When we think of bunnies, we all have the idea that they are tender and cuddly creatures, always friendly and expansive; but in reality these animals are often misunderstood. Rabbits are a predated species, which means they are constantly on the alert for dangers and are easily frightened. As a rabbit owner, it is important for you to understand their behavior, body language, and the sounds they make. This will help you build a relationship based on awareness and understanding.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Understanding the Sounds It Makes
Step 1. Listen to his verses
Keep in mind that most of the time this animal is silent. Due to its characteristic of being a predated species, the rabbit has learned over time to be calm, to escape at the first sign of danger. Some rabbits make an occasional noise when they are very happy, when they are afraid or simply as a warning.
This makes them very different from cats that purr and dogs that use a wide range of cries to communicate
Step 2. Pay attention to sounds that indicate a feeling of pleasure
Rabbits don't make a lot of different noises when they're happy. Among them, you can notice a very quiet buzz, a soft clicking and a very quiet grinding of teeth, which means that he is satisfied.
Most likely they are all very quiet verses, so you need to pay close attention if you want to be able to hear them. Your pet may gently grind its teeth or “click” while you are stroking it in its favorite area, such as behind the ears or under the chin
Step 3. Listen for the warning noises
The classic warning sign is a blow with a hind leg to warn other group members of a danger. A rabbit that feels threatened, and is angry enough to attack, may emit a series of grunts or growls. He may also grind his teeth, again to show some discomfort. Some rabbits whistle in the face of a threat.
If you have two rabbits (a male and a female) and the male starts grunting, move him immediately, unless you are trying to mate them. This sound is in fact a clear sign that he intends to join the female
Step 4. Respond promptly to sounds he makes when he is scared
In this case it produces a particularly piercing and distressing scream. Rabbits reserve this noise for when they are extremely frightened or are actually being attacked by predators. If your fur ball screams, it may be in real danger or in some pain.
If you notice that the rabbit is in pain, check for any obvious signs of external injury and contact your vet immediately. The animal could have some fatal wounds or have a health problem that must be addressed immediately
Part 2 of 4: Interpreting His Body Language
Step 1. Pay attention to the signs of relaxation
Most of his body language is subtle and sober, but you can notice if he's relaxed. In this case it tends to lie flat on its stomach with its hind legs stretched backwards. It can also squat with all its paws tucked under its body and with its ears resting gently against its head.
The rabbit uses its ears as a "radar" to perceive dangers early, so if they are in a neutral position, it means that they are relaxed
Step 2. Learn to recognize submissive behavior
In this case it tends to make itself as small as possible, withdrawing its head and neck into the body in an attempt to disappear. In addition, he also tries to avoid direct eye contact with the rabbit (or person) towards whom he feels in a subordinate position.
A submissive rabbit typically wants to show others in the burrow that it poses no threat
Step 3. Calm him down if he's scared
When in this state of mind, the rabbit presses its ears tightly against its head (trying to reduce its size, so that a possible predator does not see it) and its facial muscles appear tense and contracted. By doing this, the eyes seem even bigger, as if they are jumping out of the head.
This behavior is quite similar to when he is submissive, as he tries to make himself as small as possible
Step 4. React accordingly if the rabbit shows signs of irritation or dislike
You notice this behavior because it starts shaking your head quickly from side to side. It also beats its hind leg against the ground making a drum-like sound. If he's really upset, he may even attack another rabbit or even you.
Step 5. Learn to spot the signs of happiness and contentment
They are fun behaviors to look for. The rabbit can perform hops (in the environment called "binkies") or happy leaps and pirouettes in the air. The rabbit can also run between your feet, letting you know that he is fine and enjoying life. He may also move his jaw like he's chewing. All these actions show that he is happy and enjoying the freedom of movement.
- If the rabbit is not neutered, when he walks around your feet it could also indicate that he is considering you an acceptable companion.
- He may also lick your hands and face while you stroke him. This can be a demonstration that you are very special to him. He can also rub his chin on your body, thus indicating that you are his territory leaving you with his scent.
Step 6. Respond to his attention requests
The rabbit will make you realize in a thousand ways that it needs your attention. The main ones are: he pushes you lightly with his nose, tries to pull your clothes, climbs on your legs, hops on your lap or nibbles your ankles. If he gives you ankle clamps to get your attention, you can train him to stop by taking him out of the room every time he does. At the same time, reward him every time he has a more polite behavior by stroking, talking to him or giving him some treats.
- The rabbit may also emit a sound that resembles the squawking of a goose. This indicates that he is annoyed or that he wants attention. If he's not neutered, he can make this noise when he's in love with you or a stuffed toy.
- If he jumps a few steps away from you, showing his back to you, is not busy with any other activity, and occasionally turns his head to see if you are still looking at him, it means that he is offended by something you have done. You can apologize by feeding him a treat or patting him on the head. You can also do the same if he does something offensive. He will most likely try to apologize, with a few kisses or quick nudges.
Step 7. Check to see if it sends any signs indicating the need for a bathroom
The rabbit can eat its own droppings. You don't necessarily have to worry if you see him doing this; it's natural to him, and he shouldn't be discouraged. You may also notice that she pushes her rear and tail out before urinating.
Rabbits have to digest certain foods twice, and they do this by taking the droppings directly from their rears. They may emit a low, high-pitched squeak when they do
Part 3 of 4: Understanding His Behavior and Psychology
Step 1. Be aware that it is a predated species
You can think of this animal more as a "listener" than a "speaker", because it is always in a state of alert. He uses a lot of sense of smell, which is greatly developed (so you notice his constantly twitching nose), hearing (those wonderful long ears) and prominent eyes to check for threats.
This means that it is even more important to understand him, so that he knows what he likes or dislikes. This can minimize his stress
Step 2. Take in the subtle signals it sends out
Nature has dictated that these animals live in underground tunnels during the day and emerge at dusk and dawn (when it is more difficult for predators' eyes to recognize them) to walk around in meadows and trees. Because they spend most of their time in the dark, rabbits make limited use of visual cues, so they have few facial expressions and reduced body language.
Step 3. Avoid putting your pet on your lap unless you are sure they like it
Being picked up by a human can be a frightening experience for some pet rabbits, causing them to enter a catatonic state, assuming an absolutely motionless position, with their eyes open and staring, pretending to be dead.
These are animals that live on the ground. In the wild, the only time they leave the ground is when they are caught by a predator
Step 4. Respect your rabbit if he doesn't want to be handled
If this is the case, he probably starts scratching, struggling, and fights so vigorously that he could scratch you or play dead. A rabbit that looks dead in your arms is not appreciating your cuddles - quite the opposite! He's actually just pretending to make the predator (in this case you!) Believe that he has found a bad meal and therefore hopes to be freed.
If your pet reacts this way when you pick him up, get down on the ground and encourage him to get on your lap. This way his paws still rest on a horizontal surface and he can learn to associate you with safety rather than having an instinctively unknown and frightening experience
Part 4 of 4: Confronting an Aggressive Rabbit
Step 1. Avoid picking up a rabbit that wants to bite or scratch
An aggressive rabbit learns to bite and scratch to avoid getting caught. Be aware that if he does this it is because he is afraid and uncomfortable towards human beings.
You have to win her trust gradually. Don't try to force him to cuddle him or to put him on your lap
Step 2. Make sure it has plenty of hiding places
If he manages to hide he can reduce his stress levels and feel comforted, knowing that he can at any time take refuge in a hidden and protected place, which makes him feel safe.
Step 3. Start by simply keeping him company
In the early days, don't try to pick it up, but offer it treats (like dandelions!) So that it can associate tasty foods with humans. Sit next to the cage every day, talking to him in a reassuring voice and giving him some tasty treats, so he will learn that humans are not dangerous.
You can offer him different types of fruit, such as grapes, apples, blueberries and raspberries. Just make sure you give them a limited amount, such as a grape or a couple of raspberries
Step 4. Start interacting with him gradually
When he begins to venture out of his hiding place to come and eat the candy, try touching him lightly while he is eating. As the days and weeks go by, caress him more and more until he gets to feel totally comfortable. At that point you can try to have him sit on your lap (sitting on the ground, of course). This is also a great way to gain the trust of a shy and scared bunny.
Advice
- When he pushes your arm with a slight force he wants to say "move" or "caress me". Make sure you respond to her request, as she may start nibbling impatiently.
- If the rabbit, male or female, acts as if it wants to mate with your foot, it means it is trying to dominate you. In this case you have to move it and push its head to the ground. Hold it like this for about 5 seconds. Do not press too hard, as he has very fragile bones and would be injured very easily.
- If you see him sitting in a corner, staring out the window, it can mean he wants some freedom. Let him run out, you will make him happy.
Warnings
- If one rabbit seems to want to mate with another rabbit's head or starts circling around another rabbit, it's a clear sign of territoriality that could lead to a fight (both males and females have this behavior). If two rabbits of the opposite gender wander around each other, it means that they are probably about to mate. Always separate them if you don't want to end up with a litter of puppies.
- If a female who is not spayed begins to pull hair from her stomach and fidgets when you try to pick her up, she may be pregnant or have what is called a "false pregnancy". In this case, leave her alone, otherwise she may be wary of you if you try to interfere. It will likely stop this behavior on its own, but can repeat it at any time. The best solution remains to sterilize it.
- Female rabbits can develop ovarian or uterine cancer much more easily if they are not spayed.
