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Expressions of Happiness
Rabbits express their happiness in many ways. One of the most fun to witness is the binky. A binky is the happiest rabbit expression where the bunny jumps into the air and twists its head and body in opposite directions, sometimes while running excitedly or sometimes straight up from a still position. It's always fun to watch and is your rabbit’s way of telling you that he is happy and pleased with you and his life. Some bunnies binky often and some hardly at all, even if they are being treated well. Just like us humans, they all have different personalities and some express themselves more outwardly than others.
Head/Ear flick is a variation of the binky. Instead of twisting the entire body, a rabbit will shake her head quickly side-to-side or back, often while happily hopping back and forth.
A rabbit will tooth purr when feeling especially content. You can often feel or hear this soft clicking sound when you are petting your rabbit or massaging her cheeks.
Your bunny may bestow "kisses" on you as a sign of affection. If your bunny licks you, this shows that you make your rabbit feel safe and she's showing her love and appreciation in return.
You are trying to give your bunny a treat and he is circling your feet- why is he trying to trip you?! Foot circling is a sign of love (and can indicate sexual interest in unaltered buns) and excitement. If your bunny circles your feet and then stops and sits there, walk a slow circle around your rabbit to show him that you love him, too.
Playing is important for rabbits health. You may see your bunny pushing objects around, throwing a toss toy into the air, digging in a blanket or box, or racing around the house like a kid that's eaten too much sugar! All of those are positive signs of a happy, stimulated rabbit.
Some rabbits are dramatic floppers. They may flop over onto their sides and expose that adorable belly. A funny way they do this is to first twist their head sideways, then fling the rest of their body into line so their feet fly out to the side resulting in their trademark “flop”. Flopping is a sure sign that your rabbit feels safe and comfortable.
Head/Ear flick is a variation of the binky. Instead of twisting the entire body, a rabbit will shake her head quickly side-to-side or back, often while happily hopping back and forth.
A rabbit will tooth purr when feeling especially content. You can often feel or hear this soft clicking sound when you are petting your rabbit or massaging her cheeks.
Your bunny may bestow "kisses" on you as a sign of affection. If your bunny licks you, this shows that you make your rabbit feel safe and she's showing her love and appreciation in return.
You are trying to give your bunny a treat and he is circling your feet- why is he trying to trip you?! Foot circling is a sign of love (and can indicate sexual interest in unaltered buns) and excitement. If your bunny circles your feet and then stops and sits there, walk a slow circle around your rabbit to show him that you love him, too.
Playing is important for rabbits health. You may see your bunny pushing objects around, throwing a toss toy into the air, digging in a blanket or box, or racing around the house like a kid that's eaten too much sugar! All of those are positive signs of a happy, stimulated rabbit.
Some rabbits are dramatic floppers. They may flop over onto their sides and expose that adorable belly. A funny way they do this is to first twist their head sideways, then fling the rest of their body into line so their feet fly out to the side resulting in their trademark “flop”. Flopping is a sure sign that your rabbit feels safe and comfortable.
Expressions of Fear or Pain
Thumping can mean your rabbit perceives some kind of danger (in her opinion). Some rabbits may thump when food is being cooked or if they smell smoke or another animal on someone. They may hear something outside or in another part of the house that you can't hear and decide it's scary.
Loud Tooth Grinding can indicate pain. If you hear this, it's time to give your rabbit a good check to see what's wrong.
Screaming is a clear indication of something gone terribly wrong. A rabbit screams to show extreme pain or because his life is in danger. Immediate attention is needed.
Loud Tooth Grinding can indicate pain. If you hear this, it's time to give your rabbit a good check to see what's wrong.
Screaming is a clear indication of something gone terribly wrong. A rabbit screams to show extreme pain or because his life is in danger. Immediate attention is needed.
Expressions of Irritation or Anger
Thumping 2.0: Yes, this is in two places because rabbit thumps can mean different things and you'll need to figure it out. This could be a warning to other rabbits or to you to "back off" or "you're making me mad" or they hear or smell something that seems dangerous to them.
Grunting: Hey human! Hey other rabbit! Leave me alone! I'm in no mood to be bothered by you!
Grunting: Hey human! Hey other rabbit! Leave me alone! I'm in no mood to be bothered by you!
Territorial Expressions
Chinning: "Mine! Mine! Mine!" A rabbit's chin contains scent glands so they rub their chin on things - furniture, toys, litter box, YOU- to show ownership. This is a clear way to let other rabbits know that something belongs to her.
Droppings: Even a litter trained rabbit may leave some 'cocoa puffs' around the house, especially if there are other, unbonded rabbits in the home. This is a way for your rabbit to mark territory belonging to him and may occur more when your bunny enters a new environment. Luckily, these little gifts are easy to sweep up!
Grunts: Just like thumping, grunting can mean more than one thing. You may have moved your rabbit's stuff and she wants you to leave her things alone. Or you've gotten too close to her favorite stuffie and she wants you to back away. She's letting you know this is HER territory!
Droppings: Even a litter trained rabbit may leave some 'cocoa puffs' around the house, especially if there are other, unbonded rabbits in the home. This is a way for your rabbit to mark territory belonging to him and may occur more when your bunny enters a new environment. Luckily, these little gifts are easy to sweep up!
Grunts: Just like thumping, grunting can mean more than one thing. You may have moved your rabbit's stuff and she wants you to leave her things alone. Or you've gotten too close to her favorite stuffie and she wants you to back away. She's letting you know this is HER territory!
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One of our favorite resources about rabbit language...
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