Understanding Rabbit Behaviour the Fun Way

Understanding Rabbit Behaviour the Fun Way

When in a suitable environment, rabbits can be their natural selves – loving, adorable, and intelligent. But then again, there are times when we can’t help but wonder what they are doing, especially when they display certain body languages and noises that are out of the usual. While that isn’t really a bad thing, it still pays off to understand these things. That way, you don’t just strengthen your bond and relationship; you are also helping them stay happy and healthy as they live their day-to-day lives.

From digging to chewing, we already know that rabbits are capable of displaying a wide range of behaviours that fascinate and make us wonder what they all mean. Hopefully, with the points I outlined below, we can slowly unravel the mystery about these strange yet interesting rabbit behaviours.

“Binky-ing”

If you’ve been keeping rabbits for quite some time now, then you have probably seen demonstrating joy and excitement. They dance, right? Well, it’s not exactly a dance. It’s called “binky”.

When rabbits binky, they leap high into the air, twist their bodies, and then kick their feet out. Sometimes, they even start off big by running.

Since you have already seen it, I know you will agree that rabbits that binky are quite a sight. That is because they typically do this in succession, making them appear like they are performing a grand acrobatic performance like no other!

Teeth Grinding

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If you pet your rabbits, they may show contentment and enjoyment by grinding their teeth. However, teeth grinding does not always mean that way. There are times when it also signifies pain.

Still, you will be able to tell whether a rabbit is grinding its teeth because it is in pain or because it is happy. Normally, grinding due to pain is louder and more recurrent. Grinding because of contentment is the other way around.

Here’s a scenario you might have encountered already. If a rabbit is lying down peacefully with its feet stretched out, then it could be grinding due to contentment. But if it looks tensed and does not show any interest in eating or moving, it could be suffering from pain.

Nudging

If a rabbit finds its environment new and interesting, it will begin to investigate by nudging or bonking its nose. However, this too have another meaning.

Nudging may also indicate a whole new level of imperiousness or bossiness. It’s like their way of telling you to, “Move away! You are blocking my way!”

In addition, it may also imply that it is trying to get your attention because you are not petting him. What’s fun about this is that sometimes, if its nudging is neglected, it will make a follow-up with a nip.

Nipping

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As mentioned, in order to get attention, rabbits often nip. But whenever they do it, please be considerate and patient and just think that they don’t want to cause you harm.

Though this can be very annoying, you can do something to discourage that behaviour. Every time it happens, squeal or shriek. Eventually, the nipping will become less frequent and softer. And in the long run, you will be surprised to know that the behaviour has already been discontinued.

Nevertheless, rabbits may nip because it is being aggressive. Since they are territorial, they would do everything to protect their space, biting your hand when you intrude its rabbit hutch. But again, you need not to fret because you can do something about this behaviour. Spaying or neutering would really help.

Chewing, Burrowing, and Digging

While they may look adorable and easy to care for, rabbits can be amazingly destructive, with capabilities like, chewing and rounding off the edges of your favourite upholstery and furniture. Yes, it can be very frustrating to know what your little pals are capable of, but you can always reconcile the situation.

Every now and then, you need to check if your pets still have some hays to nibble on and several toys to play with. By providing these items to them, I am very sure that they will have lesser interest in chewing your most valuable furniture.

Whatever happens, do not ever declaw your rabbits. It isn’t just painful. It can also affect their daily lives. Rabbits don’t have pads on their feet, so they will definitely need their claws for a better grip.

At the end of the day, whatever behaviour your rabbit demonstrates, never shout at them or even punish them. They won’t understand why you did that, resulting in them becoming more scared and nervous. If you think you can no longer handle their behaviour, it is best that you seek professional advice.

Bonus. If you want your pet rabbits to live happily and healthily throughout their lives, get a copy of the eBook below, as it will be of great help. Not only will you learn a lot about the nature of rabbits; you will also be guided about everything related to caring and raising rabbits.

Image Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

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