We've all seen pictures of cute and adorable bunnies who are friendly and approachable, but the real bunny is often misunderstood. Rabbits are prey animals, so they are naturally wary of danger and easily frightened. As a rabbit owner, it is important that you understand the behavior, body language and sounds of your pet. This will help you create a close relationship based on awareness and understanding.
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Method 1 of 4: Understanding the Meaning of Rabbit Voices
Step 1. Listen to the sound your rabbit makes
Be aware that your rabbit may be more silent. As a type of prey animal, rabbits understand that it is better for them to remain silent so that they can easily escape from their predators. Some rabbits sometimes make sounds, either when happy, scared, or as a warning.
The rabbit's voice is different from the purring of cats and dogs, which use all of their vocal abilities to communicate
Step 2. Pay attention to happy voices
Rabbits have a limited repertoire in terms of the sounds they make when excited. These include small purrs, gentle clicks and clacks, and subtle grinding of teeth, which means that the rabbit is satisfied.
This sound may sound very small and faint, so you have to pay close attention to it in order to hear it. Your rabbit may grit his teeth gently or make a click-clack sound when you pet him where he likes it, such as behind his ear or under his chin
Step 3. Listen for warning sounds
This classic warning sound is a smack with the hind legs to warn his friends of danger. A rabbit that feels threatened and angry until it is ready to attack will even make a series of grunts or growls. In addition, the sound of loud gnashing of teeth is also a warning of danger. Some rabbits facing a threat will also hiss.
If you have two rabbits (one male and one female) and the male rabbit begins to purr, you should remove him immediately, unless you plan to breed rabbits. A male rabbit that purrs means that he is signaling his approach to the female rabbit to mate with her
Step 4. Respond quickly to fearful voices
Rabbits have sharp and loud screams that sound shrill. Rabbits make sounds like this when they are really scared or under attack. If your rabbit is screaming, it means he may be in danger or in pain.
If you notice that your rabbit is in pain, check for obvious signs of injury on the outside and take the rabbit to the vet immediately. Your rabbit may have a life-threatening injury, or an internal problem that needs to be addressed immediately
Method 2 of 4: Interpreting Rabbit Body Language
Step 1. Watch for signs of relaxation that appear
Most of the body language that rabbits display is very subtle and subtle, but you may be able to see it when you're relaxed. A relaxed rabbit will lie on his stomach with his hind legs stretched back. In addition, similar body language may also appear in the form of squatting with all legs tucked under the body and both ears slightly touching the head.
Rabbit ears have a radar that is sensitive to danger, so ears with a neutral position indicate that the rabbit is relaxed
Step 2. Recognize body movements that show submissiveness/obedience
Rabbits may try to make their bodies as small as possible, by pulling their heads and necks against their bodies and generally trying not to be seen. Rabbits also try to avoid direct eye contact with other rabbits (or humans) they obey.
A rabbit who is submissive usually signals to other rabbits that he is not dangerous
Step 3. Calm the frightened rabbit
If frightened, the rabbit will press its ears firmly against its head (trying to reduce its shadow so that the predator doesn't know its location) and the facial muscles will appear so tense that its eyeballs will appear as if they are almost popping out of their sockets in their head.
The body language in this fearful attitude is similar to that of obedience, in which the rabbit tries to make itself appear as small as possible
Step 4. Make the necessary adjustments if your rabbit shows signs of being annoyed or displeased
The rabbit will continue to move its head left and right. He will hit the soles of his feet on the floor to make a sound like the clatter of a drum. If they are very disturbed, the rabbit may even lunge at another rabbit or you.
Step 5. Learn to watch for signs of joy or contentment
This is the fun action we've been waiting for. Your rabbit may jump high/far, or jump up and down happily and spin in the air. The rabbit may also run around your feet, indicating that he is really enjoying his life. The rabbit will also move its jaws as if chewing. All of these actions show that your rabbit is enjoying freedom and is having fun.
- If your rabbit isn't neutered, running around your feet can also signal his mind that you're a ready mate.
- Your rabbit may lick your hands and face while being petted. This may be a sign that you are very special to him. He may rub his chin against you, which is also a sign that you are part of his domain or property, by leaving his body odor on you.
Step 6. Respond to his request for attention
Your rabbit will give many signs when it needs your attention. This includes nudging you with his nose, tugging at your clothes, climbing onto your feet, jumping up and down on your lap, or pinning him to your feet. If your rabbit is pinning itself at your feet for attention, you can train it to stop by walking away from it while it does so. Reward the rabbit when it behaves well by petting it, talking to it, or giving it a treat.
- Your rabbit may also make a swan-like sound. This is a sign that the rabbit is distracted or wants attention. If it hasn't been neutered, your rabbit may make this sound because it's hot on you or a soft toy.
- If your rabbit jumps a few steps away and then turns his back on you, but doesn't do anything, and occasionally turns to see if you're still paying attention, this means the rabbit is offended by what you did to him. You can apologize by giving him a treat, or petting/patting his head a few times. You can also use this method with your rabbit, if the rabbit does something that makes you angry. Usually the rabbit will immediately approach you to apologize, by giving you a few kisses or nudging his body against you.
Step 7. Watch for signs your rabbit wants to go to the bathroom
Your rabbit may eat its own feces. You don't have to worry if your rabbit does this. This is natural and you don't have to worry about it. You may also notice your rabbit backing its bottom and tail before urinating.
Rabbits need to digest some food twice, by directly eating the feces that they have just expelled from the buttocks. The rabbit may make a slight squeaking sound while doing this
Method 3 of 4: Understanding Rabbit Behavior and Psychology
Step 1. Realize that rabbits are a type of animal that naturally preys on
You can think of rabbits as "listening" creatures, not "talkers", because rabbits' lives are naturally designed with the habit of listening for warning signs. Rabbits use the senses that are created with such a sophisticated design, such as the sense of smell (so that the nose is always twitching), the sense of hearing (long and sensitive ears), and the sense of sight (that is, the eyes are able to watch for signs of threat very strongly)..
This means it's even more important to understand your rabbit, so you know what he likes and doesn't like. This will reduce his stress level
Step 2. Recognize the subtle signs of your rabbit
Natural conditions make rabbits live underground, in tunnels during the day, and come out at dusk and dawn (when hunting animals have difficulty seeing rabbits) to eat grass and vegetation. Because they spend most of their time in the dark, rabbits rarely use visual cues, such as facial expressions or body language.
Step 3. Don't hold your rabbit unless he likes it
Being held by humans can make pet rabbits experience fear to the point of going into a catatonic state, where the rabbit will be silent, open eyes with a blank stare, and pretend to be dead.
Rabbits are animals that live in underground tunnels. In the wild, the only time a rabbit leaves the surface is when it is caught by a hunting animal
Step 4. Appreciate if your rabbit doesn't want to be held
If you don't want to, your rabbit may scratch you, rock your body so hard that you scratch it, or just sit still when you're picked up. Put away your hopes of seeing the bunny happy to be held by you. Instead, the rabbit will pretend to be dead in your lap so that the hunter (i.e. you!) gives up thinking that he is not good to eat and then lowers him from your arms.
If your rabbit reacts this way when picked up, sit down and encourage him to sit on your lap. That way, the soles of his paws will be in contact with a flat surface and the rabbit will learn to associate you with security, instead of his instincts telling him that you're an alien that frightens him to death
Method 4 of 4: Dealing with an Aggressive Rabbit
Step 1. Avoid handling rabbits that like to bite or scratch
An aggressive rabbit likes to bite and scratch to keep its body from being touched. Be aware that your rabbit is doing this out of fear and discomfort around humans.
Gradually build your rabbit's trust. Don't force your rabbit to hug him or make him sit on your lap
Step 2. Provide plenty of hiding places for your rabbit
Hiding can reduce stress levels, so your rabbit will feel comfortable knowing that he has plenty of places to hide. This will also make your rabbit feel more secure.
Step 3. Accompany your rabbit
In the early days, don't try to hold onto it, but give it a treat (grass) so that the rabbit associates good food with human companionship. Sit near your rabbit's cage every day, talk to him in a soft voice while giving him a treat, so the rabbit knows that humans are not a threat.
You can give your rabbit several types of fruit, such as grapes, apples, blueberries, and raspberries. Make sure that you only give it a small amount, such as one grape or two raspberries
Step 4. Gradually, start to interact
When your bunny starts trying to get out of hiding for a treat, try touching him briefly while he eats the treat. After a few days and weeks have passed, add your touches until the rabbit is comfortable. Next, you can approach him so he will climb onto your lap (like sitting on a mound of earth). It's also a great way to build your rabbit's confidence to become more docile and less afraid.
Tips
- When the rabbit pushes your arm with a little of its strength, it's a "stay away from me" or "caress me" message. Make sure that you respond to his request, as the rabbit can become impatient and stamp his feet.
- If your male or female rabbit looks like he's making out with your feet, it means he's trying to dominate you. You have to move him and push his head to the ground. Hold the head position for 5 seconds or more. However, don't press too hard, as rabbit bones are very fragile, and they hurt easily.
- If your rabbit is sitting in the corner of the room, looking out of the window blankly, this may mean that the rabbit wants to be free. Let the rabbit run outside, because that will make him happy.
- If the cute and fluffy animal looks angry, stroke your hair with your own hand, to signal that you are not a hunting animal and you are petting yourself.
- If your bunny slips slowly down your pants pipe, tell him "no," then remove him from your pants and gently caress him to show that you care about him.
- Remember to give your rabbit time. Rabbits are easily bored and sad, and if not cared for properly may die.
- Feed your rabbit every day and also provide fresh water. Provide a clean cage and toys for him too.
- If your rabbit's ears bend forward while being petted, this means that the rabbit is enjoying it and is comfortable.
- If you've just had a rabbit that you're not used to, try feeding it on your lap. If the rabbit is starting to eat normally, try petting him to help increase his confidence and trust in you.
- If your rabbit is throwing things around, it means the rabbit is bored and wants to play. Give the rabbit a toy or something to chew on to keep the rabbit entertained.
Warning
- Female rabbits are more susceptible to uterine or ovarian cancer if not neutered.
- If a rabbit is seen making out with another rabbit's head or starting to circle another rabbit, this means that the rabbit is marking his territory and possessions, and this could lead to a fight. Both male and female rabbits can exhibit this behavior. If two rabbits of the opposite sex are circling each other, it's likely that both rabbits want to make out. Keep the two separate if you don't want to have baby bunnies.
- If a female rabbit that hasn't been neutered starts tugging at the fur from her belly, and starts to fidget when you try to pick her up, it means that she is pregnant or has a condition known as "false pregnancy." Leave the rabbit alone and don't bother him, so he can still trust you. The female rabbit will gradually stop this behavior, but may do it again later. The best way out is to sterilize it.
- Rabbits that have not been neutered have a tendency to open open defecation. Rabbits will stop doing this one month after you neuter them.
