The Language of Lagomorphs: Part Two

If your female rabbit is plucking hair from her chest, she is preparing to build a nest for babies. She may be pregnant, of if she's already spayed, she could be experiencing a false pregnancy induced by the proximity to an un-neutered male. Either way, she needs attention from a veterinarian.

Nudging Nose

Rabbits will butt you with their heads or noses to indicate a variety of things. Usually it means, "move over" or "get out of my way." Sometimes it means, "stop petting me" or even "don't stop petting me." Again, knowing your rabbit's personality, habits and body language will help you understand what their nudges mean.

REM Sleep

Have you ever watched a rabbit dozing and noticed their eyes and cheeks twitching, and their heads drooping off to one side? They're dreaming! The facial movements are indicative of "rapid eye movement", or the stage in which they achieve a deep sleep and dream, just like humans. The best thing you can do is let them be, and wonder what they're dreaming about.

Happy Feet

A happy, relaxed rabbit will often lay on its stomach with the forepaws and hind legs stretched out. From above they look like they are flying, or they are flat as can be. Sometimes rabbits lay with their legs extended out but more to the side, as opposed to the hunched position when all limbs are tucked under the body. This just indicates a happy rabbit. For a prey animal that must be constantly on guard against danger, happy feet is a great indication that the rabbit feels comfortable and safe in their environment.

Grooming

Rabbits groom each other, and their humans, to show affection. A rabbit licking your hand or face is a high compliment. The rabbit is saying, "Thank you. I love you." Humans can "groom" rabbits back by nuzzling their face with the fingers or your cheeks and nose, or simply through brushing and petting.

Ear Movement

Rabbits just wouldn't be rabbits without those fabulous ears. Rabbit hearing is extremely sensitive, and acts like a radar of what's happening in the environment. Even while rabbits sleep, their ears are on duty. If the ears are pointed forward, they are tuning in to something. If they lay back on the head, they are defensive and ready to attack. There are many combinations in between. One ear may point up while the other hangs down, as if they are half listening.

As you

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