7 Common Signs That Your Rabbit Is Happy & Healthy
Bunnies are capable of a myriad of emotions. Whether it’s jealousy, anger, fear, grief, or love, bunnies feel it all, but compared to other furry critters like dogs and cats, they are relatively quiet creatures with less discerning ways of expressing these emotions.
To know if your bunny is happy and healthy with you, here are some tell-tale signs you can look out for!
1. When It Lets Its Guard Down
Unlike a friendly golden retriever that wags its tail without inhibitions at a stranger, a rabbit will never expose its belly or get close to you if it isn’t already fond of you and comfortable in your presence.
A happy bunny will attempt to get close to you by nudging or rubbing against you, and will have no qualms falling asleep next to you!
2. When It Adopts Certain Positions
If you see your beloved bunny lying on its front with its legs stretched behind, it is a good sign that he/she is relaxed and in a good mood. Also, if your bunny flops over to its side and rests, it is simply relaxing contentedly.
Bunny ears in a neutral position that is not too far up is also a good sign that your rabbit is feeling at ease.
3. When It Eats Its Poop
Don’t be alarmed when you witness your cute bunny munching on its own poop. In general, rabbits eat a type of faeces called “cecotropes” which is rich in Vitamin B and proteins. This is perfectly normal bunny behaviour and it is an indication that your rabbit is healthy and happy!
4. When It Is Active
A happy bunny would manifest itself in various activities that require high energy levels – think hopping around the garden or the house. Such increased activity levels usually happen during the early mornings and evenings, so be prepared for morning and evening doses of exercise yourself!
5. When It Likes Its Home
While chewing on things is normal for rabbits, keep a lookout to make sure that your bunny is not chewing on its wire pen! This is because it might be an indirect way of showing its boredom or frustration with its living quarters, and a lack of physical and mental stimulation makes for an unhappy pet.
6. When It Grooms Itself and Others
If your bunny is happy and healthy, it would groom itself and other rabbits. Besides it simply being hygienic, it is also a display of fondness for you if it attempts to groom you as well! That being said, over-grooming itself might be a sign that your rabbit is feeling lonely or depressed too.
7. When it Makes Rabbit Sounds
Bunny language comes in various forms, ranging from quiet purring sounds to teeth grinding. While loud teeth grinding can indicate that your bunny is unhappy, if it merely snorts, grunts, or grinds its teeth quietly when eating, it is simply a happy bunny!
