House Rabbit Behavior and Bunny Body Language
- Jessica O'dwyer
- Jul 26, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 13, 2022
If you are already the owner of a rabbit or two, you know how fun and full of personality they can be. But it's hard to know what they are thinking or feeling since rabbits can be hard to read and have many different ways of expressing themselves with behaviors and body language quirks. What do different types of bunny behavior, postures, and actions mean?
Here's some insight into the language of bunnies:
Pet bunny hopping or dancing
Hopping or dancing is a sign of pure joy and happiness. The bunny’s “dancing” can include leaping, doing a binky (jumping straight up and spinning in the air), and racing around.
Binky ("I'm excited about life!")
An energetic movement where a rabbit hops up in the air kicks out his legs and perhaps a little twist. If your rabbit binkies, it means that he is happy, excited, and probably has a lot of energy.
Rabbit flop, Fish Flop ("Life is good")
When a rabbit dramatically gets into a resting position by suddenly 'flopping' onto its side. If your bunny fish flops, he is relaxed and ready to nap. Fish flops tend to look like sudden and dramatic death, but there's no need to be concerned, A bunny flop is very comical and indicates a contented bunny.
Territorial rabbit chinning behavior, Chinning=("MINE")
Kind of like a cat will rub its face on people or objects, this is your bunny's way of 'claiming' things...or your rabbits rub their chins (which contain scent glands) on items to get their scent on them. This behavior indicates that the items belong to them and also defines their territory. The scent is undetectable to humans.
Grunting ("Back off!" or "Leave me alone!")
Why do rabbits grunt? If your rabbit grunts, it usually means she is angry – and possibly feels threatened. Sometimes, grunting is followed by a nip or bite or a lunge or a thump, your bun is letting you know his disapproval of your actions. Some rabbits do not like it when you rearrange their cages as you clean; they may grunt, charge, or even nip you when you try. They are creatures of habit and once they get things just right, they like them to remain that way.
Thumping or stomping ("Im Sensing something dangerous" or "Leave me alone")
One solid thump that may happen in intervals. This means that your bunny hears, smells, or sees something that he feels is a threat, so he is letting everyone know there is danger afoot. Or he may thump to show displeasure with you, or this indicates that he or she is frightened, mad, or sensing danger (real or imagined).
Soft or loud teeth grinding noise
Teeth Clicking or Soft Teeth Grinding ("That feels good and makes me happy")
Typically done when being a pet in a way that pleases your bunny. Rabbits may softly grind their teeth when they are content (such as when you’re petting them)
LOUD Teeth Grinding ("I'm in severe pain")
Loud teeth grinding, however, can indicate that the rabbit is in pain or is ill. Something is very wrong; time to get the bunny to your bunny vet immediately. Take your bunny to a rabbit veterinarian if you hear loud teeth grinding.
Rabbit circling your feet (“I love you.”)
When a bunny circles a person’s feet or legs, this behavior usually indicates sexual or mating behavior (even when your rabbit is neutered). It basically means
Playing("weeeee!")
How do rabbits play? Well, they like to push or toss objects around. They may also race madly around the house, jump on and off the furniture, and act like children who have had too much sugar. Rabbits love toys and some will play for hours with a favorite toy. Rabbits love to play by tossing objects around, chasing one another, or playing hide & seek.
Honking ("Hey, baby")
Often accompanied by circling; it's part of the courting process.
Circling ("Let's get married and have babies")
Simply put, this is courting behavior.
Mounting ("Let's make those babies now" or "I'm in charge here!")
Depending on the situation, this is done for domination or simply because the mounter wants to mate.
Licking ("I love and trust you" or "You're filthy, let me clean you")
Licking is either done out of affection or for grooming.
Back Kicking ("You're dead to me")
Flicking both back legs out as if kicking dirt onto you while hopping away. This is pretty much the equivalent of your bunny giving you the finger. Or kicking dirt at you.
Nose-nudging ("Pay attention to me" or "Get out of my way")
Maybe a request for pets or he wants you to get out of his way.
Rabbit nipping or biting ("Pay attention to me NOW" or "Stop that")
This may be used as a warning, a demand for attention, or sometimes during grooming. A bunny nip is gentler than a bite. Bunnies will nip to get your attention or politely ask you to move out of their way. Rabbits usually do not bite, but if one does, it doesn’t mean he hates you. There are many reasons that might cause a rabbit to bite; for example, he might bite if you grab at him or surprise him. A rabbit may also accidentally bite while tugging at your pant leg. Another reason rabbits bite is that they have a poor up-close vision, so they may think that your finger coming toward them is food — or a predator.
To put a stop to rabbit bites, immediately let out a shrill cry when you are bitten. Rabbits do this when they are hurt. Since they usually do not intend to hurt you, they will be surprised that you have cried out and will usually stop the behavior after a few times.
Rabbit in distress: Shrill screams or screaming ("I'm in agony" or "I'm terrified that my life is in danger")
This is an indication that your rabbit is hurt or dying. Please seek immediate medical attention. This rabbit either needs to be taken to a vet right away (if in pain), or needs soothing with soft talking. He should also have a spot that makes him feel safe where he can hide.
Lunging ("I feel threatened and must defend myself")
This sometimes happens when you are reaching into your bunny's living space, or doing something that makes him feel unsafe. One way to help ease your bunny's fears is to put your hand on his head and talk gently to him as you do what you need to do in his space. Rabbits typically don't like their stuff moved or cleaned (they like their stuff to smell like them), so if you are cleaning or tidying a bunny's living space and it upsets him, you can always put him in a different area while you do the necessary.
Lowering head ("Groom Me")
The dominant rabbit will lower his or her head to another rabbit, demanding to be groomed. Sometimes this is a power struggle of both rabbits lowering their head to the other, wanting to be groomed/loved. This is also a sign of submission.
Loafing ("I'm just resting, but can take off at a second's notice" or "I'm uncomfortable")
Your rabbit looks like a nicely rounded loaf of bread when sitting in this position.
Ears Back: ("I'm not listening" or "I don't like that")
You should be able to tell if your rabbit is tense or relaxed when his ears are in this position. If he is on the offense and tense with ears back, give your rabbit some space to cool down.
Ears Up ("I'm 100% listening")
Your bunny is alert and in tune with whatever it is he is listening to.
One ear back, one forward ("I may or may not be listening")
Your bunny is pretty much indifferent when his ears are in this position.
Spraying ("This is my territory")
Typically done by unaltered rabbits, or sometimes done when in a new environment, especially one with other pets, Why do male and female bunnies spray? They are marking their territory. Un-neutered males will mark female rabbits and their territory by spraying them with urine. Unspayed females can also indulge in this behavior. It’s another good reason to spay or neuter your rabbits.
Rabbit marking territory with droppings, Territory droppings ("I must let the world know that this is my space")
When a bun leaves a few turds in a designated spot or all over, this is territory marking and typically stops with neutering/spaying. Droppings that are not in a pile, but are scattered about, are signs that this territory belongs to the rabbit. This behavior will sometimes occur when a rabbit enters a new environment or if another rabbit is brought into the house. It may be temporary or ongoing. Droppings done in piles indicate that the rabbit needs more litter box training.
Tail wagging ("You can't make me!" or "I'm going to attack!")
Typically signifies defiance and is sometimes done right before a spray. This may also mean your rabbit is feeling aggressive or 'frisky'.
Upright tail ("I'm excited!" or "Let's play!")
Your bun is happy/excited and ready to play!
Pulling out fur ("I must prepare a nest" or "Something is wrong")
Unaltered females do this when they go into heat. They pull fur from their dewlap (the extra fat under their chin, I call it a 'built-in pillow') when they are ready to start nesting for babies. Unaltered females will do this whether they are pregnant or not. To ensure your bunny has a long, healthy life, it is important to get them neutered or spayed. If your bunny is pulling fur out that is not for this purpose, take him to a rabbit-savvy vet in your area.
False pregnancy in rabbits
Even though a rabbit may not be pregnant, an un-spayed female sometimes builds a nest and pulls hair from her chest and stomach to line the nest. She may even stop eating — behavior that usually occurs the day before she gives birth.
Training pet rabbits and reducing undesirable behavior
Bunnies, like other pets, are occasionally naughty. When that happens, remember that you should never hit a rabbit. It’s cruel and they don’t understand why they are in trouble. They can also become very angry and aggressive if provoked. Instead of punishing bad behavior, it’s usually far more effective to use positive reinforcement to encourage your rabbit to behave in the way you would like. Like many other pets, rabbits can be clicker-trained.
Always be consistent when disciplining rabbits and don’t expect too much from them. Here are two humane things to try if your rabbit is being a bit ornery:
Shout “no” or clap your hands.
Thump your foot, like a rabbit, to convey your displeasure.
You can help reduce undesirable behavior in your rabbit by spaying or neutering, bunny proofing your house, and providing plenty of toys.
If there is a behavior that you would like more information on, please send us a note, and we will add it to this list!
Please check out the bunny lady's website as it is very helpful and has amazing pictures https://bunnylady.com/rabbit-body-language/
Also, check out these great videos of the sounds that bunnies make.
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