Bunny Behavior
Binkies
aka Jumping around like twisting it's body slighly. A bunny will also tilt
it's feet and head.
A sleeping Bunny
Rabbits mostly sleep during the day. They often sleep with their eyes
open so its hard to tell when they are sleeping. However a giveaway is
that when they are sleeping rabbits often twitch, and their noses stop
wiggling. Other rabbits will close their eyes and totally looking like they
are dead.
Thumping
Rabbits thump their hind feet to signal danger. Some rabbits will thump
one foot on the ground, some will thump both hind feet at the same
time. Rabbits aren't very vocal so thumping is their way of
communicating. Usually this means they have heard something odd
and it could be potentially harmful. Sometimes when you surprise
rabbits they will thump at you to show their displeasure.
Sitting Up On Hind Legs
Rabbits sit up on their hind feet to get a better view of the
surroundings. Usually this occurs when a rabbit hears something is
trying to figure out what it is. Rabbits also use this technique to become
taller so they can reach the snack you are holding.
Grunting
Rabbits grunt when cornered somewhere and they know they can't
escape. Basically it is a warning that a rabbit is about to attack. Rabbits
can grunt softly as they run round and round you. This is a dance of
love, and the rabbit is expressing his/her feelings for you.
Squealing
A rabbit will squeal to express extreme fear or pain. A rabbit that has
never been caught by a person may squeal in fear as it is picked up
from the ground.
Rabbit Trance
Rabbits can be tranced by laying them on their back. Gently lay the
rabbit down on your lap. You will need to support the rabbit's neck.
Slowly the rabbit will close it's eyes and freeze. This is often a good way
to trim your bunny's claws as you have easy access.
Chin Rubbing
Rabbits have scent glands under their chin and will rub their scent
glands on almost everything in order to claim ownership and mark
territory. Even people can be marked. People cannot smell the scent.
Flat rabbit
Rabbits flatten themselves for two reasons. One is that there is
something scary and if they are close to the ground then maybe they
wont be seen. The other reason is bowing. Typically the bunny's body
will be close the ground and the ears will be back on their body. The
rabbit's head will be lowered to the ground as we
Sitting in the corner
Bunny will usually sit in a corner or against a wall. This is so predators
cannot sneak up behind them. If you can, put your bunny cage/condo
against a wall. Your bunny will feel much safer.
Purring
Rabbits can make a purring noise by grinding their teeth. A quiet tooth
purr means you have a happy rabbit. A louder crunchy type of teeth
grinding can indicate that your rabbit is in pain.
Mounting
Single male rabbits will often try to mount soft toys, cushions and even
people's legs. This behavior will cease if the rabbit is neutered. It
usually stops a month or so after neutering. Mounting is also used as a
sign of dominance in both bucks and does rabbits. The dominant rabbit
will mount the other rabbit to show who's boss. Once the dominant
rabbit has been decided, this behaviour usually stops.
Binkies
aka Jumping around like twisting it's body slighly. A bunny will also tilt
it's feet and head.
A sleeping Bunny
Rabbits mostly sleep during the day. They often sleep with their eyes
open so its hard to tell when they are sleeping. However a giveaway is
that when they are sleeping rabbits often twitch, and their noses stop
wiggling. Other rabbits will close their eyes and totally looking like they
are dead.
Thumping
Rabbits thump their hind feet to signal danger. Some rabbits will thump
one foot on the ground, some will thump both hind feet at the same
time. Rabbits aren't very vocal so thumping is their way of
communicating. Usually this means they have heard something odd
and it could be potentially harmful. Sometimes when you surprise
rabbits they will thump at you to show their displeasure.
Sitting Up On Hind Legs
Rabbits sit up on their hind feet to get a better view of the
surroundings. Usually this occurs when a rabbit hears something is
trying to figure out what it is. Rabbits also use this technique to become
taller so they can reach the snack you are holding.
Grunting
Rabbits grunt when cornered somewhere and they know they can't
escape. Basically it is a warning that a rabbit is about to attack. Rabbits
can grunt softly as they run round and round you. This is a dance of
love, and the rabbit is expressing his/her feelings for you.
Squealing
A rabbit will squeal to express extreme fear or pain. A rabbit that has
never been caught by a person may squeal in fear as it is picked up
from the ground.
Rabbit Trance
Rabbits can be tranced by laying them on their back. Gently lay the
rabbit down on your lap. You will need to support the rabbit's neck.
Slowly the rabbit will close it's eyes and freeze. This is often a good way
to trim your bunny's claws as you have easy access.
Chin Rubbing
Rabbits have scent glands under their chin and will rub their scent
glands on almost everything in order to claim ownership and mark
territory. Even people can be marked. People cannot smell the scent.
Flat rabbit
Rabbits flatten themselves for two reasons. One is that there is
something scary and if they are close to the ground then maybe they
wont be seen. The other reason is bowing. Typically the bunny's body
will be close the ground and the ears will be back on their body. The
rabbit's head will be lowered to the ground as we
Sitting in the corner
Bunny will usually sit in a corner or against a wall. This is so predators
cannot sneak up behind them. If you can, put your bunny cage/condo
against a wall. Your bunny will feel much safer.
Purring
Rabbits can make a purring noise by grinding their teeth. A quiet tooth
purr means you have a happy rabbit. A louder crunchy type of teeth
grinding can indicate that your rabbit is in pain.
Mounting
Single male rabbits will often try to mount soft toys, cushions and even
people's legs. This behavior will cease if the rabbit is neutered. It
usually stops a month or so after neutering. Mounting is also used as a
sign of dominance in both bucks and does rabbits. The dominant rabbit
will mount the other rabbit to show who's boss. Once the dominant
rabbit has been decided, this behaviour usually stops.
| Bunny Trail Farm |
| Bunny Behavior |
© 2006-2011 Bunny Trail Farm.
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