eli does the dead bunny flop

Some rabbits do this thing that is referred to as The Dead Bunny Flop. It's rather aptly named because when they do it, they do look like they are dying or having a seizure.

I know, it doesn't sound so pleasant but apparently it is a sign of contentment. Think of it like their version of flopping on the couch for a fine evening at home. Except it only lasts a few seconds. And it doesn't involve dominating the tv remote control or reading a good book.

I think every bunny owner has a wee freak-out the first time they see it. It looks like a move in entertainment wrestling: they do this little leap in the air, turning the body so they'll land with a THWAP on one side. The arms and legs contract and their eyes roll back. The only sign of life is breathing and a wiggling nose. It's weird.

The other day my girl was filming Eli doing his morning grooming when he happened to do The Flop. My girl was supposed to be practicing her piano (but instead was cooing over Eli) and happened to catch it on video. It happens around the 30 second mark:



If the embedded video doesn't work, you can see it here at YouTube.

Kinda creepy, no?

What we've been trying to capture is Eli stretching and yawning. I swear to you, it is ridiculously cute. But he doesn't do it after every nap so you never can tell when he'll give the big old stretch and open wide. Bunnies have very funny faces and it's double-funny when they yawn. Catching it on video has become a minor obsession. I may have to install surveillance cameras in his cage.

Or wait for my girl to sneak off from another piano practice and catch it then....

This is Eli's dreamy look: a nap is moment's away.

Sweet dreams.