The Long, Slow Blink

The long, slow blink. It's a sure sign that your bunny is feeling amazing...peaceful, content, and rather sleepy. He may have just had a tasty meal and is relaxing with a full tummy, She may be surrounded by her favorite friends, basking in the warmth of companionship and love.

When your rabbit stretches out and looks completely relaxed, but not quite ready to drift off to sleep or to doze, you know he is happy. Your rabbit is in a state of complete vulnerability by being near you and letting go of the need to always be alert and at the ready for signs of danger. This behavior is quite the achievement along the journey to gaining your rabbit's full trust and being fully bonded with him or her.

Be careful to not startle or alarm your Bun, if at all possible, when she looks especially chill. If you must get up or move positions, tell your bunny your intentions in a gentle voice, to bring him back to a state of awareness without scaring the poo balls out of him. This will keep the level of trust intact and make it easier for your rabbit return to the state of the long, slow blink once again.

Not all rabbits reach a place where they are comfortable doing the long, slow blink. Some bunnies are just too alert and aren't able to fully let go to achieve this state of relaxation (we've had a few Buns I haven't seen asleep since they were tiny babies in the nest box). Very active and very social buns tend to have the most difficult time turning off their brains and allowing themselves to relax. They are so in-tune with the sounds and movements of their loved ones, that they are always ready to be "on" and ready to interact at a moment's notice.

How can you encourage long, slow blink time with your Bun? Just as it's a good idea for you to have downtime, your bunny needs time to relax, too. Quiet conversation, reading a good book, listening to quiet music, praying/meditating, doing gentle stretching exercises...these things help you wind down after a busy day, and your Bun would benefit from being included when these things are going on, too. What could be better than lounging on the couch with a favorite book while petting your beloved bunny from time to time? Try giving your Bun a gentle, relaxing massage, or even rub or scratch his favorite spots slowly and gently. I'm developing my own long, slow blink just thinking about it. :D