Happy Bunny Signs

The Binky

The ultimate sign of joy! Your rabbit will:

  • Jump in the air
  • Twist their body mid-jump
  • Kick their feet out
  • Often followed by zooming around

If your bunny binkies, you're doing something right!

The Flop

When your rabbit throws themselves onto their side dramatically:

  • Complete relaxation and trust
  • May look alarming the first time!
  • They feel safe enough to be vulnerable
  • Often accompanied by contented grinding teeth

Teeth Purring

A soft grinding/chattering of teeth:

  • Similar to cat purring
  • Sign of contentment
  • Often while being petted
  • Different from loud grinding (which indicates pain)

The Loaf

Sitting with all paws tucked under:

  • Relaxed but alert
  • Comfortable in their environment
  • Ready to move if needed
  • Also called "loafing"

Nose Bonks & Licking

  • Gentle nose nudges = "Hi! Pet me!"
  • Licking you = Grooming, a sign of affection
  • Circling your feet = Excitement (or hormones if not fixed)

Honking or Buzzing

Soft nasal sounds, almost like a quiet oink:

  • Excitement and happiness
  • Often during play or when seeing you
  • Courting behavior (especially in unfixed rabbits)
  • Generally a positive sound!

The Sprawl

Lying flat with legs stretched out:

  • Very relaxed
  • Comfortable with temperature
  • Trusts their environment
  • Sometimes called "dead bunny pose" (alarming but harmless!)

Unhappy or Scared Bunny Signs

Thumping

Loud stomping with back feet:

  • Warning signal to others
  • "I heard/saw something scary!"
  • "I'm annoyed with you"
  • Could indicate pain if persistent

Boxing/Lunging

Standing on hind legs, swiping with front paws:

  • Defensive behavior
  • "Back off!"
  • Common in unspayed females
  • May be territorial

Grunting

Low, grumbly sounds:

  • Annoyance or warning
  • "Leave me alone"
  • "That's MY space"
  • Sometimes precedes a nip

Tail Up

When the white tail is raised:

  • Alert and possibly alarmed
  • May be about to thump
  • Scanning for danger
  • Could also be defiance!

Ears Back, Eyes Wide

  • Fear or extreme alertness
  • May freeze completely
  • Preparing to flee
  • Give them space and reassurance

Hiding

Staying in hidey house constantly:

  • New bunnies: Normal adjustment
  • Established bunnies: Something scared them OR illness
  • If accompanied by not eating: Vet visit needed

Territorial & Social Behaviors

Chinning

Rubbing their chin on objects (or you!):

  • Marking territory with scent glands
  • "This is MINE"
  • A compliment when they chin you!

Circling

Running circles around your feet:

  • Excitement to see you
  • Courting behavior (especially if grunting)
  • Usually seen in unfixed rabbits
  • Spaying/neutering reduces this

Mounting

Trying to mount things (or you, or other pets):

  • Dominance behavior
  • Hormonal (spay/neuter helps!)
  • Normal between bonded pairs
  • Not always sexual

Digging

Frantically digging at carpet/blankets:

  • Instinctual nesting behavior
  • Boredom
  • Provide a dig box with paper/hay
  • More common in females

The Flick (Kicking Dirt)

When your rabbit hops away and flicks their back feet out:

  • "I'm annoyed with you"
  • "I didn't want to be put down"
  • "That wasn't what I wanted"
  • Bunny version of an eye roll
  • Usually harmless sass
  • Sometimes called "kicking dirt" even indoors

This is one of the most expressive bunny behaviors - they're literally showing you their displeasure!

Relaxation Scale

Level 1 - Alert: Ears up, nose twitching, ready to move

Level 2 - Comfortable: Loafing, occasional grooming

Level 3 - Relaxed: Flopped on side, stretched out

Level 4 - Deep Trust: Full dead bunny pose, showing belly

The more time your bunny spends at levels 3-4, the more they trust you!

Building Trust Through Body Language

  • Get low: Sit or lie on the floor
  • Be still: Let them approach you
  • Soft voice: Talk gently, consistently
  • Respect boundaries: If they move away, let them
  • Consistent routine: Predictability builds trust