Bunny moves head slowly side to side

by Connie
(Pierre SD. USA.)

Since I got her at 8 weeks my holland lop bunny does this, when sitting still.


She slowly moves her head from side to side, looks almost neurological, but as soon as she starts moving it is gone.

She has developed normally in weight and body, looks like she is following movement with her head as if she were watching something move, from one side to other, never turns her head, I wonder if it is inherited.

It is not wry neck. I have never seen this in any bunnies I have ever raised. Anyone got suggestions or seen it in their rabbits? Thanks.

***** Karen Sez *****
Yeah, what you're seeing is kind of spooky-looking, but as far as I know, this is visual, not neurological. The rabbits I have seen "panning" their environment have all been either red-eyed white or blue-eyed white rabbits. Is your rabbit white, or does it have very light-colored eyes?

I am told that the head movement helps the rabbit see its environment better. You've seen animals cock their head. And perhaps you yourself have needed to shift your own vision just slightly to better see something in the distance.

I am not sure why some white rabbits do this but others do not. Perhaps other rabbit breeders can shed additional light on the behavior of panning side-to-side with the eyes/head.



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Apr 09, 2023
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starstarstarstarstar 		Relieved to find this discussion
by: Lauren

I just acquired an adult Sable Point buck as a new herd sire. He was exhibiting the slow side to side head movements and I was worried. I got him from a very reputable breeder whom I know takes excellent care of their bunnies.

My initial concern was that it was a level of insanity/depression/boredom from living in a cage without a lot of stimulation and limited space. So I moved him to a large 4'x 8' outdoor hutch where he's got lots of room, scenery and the hutch next to him has 3 does to keep him company. I'm very relieved that the head panning is just a vision issue and not a mental health issue. He's loving his new digs and the ladies, and has lots of room to himself so he's not feeling so confined and bored.
Feb 08, 2023
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starstarstarstarstar 		Baby angora lop does this too
by: Anonymous

I just got a 10 week old angora lop. She does this when sitting still. It had me a little worried. Glad to know it's normal. She's white and gray with dark eyes.
Nov 23, 2022
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starstarstarstarstar 		Head Swaying
by: Anonymous

I have a white, red-eyed rabbit. And I noticed after transporting her she was doing this until she would stop to eat or drink. Had me freaked out for a minute. I guess I never noticed her doing this before. And I was closely monitoring her because of transporting. Her ears are laid back. The other 2 have perky ears. So glad I found this discussion! Thanks!
Jun 28, 2022
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starstarstarstarstar 		White rabbit with red eyes
by: Anonymous

Mine does it too; it's spooky looking first thing in the morning lol.
Jun 06, 2022
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starstarstarstarstar 		Yup! I concur!
by: Anonymous

LOL, we’re all the same concerned white bunny owners, judging by the comments! My female, adult, white rabbit with pink and blue eyes also does the head swaying thingy.
Dec 09, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Yup
by: Anonymous

Another data point here. Our red-eyed white foster bunny does this.
Oct 24, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bunny's head sway
by: Anonymous

Whew! My one year old white angora rabbit does this. I was sure it was fatal! I'm relieved to hear that it may be normal!! There are several conditions that may cause this and be of concern, but it isn't a constant motion and she is otherwise healthy. Thank you for the info!
Aug 31, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Phewww
by: Anonymous

Wow, I honestly didn’t even think I’d find a page talking about this! My rescue is white with reddish eyes that sometimes look lavender honestly. She is super docile, loves to eat, and explore.

But she has this same weird thing where she suddenly spaces out and her head will move slowly to one side then the other. Some times she’ll go like this for more than 5 minutes. I always thought to myself maybe she has neurological issues that they failed to mention?

I’m glad I found this page lol, gave me a bit of relief.
May 26, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Head scanning
by: Anonymous

My lop does it. From side to side...otherwise normal.
Looks like it’s had too many beers. Pleased to hear it’s normal.
Nov 01, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Yes it's normal
by: Anonymous

I've had several bunnies that do this.

The eyes of "prey upon" animals such as rabbits are on opposite sides of the head. This is to help maximize their field of view looking for predators. The swaying side to side helps scan even more of the area around and behind them.

Animals that prey or hunt other animals such as cats, or humans even, have eyes close together in the same plane of view which allows them to focus attention to the spot of attack.
So, no worries! Cheers...
Oct 04, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Bunny head movement
by: Anonymous

Wow! That is crazy, my rabbit is white with blue eyes so she has it all! I got a little worried and I noticed that she did it every time she was pooping but I guess just because she was sitting still. Thanks for the info!!
Aug 15, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Scanning
by: Anonymous

My rabbit did this and I’ve learned it’s nothing to worry about. Had me freaked out. Because I did lose a rabbit to wry neck before. But this is nothing like that... look up on YouTube slightly rednecked (I think that’s it). On rabbit scanning... he explains what's happening. Take care!
Feb 18, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Head Sway
by: Anonymous

I just brought home a bunny with head sway. She seems normal other than that and appearing out of it. She was put on dewormer and antibiotics. No change. After all I've read I think she is actually ok. Her eyes do not look red until light is on them then they are very red. So I'm going to discuss this with the vet and likely discontinue her meds. I feel very good about this information!
Feb 17, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Baby lop
by: Anonymous

I have two baby lops and the white one does this too! I'm glad to hear it is normal as I have never seen a rabbit do this before and was worried that it was something neurological.
Feb 21, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		moves head side-to-side
by: Anonymous

Wow!! I came to this page because my California White Rabbit does the same thing! Almost like he's spacing out, then snaps out of it and goes on about his business. I also thought neurological, but he's totally bunny normal 99.9% of the time. I feel much better. His brother doesn't do the panning, but he's got his own quirks! Feeling better.

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