Understanding your pet rabbit
Written by AniMed.org
Ever heard the phrase "dumb bunny"? Well, it certainly doesn't apply to your animal companion. Your inquisitive, sensitive rabbit may surprise you with her intelligence. She can learn to use a litter box, come when called and may even beat you in a game of tag! Through an understanding of what motivates her, you'll better meet her needs and gain a loyal, loving friend in the process.
Your new bunny wants to be part of the family, which means she'll need to live indoors, in your home, with you. Although pet rabbits have been traditionally kept in backyard hutches, these days responsible caretakers are better informed. Did you know that the mere approach of a predator (the neighbor's dog, for example, or a wild raccoon) can cause a rabbit to die of fright? Animals kept outdoors are also susceptible to a variety of diseases spread by fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. While living indoors is essential, you will need to make sure your rabbit's not cooped up in her cage all day long. A minimum of several hours of daily playtime in a safe, secure area is recommended.
It's true that your rabbit wants to be close to you, but the majority of rabbits highly dislike being picked up and handled. We know, we know, they look so cuddly, but rabbits feel extremely insecure when lifted off the ground. If they are mishandled or have not been trained to tolerate handling, they will protest with kicking and nipping. Feel free to read more about the right way to pick up your pet.
Taking care of a pet rabbit means providing fun
Topping the list of perfectly natural, perfectly enjoyable bunny behaviors are chewing and digging. Not only does chewing wear down a rabbit's continuously growing teeth and exercise her jaws, it's fun! As a responsible rabbit owner, it's up to you to ensure that your pet has a wide variety of appropriate toys to satisfy these urges. Should you fail to meet said requirements, do not be surprised if your pet takes matters into her own hands (paws?!) and digs up the carpet and gnaws the bars of her cage – or a table leg or two. Don't get mad, just get her some chew toys!
Reading your rabbit's body language
It may take a while for you figure out what your rabbit's trying to tell you. These animals generally don't make much noise, but you may hear yours do some "tooth purring" every now and then. Caused by quick, light vibrations of the teeth, this is the sound of one contented bunny – not to be confused with the loud, slow grinding that indicates an animal in pain. And when a rabbit growls or clucks, she's letting you know that she's annoyed.
Your pet speaks loud and clear with her body language, too. For example, when she thumps the ground with her back leg (yes, that's how Thumper got his name!), she may be afraid or uncertain, or is issuing some sort of warning. When she rubs her chin on your hand, she's claiming you as her territory. And then, of course, there's the bunny dance, a very loosely choreographed series of kicks and leaps done by the happiest of rabbits.
There are many other ways in which your bunny will let you know how she's feeling, but half the fun of getting to know your companion rabbit is figuring them out for yourself! (P.S. We will tell you one thing, however: if your pet licks you, you've got a friend forever!)
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Comments
My rabbit lives indoors and his cage is set up in my room. I adore this little guy...he really came to me in a time where I needed unconditional love. I would do anything for him which is why I'm trying to figure out how to keep him quiet at night. My parents are threatening to put him outside at night (example: they just bought a bunny hutch for the backyard). I'm having panic attacks because the neighbors have outside cats. I tried explaining that to my parents but they won't give in because I'm grumpy all day because a certain pet is keeping me up at night. I understand that the shredding of the newspaper is fun for him but between that and the boucning and running around at top speeds combinded with jumping all over the place it gets noisy!!!! The only other problem (which isn't really a problem) is that he doesn't lick me anymore. Now he kind of nibbles on my shirt. Did I do something wrong?
If anyone has any ideas or anything please let me know.
Hi,
First let me tell you that I am an older adult. I own my own condo and I have two dogs - big mixed breeds. Everyone's a rescue. I fell in love with rabbits about a year ago. I've never had one before and I had no idea what it would be like to own one. I made the decision to adopt a rescue bunny - and found a bonded pair. They are young rabbits, about 8 months old now. I've had them since January 24, 2009.
My rabbits are in the house also, however, (now here's the difference between being a young person at home and an adult with your own home). Trying to decide how to house the rabbits was perplexing. I didn't want to put them in a cage, all cramped. So I decided, at the pet store, to obtain a pen; 30" high, with a door, and with the ability to be a square pen or an octogonal pen. I could always put them in the living room on the tile floor with a quilt, or in the kitchen, or . . .
What I decided to do - and it's going to sound extreme, but I emptied out my walk in closet. I set the pen up in there, off my bedroom. I laid down a quilt, along with litter boxes, hay, water bottle, food pellet bin, toys and a cardboard box. The two bunnies have a good deal of room, about 20 square feet. When I am getting ready for work in the morning, I let them out of the pen/walk in closet and they have the run of their pen, and my bathroom. I bring them leafy greens, I pet them, I play with them. Then I am off to work and they go back in the pen area. I lock and secure the pen door. I also put a board across the door so that the dogs cannot walk into the area and frighten the bunnies.
When I get home, I bring leafy greens, and let them out of the pen to run around. They jump, and binky, and eat, and tease me, and let me pet them. It's good. And I think that they are happy.
Remember that rabbits are nocturnal. My rabbits don't bounce - they're on the floor, not in a cage. No newspaper to shred. They chew on things in their cage, e.g., the quilt, various toys, cardboard. My rabbits make no noise. They are not jumping around at night - but they have each other to keep company with. Maybe your rabbit is frustrated that he is alone - he may miss you. Is your rabbit neutered? He may do better with a mate (spayed). Then you'd have two.
Perhaps he's not getting enough exercise - perhaps he's not getting enough attention. Or perhaps this is just his personality - a little hyper-active. Maybe he needs toys to occupy him, like wood to chew on, or cardboard, or pine cones.
All the experts say to keep your bunny indoors where he's safe. It's better for him, and you have a safe contained area to play with him.
You see, I'm fortuate that I can make my own decisions about my animals, and where to keep them and how to treat them.
I wish you happiness and good Karma.
Regina!
my bunny used to bite me.but now he get used to me.In winter i take him inside so he wouldn't be cold.his the best best