Rabbit facts so you be able to understand your house rabbit better:
Rabbits are quiet creatures and they usually do not make a sound. However, they have their own way of communicating through their body language
- If you learn about and know the way house rabbits communicate, then it will be easier for you to understand your rabbit.
- Did you know rabbits purr? Like cats, they do this when they are content.
- Rabbits can also growl when they feel threatened.
Here are the meanings of some house rabbit’s communicating behaviour:
Chin Rubbing – Is when your rabbit goes around rubbing his chin on objects to mark out his territory. They have scent glands located under their chin so they can leave their scent on things. This way when other rabbits wander into this area they will know it belongs to another rabbit. Your rabbit will also feel safe in their own territory. Male rabbits usually do the chin rubbing.
Ear Shaking – When your rabbit shakes it’s ears it indicates they are annoyed or that something smells unpleasant to them. So.. if you are holding your rabbit and he shakes his ears, it’s his way of telling you he wants you to put him down! Ignoring this may result in him attempting to jump from your grasp.
Flattening – When a stranger or another animal frightens your rabbit, he will crouch to the ground. His ears will flatten against his body and his eyes will look wide with terror. Assure your buddy that he is safe and move him and/or whatever has caused him to feel his safety is being threatened.
Playing dead indicates a content rabbit
Kicking – There are two types of kicking your rabbit may do. The first type is a ferocious kick while being held if he doesn’t feel safe. Or it could be because he is being correctly held and merely wants to escape. Be very careful, because your rabbit will likely try to jump out of your embrace. If this happens he may fall from a considerable height or fall onto something and injure himself. The second is a joyful kick when he is out playing and running around.
A word of caution:
Since rabbits have powerful hind legs you must be careful to make sure they do not hurt themselves. Their backs are very sensitive and if held incorrectly OR if they kick incorrectly, they can break their backs.
Licking – If your rabbit licks you he is usually showing a sign of affection and communicating that he considers you to be his buddy.
Thumping – Rabbits thump their hind legs as a warning sign. They are telling you and other rabbits danger is near. Take a look to see if there is animals nearby then reassure your rabbit that he is safe.
Lying Down – When your rabbit is comfortable and / or sleeping he will lay on his side with his feet stretched out in front of him. They can look as though they are dead when they do this. If you see your rabbit lying on his belly with his hind legs stretched out behind him know he is feeling very comfortable and content.
Sounds – Your rabbit will make sounds to communicate with you and other rabbits. When they Hiss or Growl they are exhibiting aggression. Hissing or growling is a warning to back off! They will sometimes surprise their owners by doing this as an annoyance response to something they’d ordinarily be tolerant of - like their food being interfered with.
Purring – Will let you know your rabbit is content. It’s not like a cat’s purring, it’s teeth chattering that makes a rabbit purr.
Teeth Grinding – Soft teeth grinding signals a happy content rabbit. Loud teeth grinding is a sure sign of your rabbit being in pain.
Rabbits usually scream when they feel threatened
Screaming - is when a rabbit is very frightened and is being approached or attacked by a predator. If your rabbit screams it’s a bone chilling scream. Wild rabbit screams and are not a pleasant sound.
Sitting Up – When your rabbit sits up on his hind legs he is checking and sensing his surroundings to ensure there is no trouble around. His ears, nose and eyes scan the area looking, listening and smelling for any trouble.
Spraying – Males that have not been neutered will spray urine to mark their territory. So they will go around and spray areas that they think are theirs, one of the reasons why it is a good idea to have them neutered.
Knowing these rabbit facts will help you to better understand your rabbit and feel at ease around him. Rabbits react better to people who are relaxed, than to people who are nervous. Rabbits are sensitive to when someone is feeling tense, so being aware of this should enable you have a better rapport when it comes to enjoying each other’s company!
Source:
Petrabbitinfo.com
