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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum BEHAVIOR Laying on side, kicking

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    • Paula
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        What does it mean when a rabbit lays on his/her side and kicks with the back feet (sometimes a blanket wrapped up, sometimes nothing at all)?  I can’t really find anything anywhere online so I’m wondering if it’s fear, aggression, something else entirely? 

        Gracias!


      • bunnyfriend
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          Hmm usually when they are kicking like that it’s because they’re scared and they’re trying to get away. Your rabbit does this when they are just laying down? Sometimes I see my rabbits rolling around on their backs with their feet kind of kicking when they are happy.


        • Stickerbunny
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            Not sure what you are describing. My buns only go on their side to flop out, sometimes they will kick their legs out but that is just getting comfy. Never seen a bunny kick a lot while on its side.


          • Deleted User
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              I’m not sure what you’re describing either. If it was inside a wrapped-up blanket that they have not gone into willing, I would likely say the reaction is fear.

              If it is outside and the bunny is simply on his/her back writhing around, that I would say is likely to be some violently happy flop over. Variations of the flop over may be complemented with happy licks of the front paws, soft kicks in the air, licks of ground/futon/couch/cardboard, and it may also be completed on the side. May also be accompanied by binkies.

              One other possibility is that my Missypants likes to crawl into blankets/hay bin/shredded paper/sand bin and do her “super-roll-around-dead-flop.”

              Unless, you’re talking about when your bun stretches out on their side and kicks their feet out to get themselves more comfortable. (Like, “Ah, time to relax. It’s been a tough day for this bunny.”)


            • Paula
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                No, it’s been when they’re in play time and one or the other has gotten a little wacky and is jumping over top of the other. I’ve only seen it twice, and both times they were out in the play area, one rabbit jumped over the other and the rabbit on the ground kind of curled in a ball and started kicking. Once she was kicking at a blanket (because it was there) the other time the rabbit was kicking air. I definitely thought it was some kind of fear reaction, too, just isn’t something I’m used to seeing, either.

                It’s something I’ve also seen my cat do (though I’m sure it means something different with him), sometimes he’ll flop onto his side and kick (with his back legs) rather violently at a balled up blanket or throw rug. After a few seconds, he gets up and moves on. Same with the bunns. Thanks everyone!


              • Elrohwen
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                  Generally a scared bunny would never get on its side or back – this is such a vulnerable position that when bunnies do it, it’s because they are happy and carefree. I can’t really picture what you’re describing either, though I have often seen mine flop on their side and kind of roll around before getting back up.


                • equalsign
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                     As others have said, if they’re laying on their side it’s probably not a fear reaction.

                     

                    My rabbits have run around and kicked air when they’re upset or annoyed. This can happen after I’ve scared them with a loud noise or something and they realize the coast is clear. It also happens every time after grooming.


                  • peppypoo
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                      How long does this last? Are they easily able to get up by themselves?

                      My first bunny had congenital seizures (we figure he was epileptic) and sometimes would get stuck on his side and make the motion of running without being able to get up .


                    • Paula
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                        Doesn’t last long, 4-5 seconds, maybe, until the commotion has calmed. They get up just fine by themselves. The motion isn’t running, it’s kicking, definitely.

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                    Forum BEHAVIOR Laying on side, kicking