behavior

Bunny Trail Farm

The Holland Lop is the smallest and the most popular of the lop-eared rabbits.
Holland Lops were brought into the United States in 1976. Holland Lop rabbits
can be hard to find but they are well worth the search. Researching this breed
will show time and time again how great a pet these rabbits make. Holland Lops
are very mellow smaller rabbits that are easy for beginners to handle and care
for. This is a very sweet and affectionate animal. They love to play and hop
around. All rabbits have certain ways of communicating that is unique to them.

What Is Your Rabbit Saying?

Rabbits communicate in a variety of ways . Ears forward - "What's that you
say?" Ears back - "I don't like that," It's important to know whether your rabbit is
relaxed and resting or being threatened. If your rabbit puts his ears back, his tail
up and growls, you'll know it's upset. One ear back, one ear forward - "I hear you
but I'm not paying that much attention." Remember that ear control depends on
the individual rabbit and the way that the crown develops. Ear carriage takes
more time to develop in some bunnies and less time in others.

Thumping:
When a rabbit thumps or stomps on the ground with a hind leg, it's the way that
rabbits communicate danger to other rabbits, and sometimes it is a sign of
annoyance.

Teeth Grinding:
Gentle, soft grinding of the teeth in a relaxed rabbit is communicates
contentment (and sounds almost like a cat purring). On the other hand, loud
teeth grinding is a sign of pain or discomfort, and your rabbit will often also be
tense or hunched up when this occurs.

Chin Rubbing:
You may witness your rabbit rubbing its chin on objects or even people. Rabbits
have scent glands on their chins that they use to scent mark territories and
objects (the scent is not detectable by people, though, the scent is strictly for
rabbit communication). Bucks may rub their chin and head in urine using it for
scent marking and to attract females. Bucks will usually run the urine off the wire
sides of their cage. Some bucks may do this and others not.

Binky:
The binky is the unique and acrobatic jump accompanied by twisting the body or
kicking the legs. Rabbits use the binky to communicate that they are feeling very
happy and playful.

Licking :
A bunny that licks you has fully accepted you and is showing you affection.

Circling Your Feet: :
A rabbit that follows you around circling your feet may just be trying to get your
attention, but more likely your rabbit is sexually mature and is courting you
(especially if accompanied by soft honking or oiking noises).

Flat Rabbit::
When a rabbit flattens itself on its belly with its head down and ears held very
flat, he or she is frightened and is trying to blend into his or her surroundings.
(Note: a relaxed rabbit may also lay flat, but a relaxed rabbit has different body
language: relaxed muscles and expression). A flat rabbit may present itself to
you for petting.

Flopping :
A content rabbit that is sitting still or grooming may suddenly flop onto its side
and lay still. Owners often fear something terrible has happened, but it is a sign
of utter relaxation.

Lunging:
A sudden movement towards you with the head up, tail up and ears back is a
very clear form of rabbit communication: an unmistakable threat. Rabbits may
lunge at you in their cage because they cannot see you coming at them with
your hand. Put your hand sideways so that they can see you with their eyes
which are on the sides of their head.

Racing & Hopping:
Your rabbit wants to play and is excited.

Vocalizations:
Rabbits are capable of some vocalizations that they use for communication.

Soft Squeal or Whimper: mild annoyance or displeasure.

Grunting, Growling, Snorting, and Hissing: all communicate varied stages of
anger, stress, or feeling threatened. May be followed with a lunge or bite.

Soft Honking or Oinking: communicates sexual interest. If your rabbit is circling
you and honking, it is time for neutering. Bucks are most likely to do this
behavior.

Screaming: sign of extreme pain or fear. Do not ignore; reassure your rabbit and
if there is no obvious reason your rabbit might be terrified. You may have to
take your bunny to a vet if the rabbit continues to scream especially if it has
been injured.

Growling: If your rabbit growls or grunts at you, he/she is not happy about
something. Maybe he/she is angry that you're poking your hand into the cage,
and he/she doesn't want you in it's territory. Growling can be a sign of anger,
fear, uncertainty and stress. The better you get to know your bunny, the more
you'll discover what his/her different growls mean.

Crying: Your bunny may cry. Sometimes a bunny will let out a little cry or
whimper and thump their back feet. This is interpreted much as you would
understand the same noise in puppies or people.

Rabbit Behavior