This is regularly done as a form of communication. A rabbit may dig on its owner because it is feeling anxious, wants to play, wants to be left alone, is demanding pets or attention, or is bored. Understanding why your rabbit digs on you will allow you to better understand 'rabbit speak'.
If your bunny shows actions of exploring, digging, jumping and chewing, it most likely means they are happy. To have the perfect playtime, you should make a safe play area with other furry friends. It's also a great idea to create obstacles that they can jump through, run around, and hide in.
Rabbits may dig at you or bunch your clothes because they're bored, want some attention, are annoyed, frustrated, or perhaps they even need their nails clipped. Understanding why your rabbit is scratching your clothes is the first step to stopping the behavior and making sure your bunny's needs are being fulfilled.
To be released if you're holding them. If you are holding your rabbit, they might dig on your chest so they can be released. Most rabbits don't actually like being held, so they will dig and possibly nip at you to get you to put them down.
Digging: Rabbits will dig with their feet onto their owner's legs or feet as a way to get attention. They are typically looking for a treat or to be petted.
It is common for rabbits to be offended and hold grudges against people. The most common sign that a rabbit is upset is when they give you the cold shoulder, ignoring you and refusing to take any treats. Rabbits holding a grudge will also flick their feet and people and urinate in places they normally wouldn't.
Rabbits explore their environment by sniffing and nudging. It may be a greeting or their first line of investigation. But nudging can also indicate a level of bossiness. Your rabbit might be telling you, “You're in my way!” They may also be trying to get your attention because you're not petting them.
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.
Rabbits are social and intelligent creatures. They'll know that you love them; you just have to learn how to say “I love you!” in a way they'll understand. You can show your rabbit you love them by giving them gifts such as toys and yummy treats.
When a rabbit nibbles or bites you softly it is often accompanied with licking, which is a sign of love. He is trying to groom you and is simulating the grooming process (however, you have no fur to build up knots in so it results in just a little nibble of the skin).
Rabbit ears that are flat back with a relaxed body just mean the rabbit is resting. Rabbit ears that are straight up mean that the rabbit is curious or alert and rabbit ears that are not straight up, not tense and back usually indicate that the rabbit is relaxed or content.
Digging is an important, instinctive natural behaviour. Rabbits need to be able to express this to have good welfare, but we need to direct it appropriately so the rabbit does not escape.
This is unlikely to harm anything unless you let it continue or encourage it. Repeated digging can cause damage to items. Digging is also a reason that adventures outside in an exercise pen or other containment must always be supervised. You don't want your rabbit to dig under an obstacle and escape.
It often indicates they are either hungry, upset, tired, cold, etc. Rabbits and other animals are essentially the same when it comes to this type of communication between animals and humans.
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).
Circling is part of a rabbit's courting behavior and is sometimes accompanied by a soft honking or oinking. Circling can also be a way to ask for food or attention from human companions.
Standing up on the Hind Legs: The rabbit wants to see what is going on around him. This can be out of curiosity or to make sure the area is safe. Indoor pet rabbits may also stand up when they want to see items placed up high in the house, ask for a door to be opened, or beg for food. Where is the noise coming from?
Most rabbits will adore being massaged at the base of the ears and along the neck. This is a great petting spot, and a good place to start easing your rabbit into ear touching. Over numerous petting sessions, gradually begin touching its ears with gentle passes of your hand.
It's literally a bunny's happy dance and sometimes will occur when a rabbit runs laps around the room – a behavior that many call “zoomies.” When rabbits display these behaviors, they're showing us that they are full of energy, happy and excited!
Be aware that rabbits do not kiss in the same way as humans. She will rub noses or lick you. These are signs of affection in rabbits. Licking, in particular, is a huge compliment.
Squeal. If your rabbit nips or bites you (sometimes rabbits nip when they want something or want your attention - it's not always aggressive): give a high-pitched squeal as soon as she nips or bites you. This will let her know that she hurt you and she should not nip or bite you.
Depending on the severity of the offence, a rabbit can hold a grudge from hours to several days. Sometimes, a simple stroke on the forehead or an apologetic treat can remedy a miffed bunny, but if your rabbit is truly offended, they can sulk for quite some time!
Bunnies must chew to keep their teeth healthy. Offer Floppy lots of fun playthings to keep her amused. Many household items can be upcycled into great, inexpensive, bunny toys. Stuff fresh hay or herbs into a paper bag, or crumple up pieces of paper and toss them to your adorable pal.