What does it mean when a rabbit lowers its head?

Upright tail ("I'm excited!" or "Let's play!"): Your bun is happy/excited and ready to play! Lowering head ("Groom me"): The dominant rabbit will lower his or her head to another rabbit, demanding to be groomed.
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What does it mean when a rabbit puts its head down?

Gentle nudge

Sometimes your rabbit will softly nudge your hand while putting her head down. This means that your rabbit wants you to pet her. Sometimes the rabbit will nudge your arm or your leg instead, but if she's putting her head down then a massage is in order.
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What are the signs of an unhappy rabbit?

The signs of an unhappy rabbit
  • Chewing cage bars, if they're kept in a hutch.
  • Pulling at their fur and over-grooming - or not grooming at all.
  • A change in feeding or toilet habits.
  • Drinking a lot more.
  • Repeated circling or pacing up and down.
  • Biting and destructive behaviours.
  • A lack of energy and curiosity.
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What does it mean when a rabbit lays down flat?

Flat Rabbit

When a rabbit flattens itself on its belly with its head down and ears held very flat, he or she is frightened and is trying to blend into his or her surroundings. (Note: a relaxed rabbit may also lay flat, but a relaxed rabbit has different body language: relaxed muscles and expression.)
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Why do rabbits lay down when you pet them?

Rabbits can let you know that they're relaxed, comfortable and happy by just lying down.
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Rabbit Body Language Explained



Do bunnies like belly rubs?

They also love getting a good back scratch around the shoulders. That said, they tend not to like being touched on the ears, neck, feet, stomach or tail. Usually, my bunnies are most receptive to petting when they're relaxing after a meal.
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Why does my rabbit put his head on the floor when I stroke him?

Invitation/demand to be groomed: Rabbit comes up to you, gives you a nudge and puts his head down to the floor in an extended position with ears at the side of the head, and awaits your attention. Translation: “I am in the mood for love. Pet me now.”
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How do rabbits say thank you?

If you spend the time to pet them and give them a nice massage, your rabbit will thank you by licking your hand or your leg.
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Where do rabbits like to be petted?

The nose, face, cheeks, and ears seem like safe areas to try. Under the chin might or might not be a problem area, depending on the rabbit. The back is likely safe. The belly, feet, and rear end seem like no-go areas.
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What does it mean when a rabbit stares at you?

If your rabbit lies down and stares at you, they're feeling relaxed. If your rabbit stands on their hind legs and stares at you, they want your attention. This position is also linked to begging for food. If your rabbit stares at you with ears erect and nose twitching, something has their attention.
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How do rabbits cry?

Rabbits do not produce tears when they cry. It's true that rabbits do have tear ducts in their bottom eyelids, and the tear ducts help to drain excess moisture from the eyes. However, there is no evidence to suggest that rabbits cry tears when they are hungry, scared, or in pain.
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What do different bunny positions mean?

Rabbit is in a crouched position, muscles are tense, head held flat to the ground, ears wide apart and flattened against the back, pupils dilated. Rabbits who are worried or anxious may hide.
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Do rabbits recognize their owners?

Rabbits bond closely with their owners.

Ask any bunny owner who interacts regularly with his pet and he'll tell you that, just like dogs or cats, rabbits get to know their owners well. They recognize them by voice and sight and will even come on command.
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Do rabbits like being talked to?

Why Do Rabbits Like Being Talked To? Rabbits like to be talked to as a result of their innate social nature and their intense underlying need to feel safe. As rabbits begin to trust with the sound of their caretaker's voice, they often associate this voice with love and protection and bond quickly with their owners.
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How do rabbits see humans?

Rabbits do not perceive their owners as other rabbits. Rabbits rely heavily on their sense of sight, smell, and hearing to distinguish humans from other creatures. As a result, your rabbit will most likely discern you as a predator until conditioned to recognize you as a safe companion or bonded partner.
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Do rabbits know their names?

Pet rabbits do know their own names. Rabbits can learn to associate sounds with specific commands over time. This includes coming to an owner when you call its name. Rewarding a rabbit with treats, petting, or other consistent positive reinforcements will help it retain these commands in its memory.
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Do bunnies like music?

Many rabbits love listening to music and some are even known to binky when their favorite tunes are on.
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How do you gain a rabbit's trust?

Let her explore you first, and learn that you are not a threat. Give a few small treats as you are getting to know each other. Eating is a social activity for rabbits and eating together builds trust. Small portions of carrot, apple, herbs, or oats are offerings a rabbit will appreciate.
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Are rabbits ticklish?

The underside of the chin is a very ticklish spot for many rabbits, and the scent gland located here can make it feel slightly irregular or bumpy. Learn how much touching of this area your rabbit usually allows, and how it feels when normal; changes may indicate a developing problem.
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Do rabbits fart?

However, rabbits usually have a low-fiber diet, which is high in carbohydrates. This can lead to a gas build up (Known as GI stasis). So, rabbits do not only fart – but they have to do it in order to avoid a gas build up, which can be deadly to them if not treated on time.
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What noises do bunnies make when they are happy?

Noises rabbits make when happy include purring, sighing, and honking (grunting or oinking.) Distressed noises in rabbits include a loud yelping or squealing, or even screaming. If your rabbit is angry, it will growl. Rabbits make noises to communicate what they think or feel.
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