Tonic Immobility

By Marit Emilie Buseth

Rabbits can go into a condition where they look almost hypnotized, either when they are laid on the back or handeled in some other way. It is a widespread misconception that rabbits are relaxed in such cases, when lying immovable on their back in your lap or in the crook of your arm. However, this is not the case. Tonic immobility is a condition certain prey have acquired to escape enemies. It is a defence mechanism rabbits habitually revert to when they have no other options to escape. The rabbits will play dead, so that the predator loses interest and lets the prey go.

Studies have concluded that tonic immobility is dear and stress related. Physiological measurements support the assertion that such treatment should only be carried out in appropriate situations, such as when cutting nails or during certain investigations.

When rabbits do not have other opportunities to defend themselves, they hypnotized state is their only way out. A rabbit that is scared and kicks frantically when held should therefore not be held to the point of the rabbit`s surrender and the wriggling stops. Rabbits under such circumstances are in a state of fear where one sees pysiologically measureable stress reactions on the heart, respiration, blood preassure and level of stress hormones in the blood.

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Captivity often prevents animals from performing their natural behaviour. In the case of rabbits, restrictions on the ability to move about, have serious consequences, and one should have knowledge on the species`needs and preferences when considering types of living arrangements. Get a thorough understanding of the rabbits`natural habitat, health, behaviour, social behaviour and all topics vital to offer them suitable living conditions in a domestic setting inRabbit Behaviour, Health and Care.