What does this behaviour mean?

Hiya

Tonight I got Vince out again and had him on the sofa with me for an hour, he seemed more confident tonight but on several occasions he had a little dig on the covers then flopped over on his back like a cat does, stretched his legs out and appreared to be going to sleep. But, he was breathing very fast like he was panting. I called his name and he sat upright and seemed normal, he did this a few more times and I stroked him and he was ok with this. I've not read about this behaviour so was he very chilled out or stressed with being out of his hutch??????

It sounds to me like a classic "bunny flop" normally a sign that they are happy and relaxed! I would guess the scratching was him just making a comfy spot.

Sounds to me like he is a happy boy.

Because bunnies are prey animals they are ready to get away from danger at the slightest risk. So they tend to sit with their legs underneath them for a quick getaway. If they are lying completely stretched out, it means that they are feeling very comfortable with you. If they were really concerned, they would have their legs under them ready to scoot.

It sounds like this is one bun who knows how lucky he is and is feeling very happy with his life.

Thank you for your replies, I thought he looked happy as his eyes were closing! I was justa bit baffled as to why he was breathing so rapidly as if he was frightened. He did look cute though the way he flopped onto his back and kicked his legs out!
thanks for you help.

I've lost count of the amount of times I've rushed up to my bunnies to make sure they are breathing after finding them flopped on their backs! It can be quite scary but they are soon back to being alert if they hear a loud noise.