Understanding Your Rabbit’s Behavioral Communication

[AJE]

Understanding Your Rabbit’s Behavioral Communication

Rabbits are usually silent but that does not mean that they have nothing to say. Body language is their primary mode of communication but they do make some vocalizations. In addition, rabbits are second language learners and can understand some human-speak. Their behavior and communication methods have evolved from their wild ancestors responses to their place in the animal kingdom as prey animals, their collective socialization patterns, and their individual dynamics of social behavior.

Composed by Lauri & Amber Evans

:roll: Grunting: Anger reaction to human behavior or another rabbit
--territory or our fighting

:P Tooth-Clicking: Pleasure/ contentment: petting

:idea: Circling: attention of human

:wink: Thumping: attention of human or fear warning

Nose-Nudging: Pet Now or move item

Flopping Down: Total Comfort

Dancing: 180 airborne circle leaps & kicks
Happy as can be

:roll: Nipping: attention of human legs/feet
Attention of rabbit to groom

:lol: Licking: give affection to human or rabbit



Dusty my beloved rabbit RIP

[AlumniClub]

Excellent Information!!!!!!!


Thank you AJE!!!


RedRaven

[AJE]

:cry: Screaming: yes this is sheer terror
I have heard a wild rabbit scream when caught by a hawk and I have heard my own epileptic rabbit do it when I tried to hold him down. It sounds like a terrified child.

Dusty was the epileptic

[AJE]

These are from the WI House Rabbit Society
Rabbit Behavior

Growling – may indicate an aggressive mood usually provoked by an assumed attack. It may also be followed by a lunge, scratch or bite so it's important to pay attention when you hear this sound.

AJE NOTE***When rabbits doen't get along, they are fighting and need to be seperated immediatly***

Low Squealing – most rabbits use this when they want to be put down and allowed to run free.

AJE NOTE***I usually never hear this, they just give us a friendly nip***

Gnashing the Teeth – means the rabbit is completely relaxed. It usually occurs when the rabbit is being petted.

AJE NOTE***The critter is asleep!!!***

Purring – indicates a willingness on the part of the buck to court and mate.


Thumping or Tapping – occurs when the rabbit is very frightened or very excited. In the world of rabbits, thumping is used in burrows to announce danger to the other rabbits.

AJE NOTE***Or very angry at us, their very sensitive to change***

Tense Body and an Upright Tail – indicates excitement.

AJE NOTE***I have not seen this behavior in my domestic rabbits, but I have seen it in the cottentail, hares and Jackrabbits***

Tense Sitting Position with Ears Laid Back – the rabbit is ready to defend herself.

AJE NOTE***Carefull this rabbit will attack!***

Rubbing with underside of chin and all kinds of objects – indicates that these things are part of his territory. Both male and female rabbits mark their territory this way.

AJE NOTE***Just like a dog marking territory***

Nudging with Muzzle – your rabbit wants attention.

AJE NOTE***Pet ME! Message ME! Scratch ME!***

Rolling Over on His/Her Side or Back – a sign of pure delight and total comfort with his surroundings.

AJE NOTE***A happy bun will always do this behavior!***