The Language of Lagomorphs: Part One

By Chandra Beal

Rabbits have a reputation for being silent creatures who do nothing all day, but in reality they have a wide range of expressions and methods of communicating. It’s easy and rewarding to learn the language of lagomorphs. Just sit back and let them teach you!

• Grunting, Lunging and Boxing: When a rabbit grunts it usually indicates that he is unhappy or angry about something. Maybe you’re rearranging his cage, or reaching in to lift him when he’s trying to nap. Watch their body language, too. If they are tense and crouched, they mean business. Grunting is often accompanied by lunging forward and “boxing”, or a flailing of the forepaws. All the rabbit is saying is, “Leave me alone.” It’s best to heed this warning unless you want to be bit.
• Honking: Honking is different than grunting. It’s a soft, low, rhythmic sound that is used primarily by males when they court females. Spaying and neutering does not totally eliminate the sexual urge, and rabbits will still chase and mount each other for pleasure. Rabbits will also mount each other as a form of dominance. Honking usually accompanies this chasing and circling, but Maia honks when I reach for the box of treats. It basically means, “I want you (or a treat).”
• Circling: Running in circles around your feet is another behavior related to sexuality. This is a courtship ritual although, again, some rabbits will circle you because they are “in love with” getting a treat. If a rabbit is unaltered and circles you frequently, they are sexually mature and need to be neutered.
• Spraying: Males that are not neutered will mark their territory by spraying urine. Females will also spray but it is not as common. Altering your pet is the solution. Rabbits will continue to use droppings and urine to mark their territory even after they have been neutered, although most will use their litter box regularly. Droppings outside the litter box most often indicate a territoriality issue. Maybe you’ve brought another pet home, or have recently moved. This is the rabbit’s way of saying, “This is my space.”
• Shrill Scream: This is one rabbit sound I hope you never have to hear. Rabbits only make this sound when they are extremely distressed, hurt or dying. It is unmistakable. If your rabbit screams, they need medical attention immediately. Maia screamed when I took her to the vet to be spayed. In this case, she was not in pain but was terrified of the experience.
• Chinning: Rabbits, both males and females, rub their chins on items to indicate that they belong to them. This includes furniture, food, other rabbits, and people. Rabbits have a scent gland under their chin that leaves a trace smell only they can recognize. Cats do the same thing by rubbing their foreheads on people and objects.
• The Binky: Witnessing a binky is one of the greatest joys of living with a rabbit. It looks like dancing or leaping in the air, often with body gyrations and kicks and flips. Sometimes rabbits get a running start before a binky; some just leap into the air from a sitting position. The binky indicates pure happiness and joy, and it’s contagious. Other bunnies may join in, and you’ll surely be moved to smile or laugh.
• The Flop: The flop is another way of expressing contentment and happiness. The rabbit goes quickly from a sitting or standing position to lying on its side, like a tree falling in the forest. The eyes roll back and the rabbit looks lifeless. This is different from a rabbit gradually lying down to nap. The motion is quick. New bunny people are often alarmed when they see this because the rabbit indeed looks ill or dead. As long as they continue to breathe, never fear. This is actually a sign of bunny bliss. Do not disturb!
• Playing: In addition to the binky and the flop, rabbits enjoy a variety of ways to play. They push or toss objects around, bunch up towels, or shred and tear cardboard or paper. Some play hide and seek or chase games. They may race madly around the house or jump on and off of the couch. All this is very important to the wellness of the bunny psyche. It provides exercise, mental stimulation, and fun. Get down on the floor and get in the game!

In Part Two we'll cover many more ways to speak bunny.

About the Author:

Chandra Moira Beal is a 30 year-old writer who lives in Austin, Texas. Chandra grew up in Santa Cruz, California and moved to Austin in 1991 after visiting a friend there and falling in love with the area. She has a bachelor's degree in music theory from Concordia University. Although she has no formal education in writing per se, she has been writing since she can remember. She bases most of her work on her life experiences.

She has contributed articles to a variety of animal welfare publications, including Hoppenings (House Rabbit Resource Network newsletter), In a Nutshell (newsletter of the Squirrel Lover's Club), ASPCA's Animal Watch (reprinted 6 times), and the Bunny Thymes (Canadian newsletter). Chandra also wrote and self-published a guidebook to swimming in Central Texasbook, Splash Across Texas!

Chandra may be contacted by email at laluna@io.com.

Article courtesy of Suite101.com.