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).
A rabbit will run circles around and between your feet, sometimes while making a honking noise, as a sign of excitement and affection. Circling, as it's known, usually happens when a rabbit expects food or a treat.
If your rabbit grunts, it usually means she is angry – and possibly feels threatened. Sometimes, grunting is followed by a nip or bite. Some rabbits do not like it when you rearrange their cages as you clean; they may grunt, charge or even nip you when you try.
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.
Honking is a sound that rabbits make when they are happy and excited. I hear rabbits make this soft sound when they are expecting treats or when they get excited for play time. For most rabbits, this is a very soft sound that is difficult to hear unless you listen very closely.
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.
Honking This is a courting sound of males and females in heat. Sometimes, the rabbit will honk while running circles around a person or animal and this usually means it is asking for food or attention.
OINKS/HONKS: Meaning varies. Soft oinking sounds, especially those made by a doe, are often a part of the mating ritual, which can occur even with fixed bunnies. Can be a come-hither or “not tonight, dear…”. Soft, musical sort of sound, never used aggressively.
A rabbit nudge can mean something as simple as a basic courteous "hello." If you walk up to your bunny's living quarters only to see her pressing her face up against the cage, she's very likely saying hello to you.
If your rabbit has ever run around the room as fast as they can as though something is chasing them then you've witnessed the bunny 500. This behavior is a happy one and your bunny is zooming around out of pure excitement. Perhaps they are playing with you or a furry friend or are expecting a favorite treat.
Why does my rabbit put her head down when I pet her? 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.
If the rabbit frequently shakes its head and scratches its ears, it may have a medical problem, such as an ear infection, that needs medical attention. These usually come in spurts and express happiness. Your rabbit will groom only in situations in which it is relaxed.
These verbalizations sound similar, but have different meanings. Honking denotes fun and pleasure. Grunting is an expression of distaste or disgust. If accompanied by a hiss or growl, the rabbit is wholly displeased.
A head tilt in a rabbit is usually caused by a problem inside the ear or brain (where the balance centre sits). Inner ear infections and E. caniculi (a tiny parasite that causes swelling in the brain) are the two most common causes of a head tilt in a rabbit.
What sounds does my rabbit make when they're happy? Unlike a cat that purrs from its throat, a rabbit 'purrs' by very gently rubbing its teeth together. It's a lot quieter than a cat purr, but if you've got your rabbit on your lap and are gently stroking it, you'll hear it if they're feeling very contented.
Nose Nudging: Nose nudging is another behavior that has several meanings. Rabbits might nudge, push, or toss things around as a form of play, to solicit attention from you, or as a territorial behavior meaning “mine!” or “get out of the way!” Rabbits can be very territorial and particular.
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.
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.
Rabbits enjoy being around people and can usually recognise their owners by sight and sound.
Your rabbit may show signs of wanting attention from you by nudging you, softly biting or even making digging notions directly on you. On the other hand, they may show signs of withdrawing from you, refusing interaction and not responding when you try to pet or play. A lonely rabbit may become hyperactive and angry.