Having pets is one thing but sometimes, we just don’t understand what they are doing. Like us humans, animals too have certain behavior that indicates something. Rabbits, like many other animals, have their own unique body language.
Rabbits have their own sophisticated language. Their ears, tail, nose, body position, and some vocalizations are used to communicate with one another. Understanding them can be a little hard but here’s how you can decipher the code to understand exactly what your little fluff-ball is trying to communicate.
1. Flattening
Picture: New Rabbit Owner
Your rabbits’ ears give away a lot about how they’re feeling. If they press their ears against their bodies, it could indicate that they are stressed or anxious. In the wild, rabbits will flatten their bodies to hide. But don’t confuse them with being relaxed. At times, bunnies lay flat when you pat them.
2. Alert
Picture: Pinterest
A rabbit’s ears are up, erect, and pointed in a specific direction, indicating that it is aware of noises and sounds. When rabbits believe there is a threat, they usually go into high alert mode. It’s also worth noting that rabbits have a better sense of hearing than humans, so they may be hearing sounds that our ears miss.
3. Relax and confident
Picture: Photography
When a rabbit’s ears are at a 45-degree angle, it signifies the animal is relaxed and at ease in its surroundings. In addition, their nose will twitch at a usual rate. This is a rabbit’s regular body language; they are at ease in their surroundings and are not afraid of any threats.
4. Periscoping
Picture: Pawtastic Pets
When a rabbit stands on its hind legs, it indicates that it is curious and attempting to get a better perspective of its surroundings. Rabbits adopt the same technique to beg for food. Periscoping is one of the cutest rabbit body languages and is also irresistible for us humans to ignore.
5. Shaking ears
Picture: Wag
There are several reasons why rabbits shake their ears. Sometimes they twitch their heads to show they are happy, But sometimes, it means otherwise. When you approach your bunny and it shakes it ears, it means that they are not interested in being pet at the moment. If your rabbit shakes its ears frequently or starts scratching its ears, it can mean they feel itchy. and call also means there’s an infection.
6. Sniffing
Picture: Stock Vault
When rabbits twitch their nose and examine their surroundings, it indicates that they are curious and want to investigate. More scent receptors come into contact with the air when they wiggle their nose. This means they’re more likely to notice and recognise odours in their surroundings. Sometimes you might notice your rabbit sniffing objects very closely, that’s because they are far-sighted.
7. Angry
Picture: Here Bunny
If your rabbit turns and walks away, flicking its rear feet, it’s a sign that they’re upset and would want to be left alone for a while. The rabbit’s ears are frequently pressed against the back in this condition. When you let your rabbit down after holding them for too long, this is a common occurrence. Thumping back legs, on the other hand, indicate an angry or threatened rabbit who wants you to stay away.
8. Throwing
Picture: My House Rabbit
Rabbits are known to fling things around. Toys, water, and food bowls are examples of such items. When rabbits are playing, this happens. But keep in mind that when a rabbit is frustrated or bored, he or she may toss items around. This is common among rabbits maintained in a hutch that is too tiny.
9. Boxing
Picture: Kingsway Boxing Gym
The boxing behaviour is demonstrated when rabbits stand up on their back legs and raise their front paws to box at anyone who approaches them. This action implies that the bunny is dissatisfied and irritated. When two rabbits fight, or when individuals introduce their pet rabbit to a dog, you may notice this behaviour. Although you may believe the bunny is being cute, they are actually terrified and ready to fight and defend themselves.
Sources: Jaw Dropping Facts, The Bunny Lady
