Live and learn.
The concern is that this is "tonic immobility", a fear response by a prey animal.
They are not relaxed -- it is a last ditch "terminal" defense mechanism; basically, they may be playing dead in an effort to throw off a predator.
We do not do it anymore. They are other ways to love and snuggle with your bunny.
Good point ...
ReplyDeleteyeah...some rabbits don't even like to be held. mine dont :(
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean by 'trance' them?
ReplyDeleteIt is when you flip your rabbit on their back and just, for example, rub their heads. We thought it was something to relax them until we read the latest. Here is an example of Lucy in a trance: http://bunyaboy.blogspot.com/2011/12/lucy-in-her-zen-trance.html
DeleteNow, we feel awful about it, because we certainly don't want them to feel even more fear, or worse, fear us. So, we stopped and are just trying to get the word out.
Thank you for explaining. It's good information to have! My bunny won't allow anyone to turn him over, but he may not always be the only bunny we bow & scrape to. ;) if I see someone else doing it, I can let them know, as well. I'm sure Lucy holds no grudges. You are wonderful slaves to your bunnies.
ReplyDelete