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BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

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 cuddling bunny on their backs good or bad?

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    • starshinepunk
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        So I’ve discovered our little Princess enjoys her cuddles. While she was cuddling on my lap I scooped her up to cuddle against my chest which she didn’t seem to like at first. And so I was going to let her hop back down to my lap, during this she wound up on her back kind of cradled in one arm like a baby but kind of curled into a ball and sat like that for a second. So I started rubbing the back of her head. She immediately started clicking her teeth softly like a purr. We did that for about thirty seconds then she hopped off. Curious I tried it with her a couple of times with the same result. 

        So here’s my question. I know you can trance rabbits by placing them on their backs. But from what I’ve read his is a defense mechanism when their head is below their bum. Hers is above her bum. And after your rabbit comes out of he trance they bolt away because its scary to them (the equivalent of playing dead in hopes whatever predator has hem releases them nd they can make a quick get away) Princess seems to enjoy this and after she hops down she goes and flops next to my boyfriend or Shadow or the cage. If she enjoys it it’s a neat way to cuddle my bun, but I don’t want to do it if it’s a defense mechanism that may traumatize her or stress her. I know this is probably a dumb newb question but I don’t wanna hurt chances of making sure my bun is as happy as possible.


      • LongEaredLions
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          Typically buns hate being held on their backs, as it is a very vulnerable position. If they like it, I guess it is fine but I still wouldn’t due to the risk of injury if they try to escape. Remember to never force.


        • starshinepunk
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            She doesnt struggle and I only do it sitting on the floor but after researching this more they say buns cant breathe well on their backs so im just not gonna risk it.


          • MoxieMeadows
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              Hi,

              When it’s just me and my bun in a room, mine has no problem of me putting her on her back while I pet her. When I set her down she hops onto my lap and sniffs me and lets me pet/play with her. I don’t think there’s a problem now and again doing it, and it helps if they trust you in case  they have a mat on their tummy or an emergency ext., I wouldn’t do it too much because if they struggle they can get seriously injured, and that would be horrible, also if you do it every time you see your bun, and she doesn’t like it, she might start avoiding you. But anyway, in my opinion, you’re fine; Just be careful.

              Enjoy your buns!


            • Megabunny
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                Gracie loves to be held on her back. But that breathing thing is worrisome to hear about. I wonder if holding her front end slightly higher than her belly would help prevent the organs from squishing the diaphragm..? I have to cuddle her like that. She’s my baby!


              • starshinepunk
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                  I tried it today and she would have none of it so it must’ve been a fluke. She even flipped her feet at me as she hopped away so no más.

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              Forum BEHAVIOR cuddling bunny on their backs good or bad?