So You Want a Pet Rabbit - Basic Rabbit Behavior

When you think of bunnies, what first comes to mind? Most of us think of cute, cuddly creatures that you just want to hug and love. At least, that's what I'd hope you're thinking of!

Unfortunately for us humans, rabbits aren't particularly cuddly. They generally don't like being held even when raised from birth to be held, though this depends on the personality of your particular rabbit. But why don't they want our love and attention?

Think about a rabbit in the wild. Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits are prey animals rather than predators. They are hunted by creatures like wolves and hawks. How do those predators catch rabbits? By picking them up! So, when you reach down to pick up your rabbit and lift them up in the air, the first thing that comes to your rabbit's mind is, "Oh no! I'm gonna be somebody's dinner!"

Since we don't want to frighten our bunny pals like that, it's best that you let your rabbit come to you if it wants loving and attention. Your rabbit will lay down next to you, jump up on the couch next to you, or nudge your leg when it wants affection. This is how a rabbit is comfortable showing that they like you and they trust you.

Another behavior whose understanding is vital if you want to properly care for your rabbit is the affinity for chewing. Like their rodent cousins, rabbits have incisors that are constantly growing. If they don't chew and wear down these teeth, they will overgrow and the rabbit will starve to death. If you don't supply items for your rabbit to chew on, it will chew on whatever is available to it. If that means chewing on your desk, your chair, or your sofa, then it will. The best way to keep your rabbit from chewing furniture and other household items is to supply wooden or cardboard chew toys for your rabbit to play with. This is not only very entertaining for your rabbit, but it's essential to their health.

One of the most adorable bunny behaviors is the binky. Binkies are little hops your rabbit will do when it's feeling happy or playful. Not only is it beyond cute to behold but it shows that your rabbit is happy and comfortable! The more binkies, the better!

Rabbits each have their own personalities and, in turn, their own unique behaviors as well. As you get to know your pet rabbit, you'll be able to tell when they're happy, unhappy, angry, sleepy, and a number of other emotional states. Rabbits are more subtle in showing these things than dogs, but that doesn't mean that it's impossible for them to feel. They are very expressive creatures who will give you lots of love and affection if you are patient and willing to learn to appreciate the bunny's perspective.