Some don't mind but most of the time, if not cared for properly, don't like to be held (due to hem being prey animals). Neutering helps a lot with temperament too. Andy is very friendly, and although he doesn't mind being picked up, he prefers to have all four paws on the ground.
Please don't flip them on there backs. You're literally putting it into shock, that's why they don't move. Like I said, rabbits are prey animals, they are used to having four paws on the ground, and not in the air. I trim Andy's nails just fine without flipping him over. There isn't really a need to carry a bunny unless its to move it somewhere, or it's at the vet. Also, I would be concerned if your rabbit just 'hangs out' when carrying it. When I pick my bunny up I hold his stomach to my chest, one hand supporting his bottom, and the other holding him around his shoulder blades so he doesn't fall back. Ad I don't see how you can "feel" fear, rabbits don't always 'shake' when there scared or nervous.
Quote: I don't know who came up with this business, but it clearly developed from a whole lot of opinion and very little actual observation - to say nothing about a lack of knowledge about basic physiology. You CANNOT take an animal that is already perfectly calm, and throw it straight into a state of shock simply by changing its orientation. Shock does not produce a lowered heartbeat and respiration, and calmer behavior that continues once the animal is righted - all of which can be observed in a rabbit that has been turned on its back for "trancing". Rapid, weak pulse. rapid breathing, cold extremities (ears), glazed, unfocused eyes, erratic or listless behavior (even unconsciousness) - these are the symptoms of shock, and that is not at all what happens when you turn a rabbit over on its back! Just as you can't instantly put an animal into a state of shock, nor can you instantly bring them out of it. I wish people would think, instead of just repeating misinformation.
It is perfectly OK to turn a rabbit over for basic procedures like claw trimming, or grooming, or simply for that odd experience of "trancing" when the rabbit seems to be getting a bit stressed out. I often carry rabbits on their backs when moving them around, it helps to KEEP THEM CALM and reduces the risk of injury to them (and to me!) Yes, it's true that most rabbits dislike being picked up, but handling is one of many things that creatures that live with us have to get used to. One should always be gentle and considerate in their treatment of their animals, but let's keep things in perspective. We handle our rabbits from the time they are tiny babies, they may not prefer getting picked up, but they get used to it. I can take a rabbit out of its cage, sit down, put the rabbit on its back in my lap, clip its claws (some of them are Mini Rex, so we need to do this a lot!) and put the animal back in its cage - and it often is right back at the door, begging to be petted - does that sound like an animal that has been so terrified it's in shock to you?
I don't know who came up with this business, but it clearly developed from a whole lot of opinion and very little actual observation - to say nothing about a lack of knowledge about basic physiology. You CANNOT take an animal that is already perfectly calm, and throw it straight into a state of shock simply by changing its orientation. Shock does not produce a lowered heartbeat and respiration, and calmer behavior that continues once the animal is righted - all of which can be observed in a rabbit that has been turned on its back for "trancing". Rapid, weak pulse. rapid breathing, cold extremities (ears), glazed, unfocused eyes, erratic or listless behavior (even unconsciousness) - these are the symptoms of shock, and that is not at all what happens when you turn a rabbit over on its back! Just as you can't instantly put an animal into a state of shock, nor can you instantly bring them out of it. I wish people would think, instead of just repeating misinformation.
It is perfectly OK to turn a rabbit over for basic procedures like claw trimming, or grooming, or simply for that odd experience of "trancing" when the rabbit seems to be getting a bit stressed out. I often carry rabbits on their backs when moving them around, it helps to KEEP THEM CALM and reduces the risk of injury to them (and to me!) Yes, it's true that most rabbits dislike being picked up, but handling is one of many things that creatures that live with us have to get used to. One should always be gentle and considerate in their treatment of their animals, but let's keep things in perspective. We handle our rabbits from the time they are tiny babies, they may not prefer getting picked up, but they get used to it. I can take a rabbit out of its cage, sit down, put the rabbit on its back in my lap, clip its claws (some of them are Mini Rex, so we need to do this a lot!) and put the animal back in its cage - and it often is right back at the door, begging to be petted - does that sound like an animal that has been so terrified it's in shock to you?
Quote: I don't know who came up with this business, but it clearly developed from a whole lot of opinion and very little actual observation - to say nothing about a lack of knowledge about basic physiology. You CANNOT take an animal that is already perfectly calm, and throw it straight into a state of shock simply by changing its orientation. Shock does not produce a lowered heartbeat and respiration, and calmer behavior that continues once the animal is righted - all of which can be observed in a rabbit that has been turned on its back for "trancing". Rapid, weak pulse. rapid breathing, cold extremities (ears), glazed, unfocused eyes, erratic or listless behavior (even unconsciousness) - these are the symptoms of shock, and that is not at all what happens when you turn a rabbit over on its back! Just as you can't instantly put an animal into a state of shock, nor can you instantly bring them out of it. I wish people would think, instead of just repeating misinformation.
It is perfectly OK to turn a rabbit over for basic procedures like claw trimming, or grooming, or simply for that odd experience of "trancing" when the rabbit seems to be getting a bit stressed out. I often carry rabbits on their backs when moving them around, it helps to KEEP THEM CALM and reduces the risk of injury to them (and to me!) Yes, it's true that most rabbits dislike being picked up, but handling is one of many things that creatures that live with us have to get used to. One should always be gentle and considerate in their treatment of their animals, but let's keep things in perspective. We handle our rabbits from the time they are tiny babies, they may not prefer getting picked up, but they get used to it. I can take a rabbit out of its cage, sit down, put the rabbit on its back in my lap, clip its claws (some of them are Mini Rex, so we need to do this a lot!) and put the animal back in its cage - and it often is right back at the door, begging to be petted - does that sound like an animal that has been so terrified it's in shock to you?
Just a quick shoutout to @Bunnylady , thank you for being among the ranks of knowledgeable BYC users! I haven't been active on this site for several years so it's great to come back and still see you posting. I totally agree and would suggest that it's better for a rabbit to be carried between places on their back, as it reduces their mobility, and more mobility means more potential for injury. We all love our bunnies but they aren't the hardiest of creatures
Just a quick shoutout to @Bunnylady
, thank you for being among the ranks of knowledgeable BYC users! I haven't been active on this site for several years so it's great to come back and still see you posting. I totally agree and would suggest that it's better for a rabbit to be carried between places on their back, as it reduces their mobility, and more mobility means more potential for injury. We all love our bunnies but they aren't the hardiest of creatures
