by Marsha Welch

Created on: July 27, 2008

Rabbits are quite interesting creatures, and if one can interpret properly, they communicate some things very clearly with body language. Rabbits are timid until they form a bond of trust with their owner, so, at first, you will probably see only crouching in one spot and freezing. These are instincts learned in the wild for self-preservation. Wild rabbits tend to blend with their surroundings, so sometimes, just being very still can keep a predator from seeing them.

After a bunny gets to know you, you will begin to notice some behaviors that range from amusing to quite impudent! One of my favorite gestures is called "chinning", where Bunny rubs his chin against my fingertip. This is a scent-marking behavior which is telling you that you are appreciated in some way.

Rabbits also love to hop around and play. During Bunny's play time he often darts around and leaps into the air with a twisting motion in mid-air! It is quite adorable and it actually has a name among bunny fanciers - it is called a "Binky". My rabbit also loves to get a running-go and slide in the corn cob litter making it fling against the side of his hutch. I can tell he feels quite satisfied with himself when he flings it high enough to land in the floor and make me sweep.

Another behavior which suprised me was when Bunny made a noise! He is my first rabbit, and I was under the impression that bunnies made no sound, but I have discovered that they do. He makes a soft, squealing sound and runs around in circles when I approach with a treat. He has become quite the little beggar. My husband and I must let each other know when giving him a treat, or he will convince us that he hasn't had one in many days, even though he has!

My bunny also hates to be ignored (don't we all?). If I am busy in the house and he starts to feel neglected, he will seek me out. When I attempt to pet or retrieve him, he will give immediate chase. Bunnies are quite the comedians!

Rabbits also give bodily signals for illness and discomfort. If my bunny is lethargic, or doesn't root at my hand when I feed him, I know he isn't well. If he tucks one ear down, I know he has an ear infection and to treat him with antibiotics.

Rabbits have many ways of communicating with their human families, and forming bonds of affection like no other pet I know. They are especially good pets for apartment dwellers and families on a fixed income. Their food and care costs very little and they take up minimal space. They are also excellent pets for children (with adult supervision, of course) because they are so gentle and not prone to biting. Cleaning up after them is swift and easy to manage. They don't have any musky odors as some caged pets do, and meticulously clean themselves.

When choosing a rabbit for a pet, I must recommend my favorite breed which is the Dwarf Hotot.(Pronounced O-Toe)They are quite small and easy to manage and they appear to have black eyeliner around their little eyes. They also have such perky personalities, I find them impossible to resist! To select the best bunny for you, watch the bunnies for a while and pick one which seems smooth and clean. Check to be certain his teeth are aligned properly. Malocclusion is a mis-alignment of the teeth causing health problems. Make sure the bunny's nose is free from any drainage which can be an indication of snuffles, a serious illness for bunnies. Also make sure it's head is erect and not leaning to one side, as this could indicate a condition called wry-neck which is also a serious condition for bunny and heartbreaking for you as the disease progresses to death of the bunny in many instances.

Learn more about this author, Marsha Welch.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.