Tonic Immobility, also known as “hypnotizing” or “trancing,” has been a technique for handling rabbits for several years. Trancing a rabbit allows the person or owner to take advantage of this prey species’ tendencies to play dead and go into a trance-like state, placing them in a vulnerable position on their back. Why should you never trance your rabbit?
Studies have shown that trancing rabbits causes them a lot of stress. The stress is usually caused by fear, as the rabbit can hear and feel everything while they are in a trance and can do nothing about it. Some wake up calm, while others wake up in a state of distress or fear.
Many pet owners trance their rabbits as a fun party trick or to cuddle them. However, the rabbits certainly do not enjoy it. Continue reading as we take an in-depth look at trancing rabbits, why it should not be done, and when it may be acceptable in rare cases.
Contents
The Dangers Of Trancing Your Rabbit
Studies have been conducted where people observe a rabbit’s behavior, such as ear position and facial expressions, and monitor their physiological levels, such as stress hormones and heart rate.
These studies have suggested that the rabbits are well aware of their area and surroundings and exhibit a fear response while in a state of trance, rather than being calmed and relaxed by the position.
It’s also essential to know that if a rabbit is tranced, it can still feel the smallest amount of pain. They cannot do anything about it or keep themselves safe.
Although the resulting immobility of a tranced rabbit makes some things, such as grooming and cleaning their enclosure, easier. It is never a good idea to practice this technique on any prey species.
It could become dangerous to trance a rabbit when the person has little to no experience, as the rabbit may fall from elevated space, causing them to injure themselves and become more and more anxious.
When Would It Be Acceptable To Trance Your Rabbit?
If a rabbit has to be tranced, it should always be for a good reason. Without practicing the correct safety precautions, you risk harming your bunny.
The first thing to note is that trancing should always be done very close to a floor or on a blanket or mat, as some rabbits could suddenly come out of a trance, causing them to injure themselves.
Despite the stress and fear rabbits undergo when being placed in a trance, there are some rare exceptions when it may be necessary to use your rabbit’s defense mechanism. Usually, trancing a rabbit is only suitable when they require serious medical attention.
Because anesthesia is dangerous to rabbits, especially those older of age, it could become acceptable to trance a rabbit that needs to stay perfectly still for radiography or X-ray. In this case, your rabbit will be safely tranced by a professional and experienced veterinarian.
Some procedures can be followed by the vet, who will ensure your rabbit won’t be in any pain, but they will merely be kept still. In these cases, a rabbit’s ability to be tranced could be good for its own well-being and even save their lives.
How Will Your Rabbit Feel If You Trance Them?
It may seem convenient to trance your rabbit when you need to clip their nails, bathe them, or groom them. Some owners trance their rabbits when cleaning their cage or enclosure, but this couldn’t be a worse idea.
Trancing places the rabbit under tremendous stress and should never be used as part of your rabbit’s regular grooming routine. When a rabbit is tranced, they go into a state of fear, as they would only do this in the wild when in danger or under the attack of a predator.
Physiologically, it shows that trancing rabbits have a higher heart rate, and their respiratory rate rises as well. They also have much higher plasma cortisone levels.
All of these indications should be sure signs for you that your rabbit experienced this fear-related stress. To put it in simple terms, tranced rabbits literally fear for their lives. Additionally, when a rabbit is tranced on their backs, it becomes even more stressful, as they feel most vulnerable when being put in this position unwillingly.
The stress rabbits are under when in a trance is not healthy for their tiny bodies either. If your rabbit suffers from heart disease or any other respiratory disease, it could die from the stress caused by tonic immobility.
Furthermore, even the healthiest and youngest bunny could die after being tranced for extended periods.
What Could Happen To A Frequently Tranced Rabbit?
Rabbits that are frequently tranced often show more stress in their everyday lives. When rabbits are stressed, they will excessively groom themselves, which is their way of self-stimulating themselves to relax and calm themselves down.
They are also more prone to show fear, hiding in their cages, and it may even result in them losing their appetite. Rabbits who are regularly tranced may also be less interested in bonding with their companions and owners.
In general, these rabbits will become so shy that they will lose their sense of confidence and won’t be curious or explore their environment but rather fear it.
In addition, rabbits are intelligent animals, and they will start to understand the pattern if their owners trance them often.
They will realize when they are about to be placed in a trance and become stressed and scared before it even happens. This may result in a rabbit being tranced easier, as they are already in a state of fear, but it could have serious health complications.
Conclusion
Trancing a rabbit should never be done without good reason, and they will never enjoy it. Rabbits will only result in this behavior naturally when they feel in danger, or their lives are threatened.
Unless your rabbit is in need of urgent medical attention, they should never be tranced, as it could cause you to lose your furry companion.
