Rabbits Can Thump Out of Anger/Frustration Many owners will hear their rabbits thumping in the hutch and they might not even be nearby. Thumping when they're shut away can often be a sign that they're frustrated and potentially bored.
Think of rabbits out in the wild: they are prey animals, always on the alert for danger, yet unable to communicate verbally. That's where stamping or thumping comes in: they use this body language to tell others they are feeling threatened.
Grunting is more often associated with frustration and discomfort, and may be accompanied by your rabbit stamping their feet, kicking, scratching or biting. Honking is a more positive noise, associated more with affection, excitement and play.
Purring – Just like a cat, a rabbit makes a purring noise when it's happy and contented. Sighing – Another happy and contented sound, usually made when a rabbit is sitting comfortably and happily.
If your rabbits look tucked up and quiet with their chins tucked in and noses not twitching this can be a sure sign of them feeling unhappy or stressed, as this is not a normal position for a rabbit. Moving or running away. Your rabbits may turn and move away from you (or each other) if they're unhappy.
Bunnies show affection by grooming, so if your rabbits gently nuzzle, lick, and perhaps even try to nibble you gently, they are showing you that they love and care for you. This is also a sign of submission. Sometimes your bunny will lick and nibble your clothing or a piece of nearby fabric instead of you.
Rabbits like to play and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Ideally you want to provide them with up to 4 hours daily of supervised time out of their cage. Rabbits are subject to depression and poor health if they're not provided with daily interaction and mental stimulation.
Rabbits will also stomp for attention, or as an expression of anger and annoyance. Your rabbit is trying to let you know something important to you. If you don't take action, they'll keep on thumping their feet until you do. This can cause stress or injury to your pet.
Many owners will hear their rabbits thumping in the hutch and they might not even be nearby. Thumping when they're shut away can often be a sign that they're frustrated and potentially bored. They may be demanding your attention, or they might want some time out of their hutch.
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.
Nope! Another question that people often ask is whether rabbits sleep mostly during the day or at night. And the answer is neither. They are crepuscular, meaning that they are most active at dusk and dawn.
The best way to gain your rabbits' trust is by simply spending lots of time being near them, while allowing your bunnies to approach you in their own time. By sitting quietly with them in a safe enclosure, you'll show your rabbits that you aren't to be feared and that you can be trusted.
Rabbits enjoy being around people and can usually recognise their owners by sight and sound.
Rabbits lick for affection, not for salt. Licking means “I love you, I trust you.”
Stop petting them and place your hand on either side of their head, near their nose. If the rabbit softly nudges your hand or does nothing and just sits there expectantly, then you know your rabbit is enjoying being pet and wants more.
Signs that your rabbit might be bored
Rabbits might start chewing things that they shouldn't, destroying their pen, or trying to dig out. They might also start to over-groom themselves to give them something to do.
Grunting: Grunting noises are angry reactions towards another rabbit or a person and should be heeded as a warning to back off; otherwise the rabbit might escalate by scratching or biting. Rabbits grunt when they feel threatened or territorial. Thumping: Thumping is an attention getting behavior.
What are rabbits afraid of? 'Rabbits are naturally fearful of anything coming from above, like their predators would. If we bend down to pick them up, that action is scary,' says Rosie. 'They also dislike being lifted up, as that's what happens when they're in a predator's mouth.
Objects to play with or throw - such as untreated straw, wicker, sea-grass mats and baskets, balls and plastic flower pots. Solid plastic baby toys such as 'key rings', rattles, stacking cups and some robust cat and parrot toys can make good rabbit toys.