Understanding the subtle signals your rabbit exhibitss
Understanding Your Rabbit's Mood: A Guide to Reading Your Bunny's Body Language
Rabbits, much like humans, express their emotions through body language. Understanding these signals can help you provide a comfortable environment and ensure your pet is always feeling its best.
Happy rabbits are typically active, curious, and playful. A happy rabbit will have a good appetite and spend a significant amount of time each day happily munching its hay. One of the most joyful behaviours of a happy bunny is the binky – a leap into the air and a twist of the body that expresses joy and excitement. Another sign of happiness is flopping over onto their side, indicating contentment and relaxation. Happy rabbits may also quietly grind their teeth, similar to a cat’s purr, as a sign of contentment.
In contrast, distressed rabbits exhibit different behaviours. They may sit in a crouched position with tense muscles and flattened ears, or they may hold themselves very still, with tense muscles, erect ears, dilated pupils, and loud thumping sounds on the ground. Distressed rabbits may also thump their hind leg to signal stress or anxiety, whine (whimper) which indicates fear or nervousness, or growl as a warning or sign of being cornered or territorial. Loud teeth grinding is a clear sign of pain or severe discomfort, rather than happiness.
Recognizing these signals can help owners provide a comfortable environment and intervene early if their rabbit is upset or unwell. Binkies are often seen in younger or more energetic rabbits, but older bunnies can also exhibit this behaviour. Knowing a rabbit's unique patterns can alert owners when something may be worth getting checked by a vet.
Rabbits need plenty of space to display their happy behaviours, such as running and binkies. However, they can also display signs of aggression, such as sitting on their hind legs in a boxing-style stance, growling, or biting. A scared or anxious rabbit may flatten its body to the ground, with paws under the body ready to run. An angry or distressed rabbit may run away with flattened ears and back feet flicking.
Dr. MacMillan suggests that a content rabbit may be seen in a crouched position with muscles tensed, indicating possible anxiety or worry. Dr. MacMillan notes that some bunnies may do a mini version of a binky, twisting their head and shoulders slightly as they run and shaking their ears.
Knowing a rabbit's body language can help owners tune into their bunny and ensure they are always feeling their best. A cheerful rabbit will be a curious one, engaging with their toys, the environment, and their owners. A rabbit that feels afraid may try to hide away.
Rebecca, a vet surgeon, writes on various feline and canine topics, including behaviour, nutrition, and health. Her latest book, a popular reference book for rabbit owners worldwide, focuses on rabbit behaviour and body language. By understanding your rabbit's body language, you can build a stronger bond with your pet and ensure it lives a happy, healthy life.
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