How to Trance a Rabbit

Putting your pet rabbit in a trance can be a useful trick when you need to trim his nails, check his body for possible health concerns, clean scent glands and when visiting the vet. The tranced state of your rabbit is actually an instinct. Rabbits will play dead and wait for an opportunity to escape when captured by a predator. Rabbit owners can use this unique instinct to their advantage.

Instructions

    • 1

      Sit on the floor or chair and place a towel over your legs for your pet rabbit. Your legs should be out in front of you. You can keep them flat or angle them up or down.

    • 2

      Place your rabbit on its back and gently place him on the towel. Be slow and gentle with this step especially if this is the first time you have tried this with your pet.

    • 3

      Remove your hands from his body when he is still.

    • 4

      Touch the paws gently, scratch the ears and speak in a soft, slow voice to help him remain in a relaxed state.

    • 5

      Work fast once you have your pet rabbit in a trance. Nail trimming, health checkups and any other pet care should take no more than 10 minutes while the rabbit is in a trance.

    • 6

      Hold your rabbit with a firm grip and then gently flip him over to bring him out of the trance.