Best idea when ever you are unsure is to have your vet take a look…But it sounds like helicopter ears..Also if she is a lop now would be the time you would see her ears drop, can you ask the person you got her from if there is lop in the line.

It does sound like there is some lop in there somewhere. Rabbit breeding isn’t regulated like dog breeding is, so there might have been a lop 2-3 generations back. Those genes can show up unexpectedly.

Fortunately, with pet rabbits, those little quirks don’t really matter tho!

Gus can’t hold his ears up all the time. I think they’re too big and cumbersome. Is that what helicopter ears are or is it like being part lop? I always figured they were too heavy for him.

The reason a lop eared rabbit’s ears lop is because there is less cartilage at the base of the ear making it is more difficult for the muscles to hold them up. It’s genetic so, like the others said, there could have been some lop genes mixed in there a few generations back. Usually when they are a mix like that, they end up with helicopter ears rather than a full lop.

You had said she was a “Giant British rabbit. Pure bred.” then in this case, there is a possibility that something could be wrong and vet check would be in order. Sometimes infections or something that is bothering the ear can make this happen. (is there a strange smell from that ear? Does it look flaky or waxy inside?) It also might be a good idea to check with the breeder, shelter or previous owner. They may have some info for you on this too.

Note: If she came from a breeder or owner, that picked up rabbits by their ears, I have heard that can cause some cartilage issues. (Again, in no way am I saying this happened, just offering up possibilities.)

And if there is any possibility that a lop is in her great great grandbunnies, then this could happen as well.  Many breeders will have a record of lineage though and you could ask to see it. (If you don’t have it already). My very first bunny was from a breeder and I got all kinds of lineage paperwork that showed many generations.  

Are you in the US or UK? British giants aren’t a recognized breed in the US, so I wonder if there is some english lop mixed in.

You said you don’t think you broke her ear picking her up-do you pick her up by her ears?

My Giant Chinchilla came from someone who is possibly the top breeder in the country (happens to live close) but my guy was going to go for meat because he wasn’t show quality(small) Sweetest rabbit!! He has the helicopter ears and I think they are adorable. Were you planning to show? I certainly wouldn’t put a rabbit through all that anesthesia… I’m sure the vet has to offer it to say that he did, but to what end? If you love your bunny and there’s nothing medical (you’ll know better once you’re off the meds) love him for who he is. I think the half-mast ears make them look comical and adorable. But at the same time, I’m guessing you spent a boatload of money to buy him and maybe the breeder would give you some money back. I’ve priced them out in the U.S. and those rabbits are EXPENSIVE! But then, they are just getting bred here, I think.
Let us know. I hope it’s only cosmetic. I typically prefer stand-up ears, too, but these halfway ears are hysterical and adorable IMHO

I agree, unless this is a show rabbit, if the ears not standing upright are simply cosmetic, then it isn’t worth the cost to you or the stress and risks to the rabbit to correct them. As long as the ears are not painful for the rabbit, the rabbit doesn’t care what they look like.

I’m wondering if this is a pet rabbit (not for show) and you will be going through with neutering, if the ear procedure could be done at that time? That might be something worth asking if that’s what they believe is wrong. You would only incur one anesthesia cost in that case.

I think rabbits travel pretty well without sedating. I don’t know if you could safely sedate them anyway. Best of luck. I’d want to take mine, too.
I understand your feelings about having her spayed, and I’m guessing you’ve read the HIGH rate of cancer in those not spayed, so it’s a risk in that respect. They say 50-85% get uterine cancer if not spayed!
And if she has free run of your house, you may find it impossible to litter train her very well unless you spay her, but you can see how that goes. She’s still a baby! But please don’t feel like you’re mutilating her if you spay her. There are lots of good reasons to do it, though there are always risks to surgery/anesth. as well. It’s done all the time in shelters and, of course, to cats and dogs, all for good reasons and the majority come through well.

I certainly respect your choice not to have her spayed. I am also of the same mind and, do not alter any of my animals in any way be that desexing, clipping wings, bobbing tails etc… That is a personal choice but, I respect you for standing on what you feel is right for your pet. Yes the vast majority of pets come through being altered just fine and, there are good reasons for doing it but, as you know, there are also good reasons for not doing it and, there is your personal feelings and thoughts on the matter to consider.

Bunnies generally travel well with no need for sedation. I would suggest getting her used to being in the travel cage or pet carrier now so that she will feel safe and at home in it when it’s the only bit of home she has with her on the trip. For the ride, just put an absorbent pad in there, some hay and, damp fresh greens (you can keep a baggie with more in the cooler) That will give her some water if she needs it without the mess of a bottle or dish of water. Most rabbits won’t drink or eat for a trip of seven hours, but it’s good to have something available for her if she decides she wants it.