Rabbits cannot speak, and they do not need to. Their communication is unique and can be a little complicated to understand. However, you can learn most things just by watching your rabbit. The question then is, what can you tell from pet rabbit’s body language?
Body movements, gestures, or sounds can tell if your bunny is happy, sad, hungry, or afraid. For instance, bunnies make low purring sounds when they are so glad. Unfortunately, some of these messages can be confusing to you as a new pet owner. Luckily, this article explains rabbit body language works and what to do when you receive the message.
Here are some other things you will find in this article:
- What do bunny movements mean?
- Why does my rabbit put its head down when I pet him?
- Why does my rabbit put his head under my hand?
- Why does my rabbit flinch when I touch him?
What Do Bunny Movements Mean?
Bunnies have several movements (rabbit’s body language) that can tell you many things about their wellbeing. While most of these movements are common to all rabbits, each bunny is special.
Here are some everyday bunny movements and what they mean:
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Erect ears
Bunnies have sensitive ears. It can pick up on sounds and vibrations. This helps them to stay alert so that they can hide away if they sense danger.
Often, rabbits keep their ears erect when they are listening for something. Therefore, if your pet suddenly raises its ears, it is listening for the source of the noise. Sometimes, the erect ears are accompanied by standing on all fours.
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Flopping
A flop is when a rabbit jumps and lands on its side. It is an indication that your bunny is very satisfied or content. Bunnies often do this after a nice meal or fun time. They usually fall asleep in that position.
It is also a sign that your bunny is at ease and feels protected in its environment.
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Binkying
A binky is a special rabbit jump. It is when rabbits hop up and twist in the air. It’s a sign that your pet is very excited or bursting with high energy.
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Nudging
A nudge can mean two things. First, the meaning may depend on how soft or intent it is.
For instance, if you are petting or rubbing down your rabbit and you stop, it may nudge you. In those circumstances, the nudge is a request to continue. On the other hand, if your bunny nudges your feet or your hand insistently, it could mean that you are in their way.
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Chinning
This is when bunnies rub their chins against surfaces, their toys, or even you. They have scent glands underneath their chins. So, when bunnies rub their chins on different surfaces, it leaves a scent. This scent is a way of marking territory. So, other rabbits will stay away. It’s also how rabbits show love to their owners.
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Thumping
Thumping is a movement bunnies make by hitting their hind legs on the floor. It can be single or continuous. If the bunny thumps once, it could be to alert others around it that it senses danger.
Continuous thumping means that your bunny senses a threat and is scared. If you are closeby, you could pet it until
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Sitting with its back to you
This is a bunny’s version of a cold shoulder. Rabbits do not like to have their nails clipped. They also don’t like it when you clear out their litter boxes.
So, if your rabbit is unhappy with something you did, it will sit and turn butt to you. Such a rabbit may also move away when you pet it. But, don’t worry; bunnies cannot hold a grudge for very long.
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Screaming
Rabbits scream when they are frightened. They also scream when in pain. It’s usually a tiny shrill sound. If you hear your rabbits scream, it probably needs medical attention.
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Digging
Digging is a pastime for bunnies. If your rabbits live outdoors, you might find a few holes here and there. It’s their natural instinct to dig holes to live in.
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Scattering droppings
This is also a move to mark territory. For example, when a rabbit wants to claim a part of the hutch or an item, it could scatter its droppings around it.
Why Does My Rabbit Put His Head Down When I Pet Him?
It’s not always easy to determine the exact message your bunny is trying to pass across to you. This is because certain gestures mean more than one thing. For instance, where your rabbits lay down while being stroked.
If your rabbit puts its head down when you pet it, it could mean that your rabbit wants you to continue rubbing it. It could also mean that your rabbit wants you to pet its head. Some rabbits prefer to be rubbed on their heads, while others prefer their heads or their faces. If your bunny lays down its head while you stroke its back, perhaps it likes you to pet its head.
This action is also a sign of submission among rabbits. So, it could mean that your rabbit is scared of you. But, on the other hand, dominant rabbits often lower their heads to other rabbits so that they can be groomed.
Rabbit’s Body Language: How Can You Tell What It Actually Means?
Study them. If you withdraw your hand, does your bunny back away? Or does it lie comfortably beside you? Some rabbits may even nudge you to continue. That’s a sign that your pet enjoys petting and is simply taking up a comfortable position.
Bunnies are prey animals. This means that they are always looking out for signs of danger. So, a rabbit who lays down flat is most likely feels very safe and comfortable.
Why Does My Rabbit Put His Head Under My Hand?
This is a massive sign that your rabbit is comfortable around you. It is a rabbit’s body language that they have confidence in you. If your rabbit does this, kudos! You have struck a good bond with your furry companion.
Rabbits do this when they want your attention. It could be because your bunny wants a head rub. Sometimes, they will sit beside you expectantly. Other times, they could place their heads in your palm. Whatever forms this show of affection takes, enjoy it! It means your bunny loves you and enjoys being around you.
If your rabbit is continuously rubbing your hand, it means they want your attention. It could be because your bunny or it wants you to play with it. These are opportunities to bond and enjoy the company of rabbits. Since rabbits may not display affection loudly, these subtle hints are essential.
It’s okay if your pet rabbit doesn’t do any of these yet. Instead, you could try fun bonding activities for rabbits.
Why Does My Rabbit Flinch When I Touch Him?
First, bunnies are naturally skittish by nature. They react when they feel slight changes in lighting or movements around them. So, it may not matter how long you have had your rabbit. They may flinch or shift a bit when you touch them. It may help to not approach them suddenly. Not only will they withdraw, but you could also cause a fright. So, when you want to hold or pet your rabbits, make sure that they see you coming. Don’t grab them from behind.
Second, they could be sleeping. Bunnies sometimes sleep with their eyes open. So you could mistake a sleeping bunny for one that is awake. And if you tried to pet or touch them, they could flinch. Since bunnies take short naps during the day, it may be hard to tell if they are awake or not. What you can do is learn what the sleeping positions of rabbits mean. This way, you won’t disturb their naps.
Additionally, rabbits like to hide when they are sick or in pain. So, unless you observe them closely, you might not notice that they are hurt. Ill or injured rabbits like to hideaway. As a result, if you try to pet such a rabbit, it might flinch or move away from you. It’s probably because of the pain or discomfort they are in.
What about growth?
Furthermore, bunnies go through different phases. In their teenage years, they are more active and independent. If your rabbit prefers to be left alone, it won’t respond kindly to petting or stroking. So, if your bunny used to like petting but doesn’t anymore, it could be growth or a desire to mark its territory.
Unfamiliarity and stress can also make bunnies flinch when you touch them. This is common with new pet owners. It could take a while for your bunny to form a bond or become comfortable around you. You will have to spend more time with them and be patient. Most bunnies become comfortable enough that they anticipate and enjoy petting.
As your bunny grows and you spend time with it, you will understand what it likes and the things it doesn’t like. Some bunnies will become so comfortable that they will jump in your lap and cuddle.
Conclusion
When it comes to understanding your rabbit’s body language, there’s no one size fits all. Each bunny is unique so, you have to learn what makes each one tick. In addition, some older bunnies may have experienced a lot of discomfort with their previous owners. So, if your bunny is not as affectionate as you would like, give it time. They will come to love you just as much as you love them.