Rabbits are highly communicative animals with a rich vocabulary of body language, sounds, and behaviors. Understanding what your bunny is saying can strengthen your bond and help you meet their needs better.
😊 Happy & Relaxed Behaviors
🦘 Binky
What it looks like: A sudden jump, twist, and kick in mid-air. May include running and jumping repeatedly.
What it means: Pure joy and happiness! This is the ultimate sign your rabbit is content and having fun.
When you’ll see it: During playtime, after eating favorite treats, when feeling energetic
🐰 Flopping
What it looks like: Rabbit suddenly falls over on their side (can look like fainting!).
What it means: Complete relaxation and trust. They feel totally safe.
Note: First time seeing this can be scary! But it’s a good sign.
😴 Loafing/Meatloafing
What it looks like: Sitting with feet tucked under body, looking like a loaf of bread.
What it means: Comfortable and relaxed, but alert.
👅 Grooming You
What it looks like: Licking your hands, feet, face, or clothes.
What it means: Affection! You’re part of their family. May also be asking for head pets in return.
👀 Tooth Purring
What it sounds like: Soft grinding/chattering of teeth while you pet them.
What it means: Contentment (like a cat’s purr). They’re enjoying the attention!
Note: Different from loud teeth grinding, which indicates pain.
🌟 Chinning
What it looks like: Rubbing chin on objects, you, or other rabbits.
What it means: Marking territory with scent glands under chin. “This is mine!”
Why it happens: Claiming ownership, showing comfort in their environment.
💭 Curious & Interested Behaviors
🔍 Periscoping
What it looks like: Standing on hind legs to look around.
What it means: Checking out their surroundings, investigating something.
👃 Nudging
What it looks like: Pushing or bumping you with their nose/head.
What it means:
- “Pet me!” (demanding attention)
- “Move please!” (you’re in their way)
- “Hey, I’m here!” (getting your attention)
👂 Ears Forward
What it looks like: Ears pointing forward.
What it means: Alert, interested, paying attention to something ahead.
😠 Annoyed or Angry Behaviors
👣 Thumping
What it sounds like: Loud thump with back feet (can be surprisingly loud!).
What it means:
- Warning of danger (real or perceived)
- Annoyance or frustration
- Fear
- Sometimes excitement (less common)
What to do: Check for stressors, provide reassurance, give space if annoyed.
🔄 Turning Their Back/Running Away
What it looks like: Deliberately turning around and showing you their bottom, or running off.
What it means: “I’m mad at you!” Classic rabbit passive-aggressive behavior.
Common causes: Interrupted nap, stopped petting too soon, moved them, not enough treats!
😤 Grunting/Honking
What it sounds like: Low grunt or honking sound.
What it means:
- Displeasure or annoyance
- Sexual interest (if not spayed/neutered)
- Warning before nipping
🦶 Boxing/Lunging
What it looks like: Standing on hind legs and “boxing” with front paws, or quick lunge toward you.
What it means: Territorial behavior, defending space, or hormonal aggression.
Solution: Usually improves after spaying/neutering.
😬 Nipping/Biting
What it looks like: Quick nip or bite (not the same as gentle nibbles).
What it means:
- “Move!” (you’re in their way)
- “Stop that!” (don’t like what you’re doing)
- “Pay attention to me!”
- Territorial behavior
What to do: Say “No” firmly, give space. Never hit! Spay/neuter helps.
😰 Scared or Stressed Behaviors
🥶 Freezing
What it looks like: Completely motionless, barely breathing.
What it means: Fear response. Trying to avoid detection by predators.
What to do: Remove stressor, speak softly, give space to feel safe.
👂 Ears Back Flat
What it looks like: Ears pressed flat against head.
What it means: Fear, submission, or aggression (depending on body language).
🏃 Running in Circles
What it looks like: Frantic running, often in circles.
What it means:
- Panic (if accompanied by other fear signs)
- Excitement or courtship (if relaxed)
😱 Screaming
What it sounds like: High-pitched scream (very rare, sounds disturbing).
What it means: Extreme fear or pain. This is serious!
What to do: Check for injuries immediately, remove danger, consider vet visit.
🔄 Natural Behaviors
🌙 Crepuscular Activity
What it means: Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk.
What to expect: Your bunny will be sleepy mid-day and night, energetic morning/evening.
Tip: Schedule playtime for early morning or evening.
💩 Cecotropes (Eating Poops)
What it looks like: Rabbit eating soft, shiny droppings directly from their bottom.
What it is: NOT regular poop! These are cecotropes – nutritious pellets that must be re-ingested.
Why it happens: Essential part of rabbit digestion. They extract additional nutrients.
When to worry: If you see many cecotropes left behind (diet issue or obesity preventing reach).
🛏️ Digging
What it looks like: Scratching at carpet, blankets, corners.
What it means: Natural instinct to dig burrows.
Solution: Provide dig box filled with shredded paper. Redirect to appropriate area.
📦 Chewing
What it means: Essential for dental health and natural behavior.
Solution: Provide appropriate chew toys (wood, hay-based). Bunny-proof to protect belongings.
🏰 Rearranging
What it looks like: Moving toys, bowls, litter boxes around with mouth.
What it means: Territorial behavior, making their space how they want it.
Tip: Let them! It’s their space too.
❤️ Bonding & Social Behaviors
📊 Body Language Quick Reference
| Body Part | Position | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ears | Forward | Alert, interested |
| Back/flat | Scared or angry | |
| Relaxed | Comfortable | |
| Tail | Up | Happy, confident |
| Twitching | Excited or mildly annoyed | |
| Body | Stretched out | Relaxed, comfortable |
| Hunched, tense | Scared or in pain | |
| Loaf shape | Relaxed but alert | |
| Nose | Fast wiggling | Excited, alert |
| Slow/no wiggling | Relaxed or worried (check other signs) |
❌ Problem Behaviors & Solutions
Problem: Aggressive Behavior (lunging, biting, boxing)
Causes:
- Hormones (not spayed/neutered)
- Territorial behavior
- Fear or pain (check our health issues guide)
- Lack of socialization
Solutions:
- ✓ Spay/neuter (reduces 90% of territorial aggression)
- ✓ Give space, don’t force interaction
- ✓ Clean cage from above, not reaching in
- ✓ Use treats to build positive associations
- ✓ Never punish – redirect instead
- ✓ Rule out pain (vet check)
Problem: Destructive Chewing (furniture, baseboards, cords)
Why it happens: Natural behavior + boredom
Solutions:
- ✓ Bunny-proof everything important (learn how in our habitat setup guide)
- ✓ Provide LOTS of appropriate chew toys
- ✓ Block access to tempting areas
- ✓ Redirect to appropriate items
- ✓ More exercise and mental stimulation
- ✓ Use bitter apple spray on items (test first)
Problem: Litter Box Issues (peeing/pooping outside box)
Causes:
- Not spayed/neutered (marking territory)
- Medical issue (UTI, arthritis)
- Litter box too small or dirty
- Wrong litter type
Solutions:
- ✓ Spay/neuter
- ✓ Vet check for medical issues
- ✓ Use larger litter box
- ✓ Clean daily
- ✓ Multiple boxes if large space
- ✓ Put hay near/in box
- ✓ Restrict space during retraining
💡 Understanding Your Individual Rabbit
Every rabbit is unique! While these behaviors are common, your bunny may have their own special quirks and communication style.
Tips for Understanding YOUR Rabbit:
- 📝 Keep a behavior journal – note patterns
- ⏰ Observe at different times of day
- 📹 Record videos to catch subtle behaviors
- 🤝 Spend quiet time just watching
- ❤️ Learn their individual preferences
- 🎯 Pay attention to context
🎯 Key Takeaways:
- ✅ Rabbits are highly communicative – learn their language
- ✅ Context matters – same behavior can mean different things
- ✅ Spaying/neutering resolves many behavior issues
- ✅ Never punish – redirect and reward good behavior
- ✅ Trust takes time – be patient
- ✅ Each rabbit is an individual with unique personality
- ✅ Changes in behavior can indicate health issues
📖 Related Guides to Help You Understand Your Rabbit Better:
- Create an enriching habitat – Proper enrichment reduces boredom and behavior problems
- Master grooming techniques – Handle your rabbit confidently and build trust through grooming
- Recognize health issues – Changes in behavior often signal pain or illness
Final Thought: The more time you spend with your rabbit, the better you’ll understand their unique personality and communication style. Be observant, patient, and responsive to their needs. A well-understood bunny is a happy bunny! 🐰💚
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