How do I Know my Rabbit is Happy?
This is one of the biggest questions I had when I first started in rabbits. I didn't want to own a bunny if I knew it wouldn't be happy. Rabbits can't tell us they are happy in a very bold or fancy way; they don't bark or wag their tail. Instead, they are very discreet with showing happiness. And if you know what to look for, it can be just as easy as seeing your dog wag his tail or hear your cat purr.
Licking - In the wild or with other rabbits, a rabbit will lick his companion to show appreciation and love. Rabbits wouldn't show love if they weren't happy and relaxed.
"Purring" - A calm or comfortable rabbit will sometimes click their teeth very quickly. This produces a "clicking" or "purring", vibration. You can feel it if you scratch your rabbit's cheek.
Flopping - A happy and relaxed rabbit will flop on his or her side to nap. If you walk in on a flopped over rabbit, you might think your rabbit just died! I have a heart attack every time I see my rabbits this way. No worries, they are just very restful.
Binkying - A happy, energetic rabbit will hop, run and binky while playing outdoors! This looks hilarious! Binkies are like little rabbit jumps of joy!
Grunting - Gracie and my house rabbit, Elsie, both grunt when I'm petting them in their favorite spot or to get my attention to be pet. Elsie circles my legs and grunts for me to sit down and spend time with her. Gracie grunts and paces in her cage until I feed and scratch her head in the morning.
Acting calm or showing overall relaxation - An anxious, unhappy, or crazed rabbit will not act calm or relaxed. If they seem to be sleeping soundly or just resting, they are most likely happy and feel secure.
Licking - In the wild or with other rabbits, a rabbit will lick his companion to show appreciation and love. Rabbits wouldn't show love if they weren't happy and relaxed.
"Purring" - A calm or comfortable rabbit will sometimes click their teeth very quickly. This produces a "clicking" or "purring", vibration. You can feel it if you scratch your rabbit's cheek.
Flopping - A happy and relaxed rabbit will flop on his or her side to nap. If you walk in on a flopped over rabbit, you might think your rabbit just died! I have a heart attack every time I see my rabbits this way. No worries, they are just very restful.
Binkying - A happy, energetic rabbit will hop, run and binky while playing outdoors! This looks hilarious! Binkies are like little rabbit jumps of joy!
Grunting - Gracie and my house rabbit, Elsie, both grunt when I'm petting them in their favorite spot or to get my attention to be pet. Elsie circles my legs and grunts for me to sit down and spend time with her. Gracie grunts and paces in her cage until I feed and scratch her head in the morning.
Acting calm or showing overall relaxation - An anxious, unhappy, or crazed rabbit will not act calm or relaxed. If they seem to be sleeping soundly or just resting, they are most likely happy and feel secure.