Written by Rabbit Hole Hay Team
Most of all, you know you’re a rabbit owner when you can read what your rabbit is trying to say. Such as the following behaviors, posted by Rabbit Advocates:
Ears forward - "What's that you say?"
Ears back - Either "I don't like that," or "wake me for supper." Here 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 the latter.
One ear back, one ear forward - "I hear you but I'm not paying that much attention."
Nose nudge - "Pet me, pet me now" or "move, you're in my way."
Tooth clicking - "I'm so happy I'm purring!"
Nipping - Can be either a warning (see Aggression) or a way to groom since rabbits lick and nibble to groom each other.
Licking - "I love you" or "wow, you need a bath."
Lunging - If directed at you with ears back, chin forward and tail up, it clearly means "back off."
Circling - If your feet are being circled as you walk across the room, your bunny could be saying, "let's play!" If he has not been neutered or she has not been spayed, you're being targeted for love.
Dancing - A run followed by a jump and a 180-degree mid-air turn is an example of joyous abandon and says "Yippee!" This is known as a "binky".
Foot Thumping - It could be a warning to you("leave me alone") or a warning for you ("something is amiss here and you need to alert the others"). Something has startled your rabbit and he is informing the rest of the warren and trying to ward off predators with a big sound.
Last but not least, you know you’re a rabbit owner if you are reading our blog about rabbit care and love ordering our fresh timothy hay!
Have we sparked other ideas for you? Share with us by filling in the blank, “You know you’re a rabbit owner when ____________” in the comments below. We’d love to hear your responses!
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