Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits are not particularly vocal creatures. Instead, they appear to be communicating with each other and their human caretakers primarily through gestures. This module describes the ways by which house rabbits send messages, based on scholarly research findings and books about pets.
Communicating with the same species
Rabbits communicate with each other chemically through the following methods:
- Spraying urine and scattering hard feces around their habitat and their litter box. This behavior is one of the ways by which a rabbit marks its territory or to warn unwanted visitors from their domain. This practice is common to many domestic animals such as dogs and cats.
- Secreting chemicals from glands under their chin, commonly known as “chinning.”
This practice is widely believed to be another way for rabbits to mark their territory. Scientific research indicates that chinning becomes more frequent when the female rabbit is ready to mate and that the behavior declines when the subject is pregnant.
Rabbit chinning a plant box - Releasing pheromones from its nipples. Pheromones are hormones that newborn rabbits detect to find their mother’s source of milk.
- Emitting odors from glands in the groin area (inguinal glands). The scent appears to help rabbits identify members of their social group akin to a family.
Since house rabbit’s chemical signals do not stimulate the same response from humans, pet rabbits interact with other species through gestures. Below are some of the ways by which a house rabbit conveys its message:
- Hopping, leaping and racing are observed to be expressions of happiness. A display of exhilaration is called a “binky.”
- Kicking indicates either a playful gesture or a display of insecurity.
- Running around in circles is usually a courtship ritual between rabbits of the same species, but circling a human’s feet could be a way of trying to catch attention.
- Lowering to the ground with ears flat on the head and eyes bulging is often a sign of fear, which is also a behavior observed in dogs.
- Sitting in a squat position with relaxed appearance appear to be a comfortable posture also known as “loafing.”
Rabbits in loaf position - Stretching out the entire body with the belly (and sometimes chin) on the ground provides a semblance of relaxation. When relaxed and asleep, house rabbits could be lying on their side with eyes closed.
- Head shaking, including ears, appears to be a sign of discontent.
- Head butting often indicates a prodding for attention or food.
- Thumping often suggests indignation.
- Biting may be a result of fear or anger while a gentle bite or nip may be a way to draw attention.
- Standing on hind legs (as often seen in prairie dogs) is associated with curiosity or scouting for food or danger.
- Licking is often a display of affection.
Some house rabbits may also make sounds, such as growling and whimpering.
Even as house rabbits may allow humans to cuddle and pet them, they still undeniably bear their prey instinct; hence, they are frequently exposed to stress and may not always be responsive to a human’s coaxing or display of affection.
Activity
Instructions
The following three videos show pet rabbits exhibiting a particular behavior. Watch each of the videos and try to determine what the rabbit is trying to convey. Then, answer the following questions using the Comments section at the bottom of this page:- Discuss what you believe the rabbit is trying to say in each video.
- If you have seen these behaviors from your pet rabbit, what were the circumstances that triggered the action?
Video 1
Source: Albettina Production. (2016, January 8). Bunny rabbit rubbing its chin on me [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pvzOydxkdE
Video 2
Source: Strauss, R. (2010, July 31). Bunny rabbit binky [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HJ6weqeiQw
Video 3
Source: BearSpins. (2007, December 14). Medusa the rabbit, thumping [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxb-hjxgAfo
Summary
In his module, you have learned the various ways by which a pet rabbit communicates with members of the same species and with their human caretakers. Hopefully, this module has helped you better understand your pet bunny. To ensure a more harmonious existence with a healthy and happy house rabbit, visit the related links to more information about rabbit care.
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