03/07/2023
RABBIT BODY LANGUAGE AND BEHAVIOR
Part 3️⃣- OTHER MISCELLANEOUS BEHAVIORS
~Ears - A rabbit’s radar. They are used for tuning into what’s going on around them. Their ears are both expressive & inquisitive. See graphic by The Rabbit House
~Grunts - Rabbits grunt when they feel threatened, or to show their disapproval, it means “leave me alone” -or- “back off!” Some show their disapproval by grunting to protect what is theirs (space, food, etc.) from a human or another rabbit. It can be followed with a bite.😲
~Chinning - A scent gland is located under a rabbit’s chin. Rubbing with the underside of the chin is your rabbit’s way of marking his/her territory – “this belongs to me”.
~Poops - that are not in a pile, but are scattered means this territory belongs to me. This may occur if it’s a new area or if another unbonded rabbit goes into the play area of the same house.
~Periscoping - When your rabbit stands on its hind legs and turns its head, it looks around to get a better view from up high.
~Begging - Rabbits are particularly good at begging, especially for sweets. It's hard to resist those eyes and that cute mouth, but remember treats make rabbits fat too!
~Tooth-Purrs – Your rabbit is very contentment – meaning “I’m a happy rabbit.” Think of it as a cat purring. It usually occurs while your rabbit is being pet/stroked or when they are completely relaxed and comfortable with their environment.
~Tooth-Grinding - indicates severe pain, discomfort, or stress. Often, body language accompanying tooth-grinding is that of a rabbit sitting hunched up in corner of a room or cage. Your rabbit is sick! Contact your rabbit savvy veterinarian IMMEDIATELY!
Our rabbits have lots of behaviors, more than we’ve listed the last several days. They keep us on our toes!
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While we try to ensure information we share is accurate, we do not guarantee it is right for every rabbit, all the time. We are not vets. You should always contact your rabbit savvy vet.
Sources: wikiHow, Beloved Rabbits, PetMD, Bestfriends, Rabbit Resource, Bunny Hugga, House Rabbit Society, The Rabbit House