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Communication
The key to reading body language is looking at the whole picture. Instead of just assessing how your
rabbit carries its ears, assess how its ears, tail, eyes, and whole body position fit together. Keep in
mind that communication can be hindered in some rabbits because of their inherent breed
characteristics. For example, lop-eared rabbits cannot maneuver their ears to the same degree as
Dutch rabbits, and the long fur coat of the Angora rabbit can mask body signals. Following are a few
common behaviors that rabbits use to communicate, but they need to be looked at in context.
Relaxed
Lying down on stomach, side, or back (only when extremely relaxed)
Legs stretched out or tucked up underneath
Ears partially up (attuned to potential danger) or lazily lain back
Eyes partially or fully closed
Sometimes makes a tooth purr (see later)
Alert
Standing on all four feet or stretched up on hind legs
Ears up and honing in on sounds
Eyes open and watching
Sometimes carefully patrols the territory
Scared
Crouched down low and ready to flee
Ears tightly flattened against the neck
Eyes wide open
Usually flees to a safe place
Do not approach your rabbit if it looks like this, especially if it is cornered. You may increase its
fear to the point that it bites out of self-defense. Also, do not try to comfort your rabbit if it looks
like this. Giving it attention when it is frightened will only reinforce frightened behavior. Instead,
try to find out what frightens your rabbit, and remove the scary stimulus. If you act like nothing is
wrong, it is hoped that the rabbit will follow your lead and become less afraid.
Running in Circles Around Your Feet
When your rabbit runs in circles around your feet, it is not trying to trip you. Rather, it is expressing
love (part of the courtship ritual) or is just excited.
Information cited from:
Mayer, J and Donnelly, T., eds. Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Birds and Exotic
Pets. Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA. 2013. ISBN: 9781‐4160‐3969‐3
Binkying
A binky is performed by jumping up in the air and vigorously twisting or kicking while airborne.
Although most people have never seen one, it is unmistakable once an owner witnesses a binky for
the first time. When it does this, your rabbit is extremely happy.
Head Shaking
Head shaking can have different meanings and should be looked at in context. It can mean that your
rabbit is not happy with the situation (e.g., after it is prevented from entering an off-limit room),
or that it is happy (e.g., preceding a binky). If the rabbit frequently shakes its head and scratches
its ears, it may have a medical problem, such as an ear infection, that needs medical attention.
Leaping, Hopping, and Racing Around
These usually come in spurts and express happiness.
Grooming
Your rabbit will groom only in situations in which it is relaxed. Grooming between rabbits is a form
of bonding. Who is grooming and who is being groomed are dictated by the relationship. If your
rabbit grooms you, it is expressing affection and trust.
Tooth Grinding
Two degrees of tooth grinding have different meanings. It can be hard for new owners to tell
rabbits apart, but by paying attention to the context, you will soon be able to hear the difference.
Louder. When tooth grinding is loud, the rabbit is stressed or in pain. If it is loudly grinding
its teeth and you cannot identify a cause (such as the vacuum cleaner), the rabbit may have
a painful medical problem that needs attention.
Softer. When tooth grinding is soft, it is called a tooth purr and indicates that the rabbit is
happy or content.
Thumping
This sound is made when your rabbit quickly and powerfully pounds its hind foot on the ground. It
can have a few different meanings:
The rabbit perceives danger and wants to alert everyone.
Someone is too close, and the rabbit wants the person to back off.
The rabbit wants to get your attention.
Kicking Hind Feet
If your rabbit kicks its hind feet, this usually means that it is displeased. If the rabbit kicks when
you pick it up, it does not feel secure. If the rabbit runs off and kicks its feet after you do
something unpleasant (e.g., prevent her from entering an off-limit room), it is expressing
displeasure.
Information cited from:
Mayer, J and Donnelly, T., eds. Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Birds and Exotic
Pets. Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA. 2013. ISBN: 9781‐4160‐3969‐3
Screaming
Your rabbit will scream only when it is under severe distress or in pain. If you hear this, the rabbit
may need immediate medical attention.
Nose Nudging
Your rabbit will nudge you with its nose to get your attention.
Biting vs. Nipping
Biting and nipping are not the same. Biting is more forceful and breaks the skin, whereas nipping is
gentler and usually does not break the skin. Biting and nipping have different meanings. Your rabbit
may bite you because of fear, aggression, or territoriality. Your rabbit may nip you to gain your
attention or to get you to move. If your rabbit is biting you, consult your veterinarian for advice on
how to manage this problem.
AUTHORS: Alexandra Moesta and Christina Chan
Information cited from:
Mayer, J and Donnelly, T., eds. Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Birds and Exotic
Pets. Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA. 2013. ISBN: 9781‐4160‐3969‐3
