Why do rabbits put their head up and down?

While there are many different causes for head tilt in rabbits, the most common causes are an infection such as Encephalitozoon cuniculi (mainly observed in dwarf breed rabbits), Pasteurella multocida (mainly observed in standard breed rabbits), or head trauma. Other causes for head tilt in rabbits can be: Abscess.

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Why is my rabbit moving her head up and down?

Head shaking can have different meanings and should be looked at in context. It can mean that your rabbit is not happy with the situation (e.g., after it is prevented from entering an off-limit room), or that it is happy (e.g., preceding a binky).

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Why does my rabbit keep putting his head down?

When your rabbit lays their head down flat on the ground, they are enjoying being pet and are laying still so that you continue. They might even close their eyes or nudge your hand if you stop petting them.

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Why does my bunny lift his head up?

Looks like she is trying to groom her dewlap. You may want to check and make sure there isn't something stuck in her fur or the fur being wet. If you had just given her something juicy to eat, that could be why. She's trying to reach down to lick it off.

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How do you know if your rabbit likes you?

Here's how you can tell that your rabbit likes you:
  1. Circling your feet.
  2. Chinning.
  3. Grooming you.
  4. Flopping down close to you.
  5. Binkies.
  6. Sitting on your lap.
  7. Coming over for pets.
  8. Purring when you pet them.

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Rabbit Body Language Explained

38 related questions found

How do rabbits show they trust you?

Nudging, head butting or rubbing against you is rabbit body language for loving attention. 'Give them a stroke or cuddle, or what you know they enjoy', says Rosie. 'Rubbing their faces against you is a way of sharing their scent profile, and showing that you really are friends.

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How do you show a rabbit you love them?

7 Ways to Show Your Rabbit You Love Them
  1. Give your rabbit yummy treats. The easiest way to a rabbit's heart is through their stomach. ...
  2. Pet your rabbit. Rabbits love to be petted. ...
  3. Spend time with your rabbit. ...
  4. Give your rabbit fun toys. ...
  5. Copy their behaviors. ...
  6. Let your rabbit explore. ...
  7. Play games with your rabbit.

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What do rabbit positions mean?

A good place to start is to look at your rabbit's ears. If they're close together, facing upwards and pointing outwards, your rabbit is likely to be relaxed and happy. If they're worried, their ears will be flattened against their back.

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What does it mean when a rabbit cleans itself in front of you?

Grooming can be a self-comforting behavior for rabbits. If they are stressed, anxious, bored, or even a little sick, a rabbit might try to feel better by self-grooming more often.

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What does it mean when a rabbit turns its back to you?

A bunny who is angry with their owner or another rabbit may let them know by giving them a cold shoulder, or Bunny Butt. They will turn their back on you and refuse to look at you. Bunnies hold grudges.

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How do you know if your rabbit doesn't like you?

If they are sitting upright and their front paws are 'boxing' at you, they are likely very unhappy. Vocalising. Rabbits don't tend to make much noise and when they do it's a sign they're feeling very threatened. You may hear them grunting or growling and in extreme cases, they can scream.

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How do I know if my rabbit is stressed?

Signs of stress may include:
  1. appearing nervous (freezing, hunched up with ears flat against the body)
  2. being excessively jumpy and watchful (bulging eyes)
  3. being aggressive to people or other rabbits, particularly if the behaviour is unusual.
  4. being aggressive when handled.

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How do I know if my rabbit is depressed?

The signs of an unhappy rabbit
  1. Chewing cage bars, if they're kept in a hutch.
  2. Pulling at their fur and over-grooming - or not grooming at all.
  3. A change in feeding or toilet habits.
  4. Drinking a lot more.
  5. Repeated circling or pacing up and down.
  6. Biting and destructive behaviours.
  7. A lack of energy and curiosity.

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Why do bunnies sit and stare?

Staring is very common in rabbits. It's likely your rabbit stares at you out of love and happiness, but they could also be hungry, or confused. Rabbits also have a transparent eyelid that they use while they sleep, which may make it seem like they are staring.

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What does it mean when a rabbit runs around your legs?

When a bunny circles a person's feet or legs, this behavior usually indicates sexual or mating behavior (even when your rabbit is neutered). It basically means “I love you.”

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What does it mean when a bunny runs circles around you?

Circling is one way that rabbits will show their affection for the people who they feel close to. It's an indication that your rabbit is excited to see you. You might even notice they are making a quiet oinking or buzzing sound while they do it (sometimes called honking too).

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Do rabbits like being stroked?

Most rabbits love to be cuddled and stroked when approached in the right way. Few like being held or carried as being so high up from the ground makes them feel insecure, however, many will happily sit on your lap or snuggle up next to you for a cuddle.

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How do you calm a stressed rabbit?

Here are some tips on how to make your rabbit's life less stressful.
  1. Keep loud noises to a minimum. ...
  2. Make sure they have a good environment. ...
  3. Get into a good routine. ...
  4. Give your rabbit time to warm up. ...
  5. Keep your rabbit occupied with toys. ...
  6. Give your rabbit lots of attention.

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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. You may also receive a couple of light nips from your rabbit. This is especially likely if your rabbit is grooming you around the seams of your clothing.

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Do rabbits recognize their owners?

Rabbits enjoy being around people and can usually recognise their owners by sight and sound.

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What do bunnies love the most?

Rabbits love nothing more than having the space to run around, play, dig and explore while enjoying a bit of 'me' time. Show your bunnies you love them by offering a secure environment where they can display these natural behaviours safely away from predators. A happy rabbit is a loved rabbit!

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How can you tell if a rabbit is happy?

You will know if your rabbit is happy because they will:
  1. Lie down with a relaxed body.
  2. Lie down with a stretched body, still relaxed.
  3. Lie down with a fully extended body, still relaxed.
  4. Jumping into the air all 4 paws off the ground.
  5. Have a healthy appetite.
  6. Calm and quiet.
  7. Inquisitive.

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