The secret world of rabbit communication comes alive through their body language! Rabbits have an intricate physical vocabulary beyond what humans can grasp. From joyful binkies to terror flattening, flopping, boxing and more, rabbits wordlessly express a spectrum of emotions, needs, and reactions. Whether strengthening social bonds through grooming, showing affection with nose nudges, or displaying irritation with a good butt twitch, rabbits physically convey their inner state. Join us on an illustrated tour of nuanced rabbit body language and behavior. Learn to better understand your rabbit’s non-verbal language and respond appropriately to support its wellbeing. Discover what your rabbit is telling you without words!
Alert
When a rabbit is alert, its ears will stand up tall and rotate to focus on sounds. The eyes will be wide open and the rabbit will be completely still as it intently listens and watches its surroundings. An alert rabbit is accessing its surroundings for potential danger before deciding how to respond. Rabbits have nearly 360 degree vision, allowing them to scan a wide area without turning their head. Their large, upright ears can independently turn to pick up and locate the source of any concerning sounds. An alert rabbit on high watch will be tense and prepared to bolt away at the first sign of real threat. This body language indicates heightened caution and wariness.
Binky
A binky is a big, joyful hop and twisting jump that rabbits do when extremely happy and energetic. This energetic expression of delight is unique to rabbits. During a binky, the rabbit will jump up with an arching back and kick its feet up in the air. Some binkies even incorporate twists and spins during the airborne hop. Rabbits most often binky when playing or running around, especially when let out for exercise during bonding time with owners. The binky reveals just how excited and gleeful rabbits can feel, being able to express blissful emotions outwardly through energetic bouncy hops.
Boxing
Rabbit boxing involves the rabbit rapidly swinging its front paws in alternating hits, like a boxer throwing punches. This is typically seen between bonded rabbit pairs or groups as a form of play fighting. The rabbit stands up on its hind legs while punching out with the front paws toward the other rabbit, often while shifting or jumping forward. The other rabbit will mirror the posture and boxing actions as they dodge and paw at each other for fun. Some gentle chasing and evasion usually accompanies the mock fighting. Boxing play sessions are a social activity rabbits enjoy that allows them to burn energy.
Butt twitching
A rapid twitching of the nose, whiskers, or butt area in rabbits signals irritation, impatience or discomfort with a situation. This body language is an indicator of mild stress or annoyance. The rabbit may be restless when constrained or impatient for food or attention. A flicking nose can mean the rabbit is reacting to an unpleasant odor or is impatient with a bothersome handler. Twitching in the rear end tends to reflect general annoyance or discomfort. While less concerning than aggressive responses from rabbits, butt and nose twitching should be read as a sign to stop the irritating stimulus to prevent escalation.
Cautious
A cautious rabbit will move slowly and deliberately, often lowering its head and body close to the ground as it investigates something unfamiliar. Its eyes and ears will be alert, scanning for potential threats. The rabbit may shift between freezing in place and creeping forward for a closer look. Rabbits are prey animals, so an extremely cautious rabbit may refuse to move forward at all until it feels safe. A cautious rabbit will be tense and prepared to rapidly flee at the first hint of danger. This guarded behavior helps protect rabbits from harm in the wild and shows their instinct for self-preservation.
Chewing
Rabbits chew to wear down their ever-growing teeth and as a comforting behavioral habit. Tooth chewing involves repetitive motions to file down their teeth. Rabbits will chew on wooden objects, cardboard, grass mats, and chew toys designed for dental health. This tooth filing chewing tends to follow periods of rest. Rabbits also chew when they are settling in comfortably. A relaxed, content rabbit will gently chew on fabric, carpet, paper, their cage bars, etc. The consistent chewing motion soothes rabbits. Providing safe chew toys prevents destructive chewing of inappropriate items.
Chin rubbing
Rabbits have scent glands under their chin that they use to mark territory as they rub their chin across objects and people. This territorial marking communicates ownership and social status. The rabbit will rub its chin back and forth repeatedly over an item, person, or companion rabbit during interactions. bonded rabbits may gently chin rub each other as a sign of affection. Wild rabbits also use chin rubbing to mark locations and objects within their habitat range. Domestic rabbits retain this natural instinct and rely on scent signals to mark their environment.
Circling
Circling behavior in rabbits involves hopping in tight circles or running laps around an owner or other rabbits. These quick, repeated circles indicate a request or anticipation of something desired. For example, a rabbit may circle around its empty food dish demanding to be fed. Or a playful rabbit may circle and dash around a person's feet, instigating a game of chase. If the circles are wide, it typically shows excitement about expected food or interaction. Tight, urgent circles reflect impatience for the desired stimulus. This body language translates the rabbit's excited energy and focused desire to be fed, played with, or let out of their cage, etc.
Cold shoulder
A rabbit giving the "cold shoulder" will deliberately turn away from the source of its annoyance, typically ignoring a person or animal trying to interact with it. The rabbit remains facing away while hunching up its shoulders, keeping its back turned towards the offending party. This dismissive, non-confrontational gesture signals the rabbit's irritation or unwillingness to engage positively. It may reflect anger about being picked up or held against its will. A cold shoulder suggests the rabbit is offended but not aggressive enough to bite or scratch. Respecting the rabbit's boundaries until it becomes receptive again is best after being given the cold shoulder treatment.
Confident
A confident rabbit exudes calm self-assurance through its relaxed upright posture and graceful, fluid movements as it explores. The ears are perked up but not tense or constantly swiveling to monitor for threats. A confident rabbit will casually hop around, keeping eyes and ears open without hyper-vigilance. It approaches people or other rabbits it knows without hesitation or nervous flinching. This relaxed confidence indicates the rabbit feels ownership over territory and safely in control of interactions. It has an air of gentle authority and certainty in all its interactions within its comfort zone.
Curious
A curious rabbit will have slightly widened eyes and perked up ears as it stretches its head out to inspect something. It will tilt its head or stand on its hind legs while sniffing the air or an object. Curious rabbits engage in gentle exploratory nibbling or pawing at interesting items. When curious, rabbits examine new environments at their own pace, alternating between moving toward something and pausing to observe before approaching further. Their curiosity leads them to enthusiastically pop up to alert attention when noticing activity. Healthy curiosity brings an open, investigative mindset reflecting the rabbit's engagement with its surroundings.
Digging
Instinctual digging behaviors in rabbits include burrowing, digging holes, and scratching at flooring or objects. In the wild, rabbits dig burrows for shelter and protection. Domestic rabbits retain this natural digging instinct and desire to tunnel. Providing dig boxes filled with soil, shredded paper, or other materials gives them constructive digging outlets. Digging with rapid front paw motions helps rabbits play, burn energy, and explore their environment. They may dig at floors or carpets to file down nail growth or out of boredom if lacking other outlets. Tunnels, boxes filled with diggable materials, and chew toys satisfy natural digging needs.
Flattening
When a rabbit flattens itself against the ground, it signals extreme submission or fear in the face of a perceived threat. The belly will press flat to the floor with all four legs splayed outward. The rabbit makes itself appear as small as possible in this pancake position. Its eyes may be tightly squeezed shut as if wishing to disappear. Heavy, panicked breathing accompanies this frightened stance. This reaction suggests the rabbit senses imminent danger and complete vulnerability. It occurs in response to the approach of predators or mammals the rabbit perceives as threatening. Only imminent physical harm can provoke this absolute terror response in rabbits.
Flicking you off
A rabbit rapidly flicking a front paw downwards towards a person or animal represents a clear dismissal and rejection signal. This is the lapine version of flipping the bird. The rabbit is communicating its irritation and desire to be left alone. This may be coupled with thumping or turning away. A rabbit flicking its paw also signals its opposition to being picked up or held at that time. The gesture suggests exasperation with annoying handling rather than overt aggression. However, rThis gesture suggests the rabbit is nearing the end of its patience. Heeding the rabbit's boundaries avoids provoking a scratching or biting response.
Flopping
Flopping refers to when a rabbit completely relaxes and stretches out on its side for a leisurely rest session. The rabbit goes limp in deep relaxation, spreading out comfortably. All tension drains from the body as the rabbit settles in for a long, peaceful nap or break. This demonstrates the rabbit feels safe enough in its surroundings to drop its guard. A flopped out rabbit radiates calm contentment. Its feet will be stretched out behind and the eyes may be partly or completely closed as it takes a time out. This relaxed repose reflects the rabbit's sense of security in its home environment.
Gentle nudge
Rabbits communicate a gentle request for attention or treats through soft nudges, especially nudging with their nose. A nuzzle or light paw touch aims to get a response without being pushy. These delicate nudges are mild and non-demanding. When rabbits gently prod for interaction, they are signaling interest but allowing you to respond on your own time. A nosing nudge of curiosity may invite you to introduce yourself to a new rabbit. Affectionate rabbits may nose at your hand as a "please pet me" cue. Gentle nudges show care, trust and innocent hopefulness.
Grooming
Social grooming behaviors reinforce bonding between rabbits and strengthen social hierarchy. Rabbits groom themselves through extensive licking which distributes scent gland oils over their fur for territorial marking while keeping the coat clean and soft. Rabbits also allogroom, grooming other rabbits they have bonded closely with. One rabbit will lick and gently nibble on the head and face area of the other rabbit. The groomed rabbit will relax and cooperate with the social grooming, signaling acceptance. Grooming between rabbits boosts familial ties. Self-grooming maintains healthy coats.
Hard nudge
A hard nose nudge or forceful full body bump from a rabbit signals a strong insistence on something it desires. Unlike a gentle nudge, a hard nudge conveys impatience and urgency. A hard nudge may knock a person's hand insistently to demand petting or treat delivery that instant. Or an unneutered male rabbit may forcefully nudge and mount objects or legs. Hard nudges express single-minded intent for an immediate response. While not outright aggressive if unheeded, hard nudges can progress to nipping or scratching if the rabbit is consistently denied.
Hunched position
A hunched, tense posture with the head lowered signals unease, nervousness and vulnerability. The rabbit's back will be arched upwards and all four feet drawn below the body. Its nose may quiver as it sniffs for information while partially hiding its face. The ears will swivel back and forth listening for threats. Poised to hop away, the rabbit looks smaller in this guarded stance. Hunching protects vital organs and shows the rabbit's uncertainty and discomfort with unknown stimuli. This response to perceived danger helps rabbits gather information before fleeing.
Licking
Rabbits lick for grooming purposes and to show affection. Frequent self-licking distribute scent gland oils over the coat and serve to clean and maintain the fur. Social licking of bonded rabbits also exchanges scents. Positive interaction with owners is displayed through gentle licks of hands or feet. This rabbit kiss demonstrates acceptance, care and attachment. However, rabbits may bite soon after licking if overstimulated. Restraint and petting forceful enough to keep the rabbit in place can cause this. Letting the rabbit control licking interactions prevents biting.
Loafing
A loafing rabbit tucks its limbs neatly beneath the body, shaping itself into a compact rounded loaf form. The back feet will be angled behind the body with the front feet and head up. This cozy posture allows the rabbit to rest while remaining alert and ready to hop up at any moment. The loaf shape conserves heat and takes up less space than a sprawl. Loafing often occurs against walls or in boxed hiding areas that support the rounded back contour. A loafing rabbit is relaxed and content, comforted by the enclosed body position. The loaf shape satisfies nesting instincts.
Lunging
An aggressive rabbit may lunge forward suddenly to bite or attack with its front paws. Unlike the playful mock fighting of boxing, a true lunge accompanied by growling reflects real rage. The muscles will bunch powerfully in the hips as the rabbit springs forward, mouth gaping in preparation to bite. The ears will pin back tightly and the eyes enlarge with intensity during the lunge. This extremely forceful movement results from extreme territorial possessiveness or seething frustration. An attacking lunge often precedes vicious biting and scratching. This sudden explosion of violence signals total loss of inhibition and self-control in the rabbit.
Mounting
Mounting involves a rabbit positioning itself over top of another rabbit, person, or object and making pelvic thrusting motions. Both males and females mount, though unneutered males do so the most frequently. Mounting displays social dominance and maturity. It often signals a rabbit's intense desire to breed. Rabbits may also mount inanimate objects or owners they are bonded with out of dominance or frustration. Spaying/neutering mitigates problematic mounting urges. Providing alternate positive outlets for energy reduces a rabbit's need to mount to feel in control.
Nesting
Nesting refers to a rabbit collecting materials to create a comfortable shelter for sleep and protection. In nature, rabbits dig burrows and build nests lined with grass and fur. Domestic rabbits display natural nesting instinct by gathering anything soft or chewable to one location to arrange into a pile that supports their body. They will use shredded paper, towels, blankets, hay, etc. to build a nest space. Providing nesting boxes and hutches with bedding materials satisfies this innate urge and reduces destructive nest building. Nesting provides comfort and security.
Nipping
Nipping involves a rabbit nibbling or giving a quick pinch-like bite then immediately releasing. This behavior serves several purposes. Mother rabbits discipline kits with nips. Rabbits may nip humans to get attention or react to unwanted handling. Soft nips are also part of social grooming rituals. Harder, sharper nips often convey annoyance, dominance or resentment. The message depends on context. Bites with pressure sustained reflect true aggression – a nip's brevity makes it more warning than attack. Understanding what triggers the rabbit's nips allows correcting over-nipping.
Periscoping
A rabbit periscopes by rising up on its back legs with front paws resting on a surface to scout around the area just like a submarine periscope. The upright stance allows the rabbit to extend its eye range and visibility. From this vantage point, the rabbit can peer over barriers and see farther. In the wild, periscoping helps detect approaching predators from a safer covered position. Domestic rabbits periscope to satisfy natural curiosity about their surroundings. Providing varied surfaces and levels in the environment encourages them to explore through periscoping. This mentally stimulating behavior engages rabbits.
Scared
A scared rabbit may shiver or shake, widen its eyes, flatten ears back, and flee to a hiding spot. It will be tense and jittery, startling at movements and sounds. Fear causes rabbits to abortively jump and zig zag as if escaping a predator. Scared rabbits may lose bladder or bowl control and become non-responsive or catatonic in extreme panic. Prey animals like rabbits rely on flight as their primary defense. Their instinct when afraid is always escape to perceived safety. Patience and calming contact can soothe an anxious rabbit once the fright has passed.
Scattered poops
Rabbits naturally produce two types of droppings – firm dry fecal pellets and softer wet cecotropes which they ingest for nutritional purposes. Scattered loose cecotropes around the cage signal unease. The rabbit feels too unsafe to eat its cecotropes as usual. Wet droppings outside the litter box also indicate potential health issues causing diarrhea. Cecotrope scattering reflects the rabbit's stress, discomfort, or illness. Improving conditions and allowing time for adjustment reduces scatter. Medical causes may require treatment. Scattered poop sends an important behavioral signal.
Shaking ears
Ear shaking occurs when the rabbit rapidly flickers just its long ears up and down, keeping the head and body still. This may serve to dislodge any unwanted debris or irritants inside the ears. Shaking can also signal arousal and interest if something catches the rabbit's attention. The ears may shake as if beckoning an owner over to interact.frequent shaking can indicate ear mites or infection causing irritation. Observe context and check for other signs of ear infection if shaking seems excessive. Mostly ear flicks convey curiosity, interest and invitation to approach.
Sniffing
Rabbits explore new objects, foods, and environments through scent and touch by sniffing and gentle nibbling. Their sensitive whiskers aid air currents to draw in detailed odor information. They sniff the air, ground, and items to gather data before approaching closely. Sniffing determines if something is familiar, safe, and of interest. Rabbits especially sniff each other during greetings to identify status and relationships. Sniffing is non-threatening and satisfies the rabbit's needs to thoroughly investigate novelty before deciding how to respond. Sniffing reflects the rabbit's perpetual state of careful assessment.