Bunnies zone out on their backs?

[Haelco]

I know that most, if not all bunnies zone out entirely when they are held on their backs. My buns, Pontius, closes his eyes, is completely still and limp, and lets me do whatever I want to him, as long as he’s wrapped up snuggly and held on his back. I’m just wondering whether he’s just terrified or is actually relaxed. I’d like to take advantage of it for nail clippings and the more delicate brushing spots (his tummy and bum, mostly) but I don’t want to be scaring him. Anyone know why they zone out on their backs? 

[LittlePuffyTail]

This is called “trancing” or “tonic immobility”. It’s an instinctual fear response used in a predator situation. The bunny basically plays dead in the hopes that the predator will release him. While it may seem that the bunny is calm and relaxed, it’s a very high stress situation. While it can be induced by humans it’s obviously not a good thing to do to your rabbit unless absolutely necessary. My vet has used the trancing on my buns only for things like checking neuter incisions and only as briefly as possible.

[Mikey]

Agreeing with LittlePuffyTail. Its very stressful for rabbits in most situations. If you have to put your bun on its back for whatever reasons (checking neuter/spay wounds, checking scent glands, checking for scalding, ect), it should only be for a few seconds. Ive read stories where rabbits have had heart attacks from the fear and stress caused from being put on their backs for too long

[Author]

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