Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Understanding the sounds your rabbit is making
• Part 2 of 4: Interpreting your rabbit's body language
• Part 3 of 4: Understanding rabbit behavior and psychology
• Part 4 of 4: Dealing with an aggressive rabbit
• Tips
• Warnings

We have all seen pictures of cute and cuddly rabbits that are friendly and sociable, but rabbits are actually quite misunderstood. Rabbits are prey animals, which means they are constantly alert to danger and easy to scare. As a rabbit owner, it is important for you to understand your pet's behavior, body language, and sounds. This will help you form a relationship based on awareness and understanding.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Understanding the sounds your rabbit is making

1. Listen to the sounds your rabbit makes. Realize that your rabbit will likely be quiet most of the time. As prey animals, rabbits have learned to be quiet so that they can escape the attention of hunters. Some rabbits occasionally make noises, either when they are very happy, fearful, or as a warning.
   • This makes them very different from purring cats and dogs that use a range of sounds to communicate.
2. Keep your ear open to the sounds of pleasure. Rabbits have a limited repertoire of sounds they make when they are happy. These include a very soft purr, a soft clicking sound and a very soft grinding of teeth, which means she is satisfied.
   • These can be very soft, so you have to be careful to hear these sounds. Your rabbit may gently grind or click her teeth while you stroke her in her favorite spot, such as behind the ears or under the chin.
3. Listen for warning sounds. The classic warning signal is a stomp with a hind leg to warn other members of the group of danger. A rabbit that feels threatened and is angry enough to attack can make a series of growling or grunting noises. For the same reason, loud grinding of teeth is another warning sound of irritation. Some rabbits will hiss when faced with a threat.
   • If you have two rabbits (a male and a female) and the male starts grunting, remove him immediately unless you want to breed with them. A grunting male is a sure sign that he is trying to mate with the female.
4. Respond quickly to sounds of fear. Rabbits have a particularly piercing and alarming cry. They reserve this for when they are extremely anxious or actually being attacked. If your rabbit is screaming, she could be in danger or in pain.
   • If you notice that your rabbit is in pain, check for signs of obvious external injuries and contact your rabbit's vet immediately. Your rabbit may have a life-threatening injury or an internal problem that requires immediate attention.

Part 2 of 4: Interpreting your rabbit's body language

1. Notice signs of relaxation. Much of a rabbit's body language is subtle and toned down, but you can tell when he's relaxing. A relaxed rabbit can lie on its stomach with its hind legs extended backwards. He may also be crouched with all legs tucked under him and his ears gently resting against his head.
   • A rabbit's ears are radars that give early warning of danger, so ears in a neutral position indicate relaxation.
2. Recognize signs of submission. Your rabbit may try to make itself as small as possible, pulling its head and neck into its body and generally trying to disappear. He will also avoid making direct eye contact with the rabbit (or person) he submits to.
   • A submissive rabbit usually signals to other rabbits in the nest that it is not a threat.
3. Calm an anxious rabbit. If scared, your rabbit will press his ears close to his head (trying to shrink his silhouette so that a predator can't see him) and his facial muscles will appear tight and tense. This has the effect of making his eyes seem to pop out of his head.
   • This is akin to a submissive rabbit trying to make itself as small as possible.
4. Adjust as necessary if your rabbit shows signs of irritation or disgust. Your rabbit will quickly shake its head from side to side. He will also stomp the ground with a hind leg to make a drumming sound. If he is very annoyed, he may even lash out at another rabbit or at you.
5. Learn to spot signs of happiness or satisfaction. These are fun promotions to look for. Your rabbit can perform binkies, or hop happily and make dips in the air. Your rabbit can also run around your feet, showing that he really enjoys life. He can also move his jaw as if chewing. All these actions show that your rabbit enjoys the freedom of movement and is happy.
   • If your rabbit is not neutered, running around your feet may also indicate that your rabbit thinks you are an acceptable mate.
   • Your rabbit may also lick your hands and face while being petted. This could be a sign that you are very special to him. He can even rub his chin against you, marking you as his territory by leaving his scent.
6. Respond to requests for attention. Your rabbit will give you enough signs that he wants your attention. These include: lightly pushing against you with his nose, pulling on your clothes, climbing up your leg, jumping on your lap, or nibbling your ankles. If your rabbit is nibbling your ankles for attention, you can stop him by walking out of the room when he or she does this. Reward more polite behavior by petting him, talking to him, or giving him treats.
   • Your rabbit may also make a sound like a goose chatter. This indicates that he is disturbed or wants attention. If your rabbit is not neutered, it may make this noise when it is amorous to you or a soft toy.
   • If your rabbit hops a few steps away, stays put with his back to you, isn't busy with anything else, and sometimes turns his head to see if you're still looking, he's offended about something you've done. You can apologize by giving him a treat or by patting the cup a few times. You can also repeat this action to him if he does something that offends you. He will likely come to you to make excuses, either with a few kisses or quick knocks.
7. Pay attention to toilet habits. Your rabbit can eat his droppings. There is no cause for concern if your rabbit does this. It is natural and should not be discouraged. You may also see your rabbit pushing back and tail before peeing.
   • Rabbits have to digest some of their food twice and they get these droppings right off their backs. It may give a low-pitched beep when it does this.

Part 3 of 4: Understanding rabbit behavior and psychology

1. Realize that rabbits are prey animals. You can think of a rabbit as one listener as opposed to one talker, because their lives are focused on being alert to danger. They use a highly developed sense of smell (hence constant nostrils), hearing (those beautiful long ears), and clear eyes to detect threats.
   • This means it's even more important that you understand rabbits so you know what they like and don't like. This can minimize her stress.
2. Read your rabbit's subtle signals. In nature, rabbits live underground in tunnels during the day, from which they emerge at dawn and dusk (when it's harder for predator's eyes to see them) to graze grass and plants. Because they spend most of their time in the dark, rabbits make limited use of visual cues, such as nuanced facial expressions or body language.
3. Don't pick up your rabbit unless she likes it. Being picked up by a human can be a frightening experience for some rabbits, who then go into a catatonic state, where the rabbit lies absolutely still with its eyes open and staring, and makes a good mimic of death.
   • Rabbits are roaming animals. In the wild, the only time they leave the ground is when they are caught by a predator.
4. Respect it if your rabbit does not want to be picked up. If so, she will either struggle, wrestle, and fight so hard you get scratched, or she'll be dead. As opposed to saying she likes to be cuddled, a rabbit sitting still in your arms will actually pretend to be dead to make the predator (you!) Give up on her as a bad meal and again. put on the ground.
   • If your rabbit responds to being picked up in this way, sit on the floor and encourage it to sit on your lap. That way, his paws are in contact with a horizontal surface and he can learn to associate you with security, rather than being an alienating and terrifying experience.

Part 4 of 4: Dealing with an aggressive rabbit

1. Try not to pick up a rabbit that bites or scratches. An aggressive rabbit has learned to bite and scratch to avoid being picked up. Be aware that your rabbit does this out of fear and discomfort around people.
   • Gradually gain your rabbit's trust. Don't try to force your rabbit to cuddle or sit on your lap.
2. Provide plenty of hiding places for your rabbit. Hiding can lower his stress level, so he may feel a little reassured knowing he has a lot of hiding places. This will also make your rabbit feel safer.
3. Start by keeping your rabbit company. In the beginning, don't try to hold him, but offer treats (dandelions!) So that he associates tasty food with human company. Sit next to the cage every day, speaking softly and giving him treats so that he learns that people are not a threat.
   • You can offer various fruits to your rabbit, such as grapes, apples, blueberries and raspberries. Make sure to only give very small amounts, such as a single grape or a few raspberries.
4. Start making contact gradually. While your rabbit is starting to come out of hiding for treats, try touching it briefly while it is eating a treat. As the days and weeks go by, you can touch him longer until he feels comfortable. Then you can try to entice him to sit on your lap (while you're on the floor, of course). This is also a great way to gain the confidence of a timid, anxious rabbit.

Tips

• If your rabbit pushes against your arm with light pressure, this is a sign for this get out of the way or pet me!. Make sure to heed the request as it could result in an impatient nibble.
• If your male or female rabbit appears to be mating with your foot, he or she is trying to gain dominance over you. In response, you must remove the rabbit and press his or her head to the ground. Hold it there for 5 seconds. Never press too hard, rabbit bones are very fragile and can be injured very easily.
• If your rabbit is sitting in a corner, staring blankly out the window, he may want freedom. Let him run around outside, that will make him happy.
• If your cute, cuddly boyfriend seems angry, run your fingers through your hair to indicate that you are not a predator and that you are grooming yourself.
• If your rabbit nibbles your pants gently, say No, take your pants away from her and pat her gently to indicate that you are paying attention to her.
• Don't forget to spend time with your rabbit. They will get bored and sad easily if you don't take good care of them and will likely die.
• Feed your rabbit daily and only give it fresh water. Give him a clean cage and toys.
• If your rabbit has its ears pricked forward while being petted, it means that it is enjoying it and feeling comfortable.
• If you have a new rabbit that is not yet used to you, try to put it on your lap and feed it a treat. If he starts to eat normally, try petting him to help his confidence towards you.
• If your rabbit is throwing things around, he is bored and wants to play. Give the rabbit a toy or something to chew to keep him occupied.
• Don't grab a rabbit by its ears. Doing so will hurt the rabbit and make him scared of you. He can also bite.

Warnings

• Female rabbits are much more likely to develop uterine or ovarian cancer if they are not spayed.
• If your unsterilized female rabbit starts pulling her fur from her belly, and gets tense when you try to pick her up, she is either pregnant or she has some false pregnancy is called. Leave her alone or she won't trust you if you try to intervene. Eventually she will stop this behavior, but she can start over at any time. The best solution is to have her sterilized.
• If one rabbit appears to mate with the head of another, or begins to circle around another rabbit, this is an expression of territorial behavior and can lead to a fight. Both male and female rabbits display this behavior. If two rabbits of different sex are circling around each other, it probably means that they are mating. Take them apart if you don't want baby bunnies.
• Rabbits that have not been spayed or neutered tend to urinate everywhere; most likely this will stop a month after you spay or neuter them.