Alert

If your rabbit has their ears forward and is looking intently in a certain direction, it means they are on high alert. This is a sign there is a possible threat or they have been startled by an abnormal sound, an unfamiliar animal or human. 

Binky

A binky is literally a jump for joy! Your rabbit is so happy that it cannot stand in one place. This is a sign that your rabbit feels safe and content.

Boxing

This is a sign that your rabbit feels unsafe or defensive. Most of the time, rabbits would prefer to run and hide instead of fight. If they are exhibiting this behavior, they either feel threatened, territorial, or it may be a trauma response. If this happens, give your rabbit space or remove whatever is upsetting them. Rabbits are usually aggressive for a reason – this is a sign of defense that they feel the need to protect themselves. 

Butt Twitching

This means that your rabbit is very happy and enjoying the food you just gave them. This can happen when they are eating their favorite treat or their cecotropes.

Cautious

A cautious rabbit will slowly tiptoe around with their ears forward and their tails down. They’ll probably pause a lot to look and listen.

Chewing

Rabbit teeth are constantly growing, so they have a natural instinct to chew. Provide sources of enrichment and bunny proof your home to avoid destruction of your belongings. If your rabbit is chewing, getting mad at them will not fix the problem! Excessive chewing can mean underlying health issues and would warrant a trip to the veterinarian.

Chin Rubbing

Rabbits have scent glands below their chins. To claim things or mark their territory, they will rub their chins on items in their space. Another common term for this behavior is chinning.

Circling

When a rabbit runs circles around your feet (or runs figure eights between your legs), this is a sign of excitement, love, or it can be hormonal behavior if they are not fixed and wanting to mate. Sometimes if they are not fixed the circling can amplify to a nip or bite due to sexual tension.

Confident

A confident rabbit will be relaxed in their environment. They will show a mixture of positive behaviors. If they are an uppity-eared bun, their ears will be resting at a comfortable 45º angle.

Curious

A curious rabbit’s body language often looks very similar to that of a cautious rabbit. They may stand on their back legs and periscope to get a better look at what is going on in their surroundings. 

Digging

In the wild, rabbits burrow for safety, warmth, and to hide their young. Digging is a natural behaviour and some rabbits enjoy digging more than others. If your rabbit is a digger, look into getting a dig box for enrichment so they can express their natural behaviour in a non-destructive way. 

Flattening

This is when rabbits flatten themselves completely onto the ground. Their body will still be tense with their paws still on the ground, their tail will be extended and down behind them, and they will be ready to run.

Flicking You Off

This means, in very strong language, that they are upset with you. They will turn their back to you and hop away while kicking their back legs. They may do this if you put them to bed, clip their nails, or do something to upset them. They may also hold a grudge until they have forgiven you. Bunnies are very sassy at times.

Flopping

Flopping is the best thing EVER! Okay, maybe not as amazing as a binky but it’s pretty magical. When a rabbit is relaxed or really happy, they will throw themselves onto their side and sleep. Some are a lot more dramatic than others. Some will be in such a deep sleep they look as though they are dead – this can give you a minor heart attack

Gentle Nudge

“Hello! Attention please hoomin……” Sometimes your rabbit will softly nudge you while putting their head down. This means that your rabbit wants you to pet them or they want a treat. This is a sign of affection and they are asking for connection. 

Grooming

Watching a bunny grooming is such a treat! Rabbits are very clean animals and they groom a lot throughout the day. Bonded pairs of rabbits will groom each other as this is a way that they show each other affection. Some rabbits will also groom their humans to show them affection. This is the best feeling ever!

Hard Nudge

If your rabbit gives you a very hard nudge with their nose, this is your rabbit telling you to get out of the way. 

Hunched Position

This one is very serious. A hunched rabbit is similar to a loaf but your rabbit will look very uncomfortable. They will have squinting eyes and be in visible discomfort. This usually means they are in pain and should see a veterinarian immediately.

Licking

Rabbits will often lick people or objects in the room. This is to mark their territory, or for comfort and affection. 

Loafing

Loafing is when your rabbit fluffs up into a ball and looks like a loaf of bread. This is generally a comfortable and content position for rabbits.

Lunging

A rabbit will lunge or swat at you if they feel threatened or territorial. 

Mounting

Rabbits will mount when they are wanting to breed, when they want to show dominance, or sometimes in times of stress. Fixed rabbits may also do this at certain times of the year – generally in the spring and summer. A lot of people notice their rabbits act out of sorts when the weather is getting warmer and spring is in the air. 

Nipping

Believe it or not, nipping is not usually an aggressive behavior. This could be a sign that they are being demanding or they are being defensive and trying to protect their space. 

Periscoping

When your rabbit stands on her hind legs, it means they are curious and trying to get a better view of their surroundings.

Scared

A scared rabbit will have their ears and tail down, and you will be able to see the whites around their eyes. They may also dart, run and hide, scream, growl, grunt, thump, and breath rapidly. 

Shaking Ears

This behaviour can have multiple meanings and it is important to watch if this behaviour is paired with other behaviours. Closely monitor this behavior to find the cause as it can mean:

• They are happy

• They have itchy ears

• They are swatting your hand away

• They may have an ear infection – Feel ears for warmth and check for redness

• They may be suffering from dental issues

Sniffing

Rabbits are farsighted and have a blind spot in front of their nose. Sometimes they need to use their sniffer to find things.

Sprawling

This is when a rabbit is laying down on their side or belly but they are not completely flopped over. Sprawling is a sign that your rabbit trusts you.

Spraying

Spraying is when rabbits mark their territory with their urine. This behaviour is most common with intact rabbits. Spaying and neutering will eliminate this behaviour.

Suddenly Running Away

Unlike zooming, which is more of a continuous dashing around the room, suddenly running away to hide somewhere means that something spooked your rabbit.

Teeth Grinding/Purring

When rabbits are happy, they will softly grind their teeth. This is called purring. Do not confuse it for pain-induced grinding which is louder and sounds more like a rough grinding.

Teeth Loudly Chattering

Not to be confused with the contented sound of teeth purring, loudly chattering teeth is a sign that your rabbit is in pain and feels discomfort. You may also notice your rabbit showing other signs of discomfort.

Throwing

When happy and playful, a rabbit will throw their toys around or shake them. They may also throw things when they are frustrated, bored, or they want something. You may notice that if you are late feeding your rabbit, they will toss their food dish.  

Thumping

A thumping rabbit means one of two things:

• “Danger! I sense danger and I’m trying to warn you.”

• “I am upset with you!”

Yawning

They’ll do this before they go to sleep and after they wake up.

Zooming

This means that your rabbit is very happy, excited, and they’re full of energy. They will zoom around the room in large circles and sometimes also be accompanied with a few binkies.