Trancing

LagomorphLion said:

From what age do rabbits find trancing stressful?

I only ask as have been trying to spread the word on social media that rabbits are not relaxed in this position. I've seen a few breeders on Instagram that trance their kits (around 3-4 weeks old) but am hesitant to say anything in case I cause any unnecessary friction.
Thank you in advance!

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LagomorphLion said:

From what age do rabbits find trancing stressful?

I only ask as have been trying to spread the word on social media that rabbits are not relaxed in this position. I've seen a few breeders on Instagram that trance their kits (around 3-4 weeks old) but am hesitant to say anything in case I cause any unnecessary friction.
Thank you in advance!

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Jack's-Jane said:

As Kits often feed on their backs I doubt that being held securely on their back for a few seconds to do an essential health/welfare check would be too 'stressful'. I see no reason to use true 'Trancing' for a Rabbit of any age unless it was for said essential health/welfare checks.

So in short I think it would be the context in which the 3- 4 week old Kits were being 'tranced'. If it was just for the taking of a cute photo then IMO that is not appropriate. But if it was to quickly clean up a mucky bum or do a quick check to confirm gender then it would be OK.

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MightyMax said:

Some info here:

http://animalwhoop.com/tonic-immobility-in-rabbits-to-trance-or-to-not-trance/

http://www.hopperhome.com/trancing_rabbits.htm

I tend to agree with your view re trancing.

Unless absolutely necessary, I wouldn't do it.

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LagomorphLion said:

Thanks for the links MM!

The RWAF have a really nice section on their website about it, which I think sums it up well: http://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-health/trancing/

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