on their back is not the same as a frightened, paralyzed trance state.
-
Medicated sedation – Tranquilization by a vet for procedures is also not the same as a rabbit terror trance. Sedated rabbits are not conscious and distressed.
Anything other than forcibly flipping a conscious rabbit onto their back and causing a catatonic state is not trancing. Look for signs of stress and fear to identify an actual trance.
Flopping
Rabbits have an endearing behavior nicknamed the "flop." You may walk into a room and find your rabbit sprawled out on their side looking blissfully relaxed. Flopping is a rabbit's way of demonstrating complete comfort in their surroundings.
A flop begins with the rabbit laying their head down, then slowly lowering their front legs, followed by a deep stretch of the hind legs as they ease down. Eyes may close in contentment but ears remain perked to sounds. Flopping over casually allows rabbits to lounge while staying ready to hop up if needed.
If your rabbit flops near you, consider it a big compliment! It shows they feel safe and comfortable in your presence. Some rabbits even flop on top of their owners for a nap. Never disturb or try to move a flopped rabbit – let them relax until they finish resting and hop off on their own. The flop is one of the best things about rabbits!
Cradling a rabbit
Cradling a relaxed rabbit on their back can allow examination of their teeth and abdomen. But this is only safe if done properly and for brief periods. The rabbit must stay awake, in control and feeling secure. Proper cradling should never result in a trance state.
Place one hand under the rabbit's hindquarters and use your forearm to support their back and head. Keep their torso at a slight incline, never flat on their back. Use gentle restraint – tight squeezing increases fear. With your other hand, you can carefully inspect the rabbit's mouth, eyes, ears and belly.
Stay low to the ground and keep the rabbit's head higher than their body. Watch for signs of stress like rapid breathing, struggling or staring off, and immediately turn them upright. Healthy rabbits will tolerate brief cradling while remaining calm and focused on you. Never cradle rabbits known to be elderly, ill or easily stressed. Respect their comfort level.
Why you should NOT trance your rabbit
There are many important reasons trancing should be avoided completely:
-
It's cruel – Trancing terrifies rabbits and goes against their nature.
-
It's dangerous – The paralyzed state puts excessive strain on the heart and breathing.
-
It's unnecessary – There are better ways to handle rabbits for care.
-
It erodes trust – Being forcibly restrained and frightened ruins the human-rabbit bond.
-
It's risky – Struggling rabbits may injure their spine or legs.
-
It's unethical – Trancing is opposed by rabbit veterinarians and organizations.
-
It's ineffective – Struggling rabbits are harder to trim nails or examine.
-
It's outdated – Decades of experience have provided rabbit-friendly alternatives.
The risks and cruelty of trancing far outweigh any potential benefits. There are no advantages that support this outdated practice. Rabbits deserve to be handled humanely.
How does a rabbit feel while being tranced?
For the conscious rabbit, trancing is a nightmare experience. Imagine your worst phobia – then being forced to endure it while paralyzed and unable to escape. This is the reality for rabbits during a trance.
Flipping a prey animal like a rabbit onto their back triggers an overwhelming panic response. Their stress hormones soar and heart rate escalates. All their instincts tell them they're about to die. They are completely aware but unable to move, adding terrifying helplessness to their fear.
Even after being righted, the rabbit remains in a state of nervous shock, unable to relax. Their entire body has flooded with stress chemicals that take time to subside. Frequent trancing compounds this chronic anxiety. Rabbits under extreme duress may even go into cardiac arrest.
There's no doubt that trancing inflicts severe mental and physical harm on rabbits. Their reaction alone shows the inhumane distress it causes.
What happens to a rabbit who is tranced frequently?
Rabbits subjected to trancing on a regular basis suffer both immediate and long-term damage to their welfare. Each episode floods their system with stress hormones and adrenaline while ignoring their prey drive to stay upright.
Frequent trances keep rabbits in a constant state of anxiety, even when not being handled. They become skittish, prone to thumping and running away, and losing trust in their owners. Appetite and bowel habits may change from the chronic stress.