{"id":542,"date":"2020-04-03T07:52:35","date_gmt":"2020-04-03T07:52:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bunnyparents.com\/?p=542"},"modified":"2024-01-07T15:34:40","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T15:34:40","slug":"do-bunnies-sleep-with-their-eyes-open","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bunnyparents.com\/do-bunnies-sleep-with-their-eyes-open\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Bunnies Sleep With Their Eyes Open?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
We have often seen our bunny lying very still on our lounge carpet and we wonder, is she sleeping? Then we would do the silly thing of checking if she was asleep or awake as her eyes were open. It made us curious, do bunnies sleep with their eyes open and how do you know if your bunny is asleep?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bunnies can sleep with their eyes open. They have a nictating membrane that acts as a third eyelid that we can\u2019t see. When a bunny sleeps with their eyes open, this invisible membrane acts as an eyelid essentially keeping the bunnies eyes closed with them looking open.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If bunnies can sleep with their eyes open, how do we know when they are asleep? We don\u2019t want to disturb our bunnies thinking they are awake but in reality, they are having sweet dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As prey animals, bunnies are always on high alert. Sleeping with their eyes open is a defense mechanism. When they aren\u2019t comfortable in their environment, this is how they will sleep. This creates the illusion they are awake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A bunny that looks like they are awake is less likely to be attacked by a predator. It also allows them to potentially react quicker to a threat especially when sleeping in the \u201cloaf\u201d position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bunnies can sleep with their eyes open due to their third eyelid which acts as a safeguard preventing dust and dirt from getting into their eyes. It also keeps the eyes moist limiting the need for blinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you don\u2019t disturb your bunny during this time like we did when we didn\u2019t know any better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If it looks like your bunny is awake all the time, there must be other signs we can look for to see if your bun is asleep. Here are some signs below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, once your bunny is more comfortable in their new environment and with their human, they may start sleeping with their eyes closed. Here are some reasons why your bunny will close their eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve had your bunny for a while, you can probably recognise three main positions your bunny sleeps in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1) The loaf<\/strong> \u2013 this is your bunny tucked up on their paws like a bread loaf. In the beginning, your bunny may only sleep in this position as they are able to react quickly to any perceived threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2)<\/strong> Splayed out<\/strong> \u2013 as your bunny gets more comfortable, they will be lying flat on the floor with their back legs stretched out behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3) The Bunny Flop<\/strong> \u2013 the cutest thing a bunny can do. When a bunny flops completely on their side and sleeps in that position. Only a very comfortable bunny will sleep in this position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleeping position may also depend on the temperature. On colder days, bunnies will likely sleep in the loaf position to reduce how much of their body is exposed to the air. Whereas on hot days, they are more likely to be splayed out.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy Do Bunnies Sleep With Their Eyes Open?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Do You Know When A Bunny Is Sleeping?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Do Bunnies Sleep?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When Do Bunnies Sleep?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n