How to speak the bunny language

Rabbits are unique in that they have their own languages. Understanding what this language is and means will help you get to know you rabbit and bond with them. Understanding their different hops and movements is a key part of being a good bunny owner. 

First is the Binky

Visual representation of what a bunny looks like when they binky. Gif by parisanddexter. 

A binky is when a rabbit hops and twists their body or legs into the air. Bunnies certainly only binky when they are filled up with overwhelming joy they cannot contain. This is an expression of energy or happiness similar to when a dog gets the zoomies.

Chewing

If you catch you rabbit chewing things they are not supposed to, lightly reprimand them but you cannot be mad! This is normal bunny behavior necessary for their health. Rabbit teeth grow at a constant rate which creates the natural instinct to chew on almost everything. My rabbit loves to chew on baseboards however many rabbits will chew on furniture, clothes, and pretty much anything that is available for them to chew on. To avoid this, I recommend giving your rabbits a handful of toys that are engaging to play with. Your rabbit is more likely to chew on a toy they find amusing!

Chinning

Many rabbits mark their territory as dogs do! Rabbits will rub their chins along the surface of different objects in the room such as a chair or toy to put their scent on that object and claiming it as their own. Under their chin, rabbits have scent glands that are not smelled by humans. 

Flick-off

As a bunny owner, you may see your bunny flick their back feet at you when they hop away. Their foot flick is directly from the rabbit-tendency of holding grudges. In simpler terms, this gesture is the bunny equivalent of giving the middle finger. 

Flopping

Visual representation of a bunny flopping onto their side. Gif by leonapreston.  

Bunnies suddenly flop onto their sides and fall asleep. Although they look as if they randomly dropped dead, this is a sign of complete and total trust from your rabbit. This very adorable gesture means that your rabbit loves their home and is in complete bliss. 

Hunched Postion

A hunched position is not a position you want to see your rabbit in. This position is when a bunny curls into a ball and appears very uncomfortable or angry. This is a sign of pain or distress and a very common sign of GI Stasis. 

Picture taken by myself of my bunny Bean when she was beginning to become sick.   

Pictured above is my old bunny Bean before she passed. This moment was when I realized something was very wrong with her and she did in fact have GI Stasis. My personal experience is a great example of a rabbit in a hunched position. If you see your rabbit in this position, you should monitor their eating and pooping behaviors for any abnormalities. If they continue they for 12 hours seek emergency medical attention immediately before it is too late to save them. Rabbits not eating and pooping for what seems like a short amount of time is very alarming and should be taken seriously.