Trancing???

[jerseygirl]

What’s the general consensus on trancing?  I did a search for previous posts on this and they were from couple years ago.  I gathered from them it is considered safe.  I’ve done it maybe 3 times as a way to calm Jersey.  If she struggled badly while I attempted to cut nails or when I’ve wanted to check her over.  I bring her out pretty quickly as I don’t know enough about it.  Obviously, they appear calm once “out” but are they more stressed on coming out of it?

Also, does anyone know what goes on biologically during this?   Is it putting them on their backs that’s doing something to their balance centre or triggering something in their brain receptors?  If they have this ‘play dead instinct’ can they put themselves into it or is it when a predator puts them in a defenceless position?

Sorry for all the questions!  If anybody knows more on the subject or where to direct me, it would be much appreciated!

 

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I’ve read mixed things; I use it to do nails and anal glands; Its convenient for that but i understand most don’t like it, so I don’t just do it for no reason. I don’t think its harmful in any way though

[BinkyBunny]

I do it when I have to clip their nails, but according to a couple of rabbit savvy experts I’ve talked with as well as the book “Why Does My Rabbit…” (pg 179)
it is not actually “calming” for the rabbit. It is a “play dead” type of behavior. (low heart rate, relaxed muscles are all part of that) It is an instinctual response that helps trick predators into loosening their grip so that the rabbit can pop up and escape. (that’s why sometimes you have to be careful as bunnies will “pop” out of the trance right when you are clipping their nails.)

It is actually stressful for them, so I only recommend doing it when you have to – like clipping nails and cleaning anal glands.

[Beka27]

i used to be able to do it with my first rabbit, Stephen. i tried it a couple times with Meadow but i could never get her to “go under” (something about her “being in charge”…? lol!) i have not tried it with Max. i take them to the vet for nail trims, so for now, it’s not really necessary for me to do it.

[MarkBun]

IMO, trancing is as stressful for buns as is picking them up or putting them into a carrier and taking them on a car ride. Yes, it’s stressful but sometimes it is MORE stressful if you don’t do it. If you can get all their nails trimmed in a couple of minutes via trancing, it is better than struggling with them for 15 minutes trying to get at all of their claws.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Markus is it even POSSIBLE to trance stroppy little Maryann??

[jerseygirl]

Yeah, my feeling is that it’s doesn’t seem natural, hence my doubts. I can’t actually trim nails under trance, that is, bunny under trance, not me! Any movement and she’s up. She does ok with the trims and accepts it til it’s over by the time I get to her rear paws. I did use it to sneak meds into her because it just had to be done. So I gather trancing is more of a handling convenience for the owner.

Anyone got anything on technical side of things? How they ‘go under’?

[Scarlet_Rose]

I think it’s the rhythym of of the movement and it’s reptitiveness. I know BB has expertise in T-touch and it may run along those lines. Think about it though, you can stroke a baby’s head and soothe them as well. I think it just calms the nerves.

[jerseygirl]

Is T-touch kinesiology? I’m very interested in this.

[Scarlet_Rose]

I think so.  Here is a web site with more info.  T-Touch is short for “Tellington Touch.”

http://www.lindatellington-jones.com/whatisTTouch.shtml

[MooBunnay]

I bought a book awhile ago called “The Relaxed Rabbit: Massage for Your Pet Bunny” – I found it very interesting. It teaches you where all the bunny’s organs and bones are so that you know which parts not to put too much pressure on, and which parts to massage. It also teaches you different massaging techniques. One example is I learned how to rub my bunnies shoulders, and if you go one direction its supposed to calm them, and the other is supposed to energize them (hmm, I can’t remember which now…need to go look that up) – but its a great way to spend time with your bunny and help them relax. Its probably more calming for them than trancing because they stay upright with all their four feeties on the ground!

[Beka27]

lol!!! yeah MooBunnay, you might not want to mix up those two massages… that could be disastrous!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Oooohh T-touch…I was sort of instructed in that a little when i volunteered in a dog shelter-its neat!

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