BUNNY BEHAVIOR

Ears down / tense / cringing when touched:  Bunny is very scared.  Give them time to slowly get used to you.  Try spending time nearby on your phone or reading a book, not even touching them.  Allow them to come to you when they are ready.

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Ears up / eyes wide:  Bunny is alert.

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Ears down / eyes wide / sharp movements:  This is an aggressive movement and may be accompanied by a grunt or a bite.  This bunny may be mad or scared.

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Ears down / eyes relaxed:  Bunny is comfortable, relaxed, and maybe a little sleepy.

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Lying flat with legs kicked out:  Bunny is comfortable and relaxed, although if their ears are up, they are also alert.

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Flopped over on side (or all the way over onto back):  Bunny is comfortable and relaxed.

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Jump & twist, kicking feet, or shaking head:  We call this a "binky" or "popcorn" and it means Bunny is HAPPY!

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Thumping hind feet on the floor:  In the wild, rabbits thump to warn others that danger is nearby.  In your home, thumping may be a sign that they are worried, or they may just be being obstinate.

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Biting:  Bunnies explore the world with their teeth.  If Bunny nips you unprovoked, this could mean "Hey move it!  You're in my way!" or "Hey!  Pay attention to me!"

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Chewing:  Bunnies love to chew!  To discourage chewing on things they shouldn't, protect or block off those items and/or provide enough different chew toys to hold Bunny's attention.  If they are receiving adequate mental stimulation, they will be less likely to engage in destruction chewing.

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Rubbing their chin on your stuff:  We call this "chinning."  Rabbits has scent glands under their chin.  Chinning is their way of marking their territory with their scent; telling all other rabbits that this is "mine."

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