Why is my rabbit lying down?

If Rabbits are sleeping, it means they feel safe and happy to do so — especially if they do so outside the comfort of their cage.
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Why is my rabbit laying down and not moving?

In most cases, a rabbit laying on their side is just sleeping. They aren't sick or dying in any way. Instead, this is a position rabbits will sleep in when they feel completely safe and secure in their environment. This is what's called a rabbit flop.
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Why does my bunny lay down flat?

If your rabbits are worried, they may flatten themselves on the ground in a position that's either ready to take flight or to take cover. This is a sign that they're feeling uncomfortable and don't want someone near to them.
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How do I know when my bunny is dying?

How to tell if a rabbit is dying
  1. They stop eating.
  2. They stop drinking.
  3. They stop passing feces.
  4. They feel cold.
  5. They are not moving as much.
  6. Their breathing is different.
  7. They are less responsive.
  8. They are unable to stand.
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Why is my rabbit not moving much?

My rabbit is quiet, lethargic and not moving much

This is a major signal that your rabbit is in URGENT need of a rabbit-savvy vet. DON'T DELAY in taking him there. You cannot leave it and hope he will recover on his own, once a rabbit is behaving like this it is highly unlikely they will recover without medical care.
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What Your Rabbit's Sleeping Position Reveals About Their Personality, Health and Character



What are the signs of a sick rabbit?

Subtle signs of illness in a rabbit vary and can include:
  • Slow movement, staying still or hiding away.
  • Breathing faster than usual or noisy breathing.
  • Eating less and/or refusing certain foods.
  • A change in thirst levels.
  • Producing less stool or producing stool that looks different to normal.
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How do I know if my bunny is depressed?

Be especially mindful of any of the following behaviours:
  1. Chewing cage bars, if they're kept in a hutch.
  2. Pulling at their fur and over-grooming - or not grooming at all.
  3. A change in feeding or toilet habits.
  4. Drinking a lot more.
  5. Repeated circling or pacing up and down.
  6. Biting and destructive behaviours.
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Do bunnies flop when they are sick?

When a rabbit is extremely ill or dying, it will first stop eating and drinking. When its condition becomes critical, it may flop over onto its side. However, this won't be a leisurely or comfortable “roll” onto its side. A sick rabbit will literally 'flop' or drop in a haphazard and sometimes dramatic fashion.
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How can I cheer up my rabbit?

How to cheer up a bunny
  1. Find a friend for your rabbit. ...
  2. Get a larger enclosure. ...
  3. Interact with your rabbit regularly. ...
  4. Give your rabbit mental enrichment activities. ...
  5. Give your rabbit a healthy diet with some yummy treats. ...
  6. Make sure your rabbit isn't sick. ...
  7. Keep your rabbit on a regular schedule.
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Is my rabbit stressed?

You should be able to recognise signs of stress in your rabbit. Signs of stress may include: appearing nervous (freezing, hunched up with ears flat against the body) being excessively jumpy and watchful (bulging eyes)
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Do bunnies cry?

Rabbits cry when they are in pain, scared, or about to die. Also, baby rabbits (kits) cry when they are starving. Even though rabbits make crying noises, they don't produce any tears. If your rabbit's eyes are wet or weeping, she may have a dental disease, allergies, or an infection.
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How do I know if my rabbit is cold?

A quick way to check if your rabbit's feeling the cold is to feel their ears. Overly hot or cold ears are a tell-tale sign of a bunny's fever. If in doubt, give your vet a shout.
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Do bunnies prefer light or dark?

Rabbits need a contrast of light and darkness. A rabbit that lives in constant light can experience stress. In addition, their eyes can be damaged, and they'll gain weight. Provide a dark area for your bunny to sleep and relax within.
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How do I know my bunny is happy?

You will know if your rabbit is happy because they will:
  1. Lie down with a relaxed body.
  2. Lie down with a stretched body, still relaxed.
  3. Lie down with a fully extended body, still relaxed.
  4. Jumping into the air all 4 paws off the ground.
  5. Have a healthy appetite.
  6. Calm and quiet.
  7. Inquisitive.
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What do different bunny positions mean?

Rabbit is in a crouched position, muscles are tense, head held flat to the ground, ears wide apart and flattened against the back, pupils dilated. Rabbits who are worried or anxious may hide.
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Can rabbits kiss you?

Rabbits do not kiss each other, but can learn what kissing means. If grooming precedes the kiss, your intention will be clear. Many rabbits enjoy being kissed on the top of the head. Your rabbit will not kiss you back, but will return your affection in other ways.
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Why does my rabbit run away when I try to pick him up?

Rabbits typically run away from people because they are afraid or angry. The rabbit has learned from past experiences that humans will chase them, pick them up, or trap them into a small cage. Naturally, their instincts will see people as dangerous predators that need to be avoided.
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What noises do bunnies make when they are happy?

Noises rabbits make when happy include purring, sighing, and honking (grunting or oinking.) Distressed noises in rabbits include a loud yelping or squealing, or even screaming. If your rabbit is angry, it will growl. Rabbits make noises to communicate what they think or feel.
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Why does my rabbit stare at me?

If your rabbit lies down and stares at you, they're feeling relaxed. If your rabbit stands on their hind legs and stares at you, they want your attention. This position is also linked to begging for food. If your rabbit stares at you with ears erect and nose twitching, something has their attention.
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Do rabbits fart?

However, rabbits usually have a low-fiber diet, which is high in carbohydrates. This can lead to a gas build up (Known as GI stasis). So, rabbits do not only fart – but they have to do it in order to avoid a gas build up, which can be deadly to them if not treated on time.
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How do you know if your rabbit doesn't like you?

Does your rabbit really hate you?
  1. Aggressive rabbits. A rabbit that swats, lunges or bites people does not necessarily hate them. ...
  2. Rabbits that run away. ...
  3. Rabbits that won't cuddle. ...
  4. Holding your rabbit. ...
  5. You're too loud. ...
  6. Too much unwanted attention. ...
  7. You smell like other animals. ...
  8. Your rabbit is territorial.
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How do I get my rabbit to cuddle with me?

If your rabbit approaches you, reward them by giving them a piece of their favorite treat.
  1. Step 1: offer your rabbit a treat whenever they come to you. ...
  2. Step 2: Pet your rabbit while giving them a treat. ...
  3. Step 3: Go up to your rabbit and give a treat. ...
  4. Step 4: Go up to your rabbit and lay next to them to cuddle.
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Can I pet my rabbit while she's eating?

That said, they tend not to like being touched on the ears, neck, feet, stomach or tail. Usually, my bunnies are most receptive to petting when they're relaxing after a meal. So if your rabbit doesn't appear interested in affection, wait until just after feeding time.
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How do you tell a rabbit you love them?

7 Ways to Show Your Rabbit You Love Them
  1. Give your rabbit yummy treats. The easiest way to a rabbit's heart is through their stomach. ...
  2. Pet your rabbit. Rabbits love to be petted. ...
  3. Spend time with your rabbit. ...
  4. Give your rabbit fun toys. ...
  5. Copy their behaviors. ...
  6. Let your rabbit explore. ...
  7. Play games with your rabbit.
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