Language of Lagamorphs

Use this helpful guide to understand what your rabbit us saying!

Nose-nudging:  A friendly bunny greeting.  Rabbits often nudge your ankle as you walk near them; this means "Hi!" 

Approaching and laying head down:  Your rabbit wants to be groomed or petted.  It may also be a sign of subordination to you.

Grinding Teeth (quietly):  A sign of enjoyment and contentment.  Your rabbit may often so this while you are stroking or petting them.

Rolling over (belly up or onto side):  A very happy rabbits that is completley relaxed and feeling secure.

Chinning:  A claim of territory.  Their dish, their toy, their human! 

Digging:  Males dug out the burrows, while females made nests.  May be instinct or a signal for more attention.

Throwing Objects:  A bunny temper tantrum.  May want more toys, more attention, may be angry at you, may want to be left alone.

Bunny Dance:  hopping around and jumping into the air and twisting.  A very happy rabbit!

Mounting objects:  A sign of dominacne or sexual frustration.  Both males and females will mount to show dominance.

Leaving a trail of droppings:  This is a claim of territory and the droppings should be placed into the litterbox to remind your bunny where they belong.

Whimpering:  Rabbit is in pain or frightened.  See you vet!

Screaming:  Your rabbit is in serious pain or is extremely frightened.  Go to the vet now!

Circling Feet:  Your rabbit is very happy to see you and may be looking for a treat.

Hunger strike:  Stress such as a change in feed or enviroment may cause a rabbit to go off feed.  Hair block may be another case.  Provide lots of water and grass hay and get to a vet.

Nipping:  Your rabbit may be looking for attention or it can mean "stop that!" 

Ears back, front paws out, growling and lunging:  An angry rabbit.  You may be invading their space or they may want to left alone.  Some does are cage aggressive and do not like you in their cage.