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Written by Paul
Dr Paul Manktelow is a vet who’s worked for almost 20 years on the front line in some of the UK’s busiest veterinary hospitals. As Chief Vet in the Charity Sector, he leads a team of vets and nurses that treat thousands of pets every year. Paul also appears regularly in the media as a TV and radio presenter, writer, public speaker and podcast producer.
If you share your home with a rabbit, you already know how endearing and charming they can be. But have you ever caught your bunny doing something strange, like doing a sudden mid-air twist, grinding their teeth, or staying completely still, and wondered what on earth it meant?
Understanding rabbit body language can be tricky. As prey animals, their communication style is far more subtle than a dog’s wagging tail or a cat’s purr. On The Consult Room podcast, we discussed why reading your rabbit’s signals correctly is one of the best ways to protect their health and happiness.
Here is your quick guide to decoding normal, happy, and stressed rabbit behaviours.
Signs of a Happy, Content Rabbit
- The “Binky”: If your rabbit suddenly leaps into the air, twists their body, and flicks their ears, congratulations! This joyful movement is called a binky, and it means your rabbit is bursting with happiness.
- Soft Teeth Purring: Softly grinding their teeth while relaxing or being stroked is a rabbit’s equivalent of a cat’s purr—it means they feel safe and content.
- Grooming a Companion: If you have a bonded pair, watching them gently lick each other’s heads and ears is a clear sign of mutual trust and social bonding.
Subtle Signs Your Rabbit Might Be Stressed or In Pain
- The “Freeze” Response: A rabbit that remains motionless with tense muscles and wide eyes isn’t being “chill”—they are likely terrified.
- Loud Teeth Grinding: While soft tooth rubbing is good, loud, sharp crunching or grinding usually signals severe pain or discomfort.
- Hiding Away or Posture Changes: A rabbit sitting hunched in a corner, avoiding interaction, or producing smaller droppings requires immediate veterinary attention, as these are classic early warning signs of gastrointestinal stasis.
How to Create a Low-Stress Environment
Because stress can directly lead to physical illness in rabbits, getting their environment right is essential:
- Ditch the Small Hutch: Rabbits need enough space to run, hop, stretch out, and stand fully upright on their hind legs.
- Provide Hiding Spaces: Always ensure your rabbit has access to safe, covered spaces where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
- Offer Enrichment: Tunnels, cardboard boxes, digging trays, and wooden chew toys allow rabbits to express their natural instincts to forage, dig, and explore.
🎙️ Want to dive deeper into rabbit care?
Listen to our episode on “Rabbits Explained: The Truth About Care, Diet and Welfare” on The Consult Room podcast for practical expert advice on keeping your pet healthy and happy.
