{"id":556,"date":"2020-04-05T08:43:31","date_gmt":"2020-04-05T08:43:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bunnyparents.com\/?p=556"},"modified":"2024-01-07T15:34:40","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T15:34:40","slug":"understanding-your-bunnys-behaviour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bunnyparents.com\/understanding-your-bunnys-behaviour\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Your Bunny’s Behaviour"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Imagine if our bunnies could talk to us. Understanding our bunny\u2019s behaviour and mood would be a breeze! Sadly, we are stuck with reading body language and other communication strategies from our furry children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bunnies communicate with us through their behaviour giving us subtle clues to how they are feeling or what they want through body language and noises. Understanding these cues can help us as bunny parents to better understand our bunnies.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some bunny behaviours indicate they are happy, while others may indicate they are sad or want attention. Aggression can also manifest itself as unwanted behaviour and there are some solutions that can help you discourage these behaviours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can you recognise some of these behaviours in your bunny?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Low grunting <\/strong>\u2013 this type of grunt is a sign that your bunny is satisfied and feeling well. Not all bunnies make noises, so don\u2019t think your bunny isn\u2019t happy if they don\u2019t make grunts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Teeth purring<\/strong> \u2013 when your bunny is relaxed and content, you will often hear them softly grinding their teeth. At first thought, it may seem like they are having teeth problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, this is the bunny version of purring and showing happiness. You\u2019ll likely hear them purr when you are petting and stroking them as they lay flat next to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Binky<\/strong> \u2013 a bunny binky is when they jump in the air with excitement while kicking in the air and shaking their head. Often they will also turn in the air. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It may seem like your bunny has been startled by something or is scared. But this is their way of expressing happiness and playfulness. If your bunny doesn\u2019t bink, there may be something in their environment that is making them unhappy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flopping<\/strong> \u2013 this is where your bunny tips or throws themselves over onto their side. It is the ultimate sign of trust and feelings of happiness and being comfortable with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It may take many months for your bunny to feel comfortable enough to do this. We swear our bunny knows when we want to take a picture of her when she has flopped as she turns back as soon as the camera is pointed at her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grooming themselves<\/strong> \u2013 when this is done with you in their presence, it means your bunny trusts you. They are comfortable enough to ignore their surroundings while the clean themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Licking you<\/strong> \u2013 this is your bunny saying I love you! It can also be your bunny telling you to give them some attention. There are even more signs your bunny loves you in our article \u201cHow Do You Know If Your Bunny Loves You.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Licking the floor directly in front of them<\/strong> \u2013 an indirect way of grooming directed at you. They will also groom any clothing you have lying around. They can smell your scent so it\u2019s their way of grooming you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tail held high<\/strong> \u2013 an act of excitement. Usually for a new toy or from another bunny friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Running circles around your feet<\/strong> \u2013 this is usually paired with continuous grunting. It is a mating behaviour and can happen even if your bunny is neutered. It is a sign that he loves you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Low squealing <\/strong>\u2013 a very soft noise that you can only hear when you are close like teeth grinding. This is usually a sign that the bunny doesn\u2019t want to be pet anymore and wants to be left alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Loud teeth grinding <\/strong>\u2013 look out for loud grinding of the teeth especially when it is paired with a hunched over position as this is a sign that your bunny is in a lot of pain. Call your vet immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Showing you their bum<\/strong> \u2013 the bunny equivalent of flipping the bird. They feel insulted or displeased and want you to know it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kicking backward<\/strong> \u2013 your bunny is protesting. Similar to the reason your bunny might be exposing their bum to you. They feel displeased about something you\u2019ve done. It could be something as simple as having a dirty litter box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shaking the head<\/strong> \u2013 likely means your bunny is irritated or has been disturbed. She may sense an unknown odour or has had enough of grooming.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHappy Bunny Behaviour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unhappy Bunny Behaviour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Relaxed Bunny Behaviour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n