Understanding rabbit behaviour and body language is essential for ensuring their well-being and building a bond with them. Rabbits communicate primarily through their body language, and being able to interpret their signals can help you meet their needs effectively.

Here are some important signals to watch out for

• Ear Positions: Rabbits‘ ears are highly expressive. Upright and forward-facing ears indicate curiosity and attentiveness, while ears flattened against the back signal fear or aggression. Relaxed ears positioned halfway between upright and flattened signify contentment.
• Body Posture: A relaxed rabbit will have a balanced body posture, with the hind legs tucked beneath them. An alert or curious rabbit may sit up on their hind legs or stand on all fours. A hunched or crouched body suggests fear or discomfort.
• Tail Movement: Rabbits often use their tails to express emotions. A relaxed rabbit will hold their tail still, while a rapidly wagging tail can indicate excitement or happiness. A thumping tail on the ground can be a sign of alarm or danger.
• Vocalizations: Although rabbits are generally quiet, they can make various sounds to communicate. Soft purring indicates contentment, while loud growls or grunts signify aggression or territoriality. Loud squealing or shrieking may indicate pain or distress.
• Binkying and Zooming: Binkying is a joyful behaviour where rabbits jump and twist mid-air. It signifies happiness and well-being. Zooming involves rapid sprints around the space and is also an expression of happiness and playful energy.
• Grooming: Rabbits groom themselves and others to establish bonds and show affection. Mutual grooming between rabbits or grooming directed towards you indicates trust and acceptance.
• Eye Expressions: Rabbit eyes can convey their mood. Wide-open eyes indicate alertness, while half-closed eyes signify relaxation or contentment. Darting or rolling eyes can indicate fear or stress.

Understanding these body language and behaviour is an ongoing process. Spend quality time observing and interacting with them to develop a deeper understanding of their cues and preferences.