Below is a list of all the weird behaviours that your bunny may present and what they mean.
- Chinning
Chinning is when your bunny rubs their chin upon something. This can show affection or be their way of marking territory.
2. Flopping
Flopping is when your bunny flops onto their side, sometimes rolling over. When a bunny flops it means that they feel content and safe, it is also a post-playtime behaviour, as a way to rest and recover.
3. Binkying
Binkying is when your bunny is playing and jumps, sometimes twisting in the air. Binkying is a way of indication that they feel happy and joyful and content in their environment.
4. Thumping
Thumping is when bunnies kick their back legs against the floor causing a ‘thump’ sound. This can signal fear, excitement or annoyance. It can also be their way of alerting you to possible danger.
5. Zoomies
Zoomies are the word for when your bunny runs around, usually very quickly and for a short amount of time. Their zoomies usually incorperate binkies. Zoomies are a natural and positive behaviour and can be a way of releasing pent-up energy, showing excitement or joy and to tire themselves out.
6. Periscoping
Periscoping is when your bunny stands on their hind legs with their ears raised and looks around, this often displays that your bunny is alert and curious.
7. Sitting
This is when your bunny sits in a crouched position- hunched over their back legs. Your rabbit is not sleeping during this time but it often means that they are worried about something (could be a noise or a person/animal) and that they want to be able to bolt if they need to.
8. Urine Spraying
This is often a bunnies way of marking their territory. This behaviour is often observed in un-neutered males.
9. Grooming
Bunnies groom themselves and eachother, grooming is when they lick their bodies or lick their hocks to then rub over their face or ears as a way of cleaning. Grooming shows that they feel comfortable in their environment as it requires them to let their guard down, making them more vulnerable. If your bunny grooms another bunny, it shows submission and that they trust eachother- grooming is one of the strongest forms of social connection. If your bunny grooms you, it means that they feel affectionate towards you and are trusting of you.
10. Soft teeth-grinding
This can be a sign of excitement or stress.
11. The rabbit circle
When a rabbit circles around your feet, it usually means that they feel safe and content.
12. Butt Twitching
This can mean that your bunny is feeling happy or excited.
13. Mounting
This is when your bunny climbs onto something (could be another bunny or a toy) and humps them. The reason that bunnies do this is either they want to reproduce and have lots of hormones raging inside or it can exhibit dominance. This behaviour is usually observed in unneutered males but can be seen in fixed bunnies.
Sleeping positions
Bunnies can sleep in multiple different stances, and this is what they all mean;
1. The sprawl / superman
This is when your bunny lies on their stomach with their front legs stretched forward and back legs stretched outwards. Bunnies often do this on hard flooring or tiles to cool themselves down. Sprawling shows that they are comfortable but not in a deep sleep.
2. Loafing
Loafing is just what it sounds like, it is when your bunny lies down with their legs tucked under them, resembling a loaf of bread. This is a normal position for bunnies when they are sleeping and it means that they feel comfortable, relaxed but also attentive.
3. Flopped
When your bunny is flopped over on their side, it shows that they feel very safe and happy. This is usually one of the deepest sleep positions that your bunny will display. They will often flop after playing to rest.
4. Back to back sleeping
This is when two bunnies sleep side by side or back to back. This is one of the ultimate signs of trust and shows that they feel comfortable with eachother. It mimics wild bunnies as they huddle together for warmth.
5. Sleeping with eyes open
Bunnies have three eyelids, so when they are sleeping with their eyes open, their third eyelid is closed, they do this so that they can stay on guard for any risks.
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