Strange, isn’t it? The way individual animals show different emotions. Well, if your rabbit is headbutting you, it is showing signs of emotion towards you. Now, most wouldn’t think it is a sign of love and affection, but it is. When your rabbit headbutts or nudges you, they show kindness towards their owner as a thank you. They could also be doing it to get attention. This is an aggressive way to show a simple thank you.
Rabbits have a bunch of different body language behaviors that, as an owner, need to be watched. Some of them can be destructive. But most of them are just you bun trying to show you love and affection for being a great owner. You want to be sure to be aware of what is going on with your bunny at all times. It is essential to ensure that their health and safety are taken care of. Here are 7 facts you should know about rabbits’ body language.
7 Facts you Should Know about your Rabbit’s Body Language
Rabbits rely on their body language to communicate to you as the owner. There are many ordinary acts of behavior that most animals use, but then there are uncommon acts that people think are a little strange. If you pay attention to detail, you can determine how your bun feels towards you, their home, and if there are underlying medical conditions to take note of. Here are 7 facts of common rabbit body language.
Binkying
It is a strange name for a cute sign of affection. Rabbits tend to look as if they are jumping for joy and flipping their ears. Well, that means that they are happy and not afraid to show it off. Bunnies may have a strange way of showing it, but this means that they love you as an owner. This is a very common act of affection that owners see a lot in their happy bunnies.
Licking and Nibbling
Rabbits tend to use grooming as a sign of affection towards each other. So, if you come across your bun nibbling, licking, or nuzzling you, they are showing you that they love you. Sometimes they won’t even be licking or nuzzling you, but a piece of clothing of yours that is nearby. If you lower yourself towards your bunny, they will continue the act of affection on you. Most animals tend to show grooming each other as a common affection tactic.
Demanding Head Rubs
Every animal loves a good head rub, but most rely on nuzzling against an owner’s body part to get attention. Not rabbits. Your bunny will nudge you, but then they will stop and lay about, waiting. This means they want a head rub from you. It could also mean that they are in charge of you and do as they say and want. Typically, owners have not usually tolerated this behavior, but it is way different from a dog. Rabbits just always believe they are in charge.
Running Around in Circles at your Feet
Combined with binkying, your bunny has never been cuter. When your rabbit runs around your feet, it tends to mean that they are happy to see you and welcome you back. Also, this could be a sign of begging. Of course, this is not the typical behavior when we think of an animal begging, but rabbits are different in so many ways. This is another highly common behavior a lot of owners experience from happy, affectionate rabbits.
Chilling Out
If you find your rabbit flops in front of you and stretches out, well, they are showing you that they feel safe and relaxed around your presence. Also, if they expose their tummy to you, they whole-heartedly trust you. Which is a big thing, bunnies tend not to show vulnerability. Be proud of the accomplishment.
Teeth Clacking
This can be one that can be missed if not paying attention. Rabbits tend to chatter their teeth lightly, which indicates that they are happy. Just like cats purr when they are petted, this is how rabbits “purr.”
Head Butting
Headbutting is a form of affection towards you as the owner in the stranges way. Rabbits will nudge and headbutt you when they are super happy and content with how you care for them. It may be a dangerous and unorthodox way for someone to show affection, but that is how rabbits show it.
A Few Other Signs of Affection
Here are a few other ways your rabbit may show you how much they appreciate you.
- Sitting in your lap: rabbits don’t tend to sit in human laps. Try it one day; they usually will kick until they are free. When your bun lays in your lap, they are showing you affection.
- Always wanting to be pet: When your rabbit tries to show how much they appreciate and love you, they continuously want to gain your attention. They will nudge, lay near you, anything to get a few strokes.
Gaining your Rabbits Trust
Rabbits can be shy animals most of the time. Trust is a big part of owning a rabbit. It is as important as feeding them every day. To ensure a healthy relationship between owner and pet, trust needs to be a part of the equation. Rabbits are prey out in the wild; they are always thinking that type of mentality. Thus, it makes them very cautious about who they want to associate themselves with and trust.
Let’s just say it doesn’t happen overnight; it takes more time for them to come out of their shell. But that is okay; you have time on your side. Just be patient, and they will start to become less wary of you and more trusting. Gaining trust is a difficult journey when it comes to rabbits. It does take time. If you need help with that journey, here are a few ways to help you closer to their trust. Be sure to follow a few of these suggestions.
Don’ Hold Them Too Often.
Because they have a prey mentality, they like to be on the ground so that they can get away. If you try and hold them a lot, you are just prolonging their trust in you.
Be Quiet
Rabbits like the quiet because they are skittish animals. Try to be as quiet as possible. It will win their trust.
They need Space
Rabbits like their space more than people understand. Be sure to give them cage space too. The more room you give them, the happier they will be. If you purchase a rabbit enclosure for exercise, This will provide them with extra space when they need it.
Treats are Great
Your bun loves treats. Fruits are perfect as a treat. Rabbits have a sweet tooth. This is a big trust booster.
Interact on their Level
Get on the floor with them. Towering over then may make them afraid of you, but they will be less fearful of you if you get on their level.
Don’t Corner on Them.
Do not corner them. Feeling trapped is not something they take lightly. They are prey. It will cause them too much stress. Plus, you can get hurt. They can lash out and bite you.
Toys are Great
Toys make rabbits feel happy and in control. There are a few DIY toys for your rabbits that you can create for them.
Spending Time With Them
Give them some attention; it may not seem like it, but rabbits love attention just like any other animal. Rabbits can be social, so try spending a few minutes or hours with them.
Bad Rabbit Behavior
Rabbits are not always happy or don’t always get along with their owner. There is a lot of trusting that needs to happen before they start showing cute body language. There are a few destructive behavioral issues that rabbits can have towards their owner. Be sure to pay attention to different actions they may do.
Boxing
Yes, your rabbit will get up on its hinge legs and look like they will box you. It may look funny, but it is far from it. Their ears will go up, and most of their weight will be on their toes as they try and swat at you. Most rabbits run away; if your pet is doing this, they are very unhappy.
Cold Shoulder
Now we have all been here, holding grudges for long periods of time for stuff we barely remember. Well, rabbits hold grudges too. For days, actually! If you are to do anything to upset them, like rearranging their cage or clipping their nails, they could hold a grudge over you for that and give you the cold shoulder. Don’t worry, though; they will eventually come around and forgive you. They don’t stay mad long.
Flicking you Off
Yes, your rabbit could potentially flick you off. This means that your rabbit will flick their back feet at you by kicking the dirt and hop away. This means that they are mad at you. This will happen when they do something they don’t like; clipping their nails, washing them, changing around their cage, etc. The cold shoulder usually follows this.
When your rabbit does this, they are showing their personality. Depending on how upset you, some will come right back and forgive you. Others will hold that grudge against you. They could be upset at you for hours or days.
Spraying
Yes, your rabbit, just like dogs, will spray their urine to mark their territory. They don’t typically spray on a vertical surface, but they will do it in short bursts. Mostly, this is common in makes, but it can happen.
Territorial
If you don’t neuter or spay your rabbits, they will be angry, aggressive, and territorial animals. When they are fixed, they are more of the gentle creatures we know and love. Your rabbit will warn you when they are in an aggressive mood; they will growl at you. It is uncommon for them to attack thought. There are only two reasons why your rabbit will bite you:
- The rabbit feels cornered, but they will most likely swat before they bite, even in a situation like this.
- You are near their territory. This is a primal act and behavior. This is how they are out in the wild. Mostly, they are like this towards other rabbits, but they can lash out at humans too.
Most rabbits are gentle, non-aggressive creatures, but if your rabbit is acting territorial and aggressive, you want to let them cool down and give them space.
Throwing
If you hear some clunking or thudding in your rabbit’s cage, it is probably because they are throwing around their toys. This can be caused by boredom or that they are upset. They will not only throw toys; they will throw food, water, bed shredding, feces, etc.
Thumping
Yes, the Bambi wasn’t entirely wrong when they named the little bunny Thumper; rabbits do have a habit of thumping their feet. It can be one of two reasons:
- Warning you there is danger.
- They are upset with you.
Sorry Disney, it is not loving or affectionate behavior. If there is danger, they will continue the tumping until whatever was causing the fear is gone. It can also be because your bun is afraid of you. But to fix that, just give them a yummy treat.
Conclusion
There are many different ways that your rabbit can show behaviors towards love and appreciation, and others can show aggressive, untrustworthy behaviors. These animals are not dogs or cats; they believe that everything is a predator, even you, the owner, because they have a prey mentality.
Headbutting is typical behavior that means they appreciate and love you, but most don’t understand what it means because of its mysterious nature. There is nothing to be alarmed about; they enjoy your company, your love, and your affection. Return it as much as you can towards your furry friend.