How to Read Your Rabbit’s Body Language

Rabbits For Dummies

Although your rabbit may make some sounds when communicating, bunnies do most of their “talking” with their body language. The following list can help you interpret what your rabbit is saying:

Hopping, leaping, and racing: “Whoopee! I’m happy!”
Binky-ing (a high jump, with vigorous twists): “I am incredibly happy!”
Kicking: If being held the wrong way, “Let go!” or, if playing, “What fun!”
Circling: “I’m in the mood for love.”
Flattening: “I don’t want you to see me.” A scared rabbit will lower herself to the ground as if to hide.
Stretching out (on side or back): “Ah, life is good. . . .”
Ear shaking: “I don’t like that.” Frequent ear shaking can be a sign of a medical problem and should be assessed by a veterinarian.
Head butting: “Hey!” A persistent rabbit will head-butt you when she wants something — petting, food, whatever.
Stomping: “Warning” or, maybe, “I’m annoyed.”
Biting: “I don’t like what you’re doing.” A gentle nip is a rabbit’s way of saying “I’ve had enough.” You’ll be able to tell the difference between a nip and a bite.
Sitting up tall: “I’m curious,” or “Is there trouble afoot?”
Licking: “I love you.”

About This Article

About the book author:

Connie Isbell is a former editor and writer atAudobon magazine, as well as the editor of numerous pet books. Audrey Pavia is the author of many books on pets and animals, including the bestselling Horses For Dummies and The Rabbit: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet. She has been a frequent contributor to numerous pet publications, editor-in -chief of Horse Illustrated, and senior editor of The AKC Gazette.

Audrey Pavia is the former editor of Horse Illustrated magazine and an awardwinning freelance writer specializing in equine subjects. She has authored articles on various equine topics in a number of horse publications, including Western Horseman, Horses USA, Thoroughbred Times, Appaloosa Journal, Paint Horse Journal, Veterinary Product News, and USDF Connection magazines. She has written five horse books besides Horse Health & Nutrition For Dummies, including Horses For Dummies, 2nd Edition (Wiley), Horseback Riding For Dummies (Wiley), and Trail Riding: A Complete Guide (Howell Book House).
In addition to her experience as an equine writer, she’s also a former Managing Editor of Dog Fancy magazine and a former Senior Editor of the American Kennel Club Gazette. She has authored more than 100 articles on the subject of animals and has written several books on various kinds of pets.
Audrey has been involved with horses since the age of 9. She has owned and cared for horses throughout her life, and has trained in both Western and English disciplines. She currently participates in competitive trail riding. Audrey resides in Norco, California.