What does my rabbit want to tell me?

You probably know that a dog wagging its tail expresses its enthusiasm, or that a cat rubbing against your legs expresses its desire to be petted… Animals don’t have a language, but they have developed other ways of communicating, and their attitudes or movements have a precise meaning for those who know how to interpret them. Dogs and cats are not the only ones to use these means to make themselves understood: if you live with a rabbit, or if you plan to offer yourself the company of this charming rodent, reading this article will initiate you to the deciphering of its most common facts and gestures. Learn to understand the feelings and needs of this small animal, as cute as it is capable of interaction.

Beware of the ears…

The rabbit’s big ears are not only used to be spotted by your eyes in the wheat fields. They change position according to the emotion of the moment. Erect, slightly oriented towards the front of its body, they mean that its owner is in a phase of curiosity, for example, exploring an environment in which it does not have its marks.
Beware, however, if by misfortune his ears are turned towards the outside: a position synonymous with negative emotions, anger or great mistrust. “Beware, I might bite” is certainly a relatively accurate summary of your rabbit’s thoughts at that moment… warning to bite lovers!

The muzzle: a whole language!

Nose and mouth are very important elements in the rabbit’s communication. It is thanks to these organs that it expresses its affection, its tenderness, but also that it seeks to mark what belongs to it. Like many other species, the rabbit secretes small particles that it spreads in places where it wants to mark its territory. It’s not surprising to see them rubbing their muzzle against their cage or a piece of furniture in your home, as this is a sign that they feel at home. However, if the rabbit is content to give small strokes with his nose against your leg or your hand, he is not trying to make you his home, but most certainly to claim a token of tenderness. A small caress, on the forehead, will then be welcome. React in the same way if the little rodent fills your palm with a lick, this is undoubtedly the warmest sign of attachment in rabbit language.
On the other hand, if your little companion gives you a slight bite, you must know how to interpret it not as a sign of malice, but as a sign of discontent to which you must react: “you’re holding me wrong”, “put me down”… can be the translation of this aggressive gesture, depending on the situation.

What does he do with his back legs?

Knowing how to interpret the position of your rabbit’s hind legs will give you the key to deciphering the communication of this small social animal.
His paws are relaxed and placed at the back of his body, so that his belly lies against the ground? Everything is fine with your rabbit, he is in a relaxed position, he doesn’t feel fear (he would be perfectly still and as crushed to the ground as possible), nor anger.
Is he tapping his foot? In this case, however, it may be an indication of anger, or that something is worrying him. It’s almost as if Disney was an expert in rabbit language when he depicted Bamby’s faithful companion, Pan-Pan, stamping his foot on the ground to warn his friends in the forest of impending danger.
Does your rabbit use his paws to hop? That means he’s happy and looking for a game. Don’t be surprised by such behavior, especially from a young rabbit, who is often lively and fond of play.
Is he using his back legs to stand? This sign should be interpreted as a sign of interest: either your little companion has once again gone into exploration mode, and places his head as high as possible to scan his environment, or… he’s greeting you! Because yes, the rabbit is capable of reacting to the arrival of his master and can even learn to recognize the name that you will give him. So… convinced of your furry friend’s social skills?