Rabbit Behavior: What Is Your Rabbit Telling You?

If you haven’t already noticed, your rabbit does some pretty quirky little moves and makes some interesting rabbit noises. If you’re new to being a bunny owner or even a seasoned rabbit owner we’re sure you’ve been confused by some of your rabbit's movements and sounds from time to time. Believe it or not there’s meaning behind each little movement and sound. To provide the best rabbit care possible keep reading so you know what their moves mean and what they are trying to communicate to you!

Thumping

Thump, thump, thump! Have you seen your rabbit do this? What’s all the ruckus about anyways? Rabbits typically thump when they are frightened, angry or annoyed. The thumping goes back to being a prey animal in which they would alert all of their other bun friends to a danger or threat by making a thumping sound. With your domestic rabbit they will probably thump because they’re angry or annoyed with you—maybe because you won’t give them a treat or they know your thinking about putting them back in their cage or your doing something they don't like. Thumping is a pretty common rabbit behavior, so don't let it startle you.

Binky

Have you seen your rabbit run/hop off and do a really creative high kick with their back legs or twist around while jumping? Yep, that’s a binky. You will see your rabbit binky when it’s happy and playful. Embrace these binkies-they can be very cute and rather funny! Plus, if you’re seeing lots of binkies that means you’re doing a great job at being a rabbit owner and providing awesome care. Go you!

Flopping

You know how after a super long day at work, the first thing you do when you walk into your house is flop onto the couch? Well, that’s kind of how it is for your pet. If you see your rabbit randomly flop onto the ground, there’s no need to worry! Your rabbit is in a state of utter relaxation and happiness. A lot of the times they will quickly fall asleep (nap time anyone?) once they have flopped down, no need to worry as everything is fine!

Teeth Grinding

When your rabbit is happy and content they may grind their teeth very softly. It may sound like your rabbit is almost purring. This rabbit sounds is a good one!

On the other hand, your rabbit can grind its teeth loudly, which often means they are in pain. If it persists a trip to the vet should be in order!

Chin Rubbing

Have you ever seen your rabbit rubbing its chin on different objects, or on you? Well, did you know that rabbits have scent glands underneath their chins in which they use to scent mark their territory? Yep! But the thing is only other rabbits can smell it. The scent is not detectable to humans so you don’t have to worry about your rabbit stinking anything up. Let them chin rub away!

Licking

This sign of affection is pretty fluid throughout the animal culture. Licks equal love. If your rabbit is licking you they want you to know that they love you!

Squealing/Screaming

Your rabbit is frightened or is in pain, it’s pretty easy to detect that they are in distress because the sound is pretty horrid. This bunny behavior is a bad one. Do not ignore this. Take your rabbit to the vet immediately, especially if it persists and if you can’t identify the reason why they are scared.

These are some of the basics when it comes to rabbit communication and rabbit talk. Now you’ll know what your talking rabbit is trying to tell you!

Understanding rabbit communication is a big part of being a caring rabbit owner. Curious about other rabbit basics that are important to know to keep your little one happy and healthy? Download our Rabbit Starter Kit today and get access to our rabbit term glossary and more!