Uh Oh...We've Got A Mad Bunny on Our Hands!
Guess what? Your bunny friend looks just as adorable when they are mad, as when they are happy. Hence it’s important to know how to read your rabbit’s behavior so you don’t end up on their poop list.
Rabbits express themselves and their moods through noises, actions, and stances. Keep a close watch on your bunny’s ears and tail because they are usually the first indication of what your bunny is feeling. If their ears pin back and the open part of the ear tucks under and back as well, you have been warned. A raised tail, held out from the body instead of tight against the bottom, shows either excitement or agitation.
Failing to read your bunny's moods can mean real trouble for you in the future because they can and will hold a grudge, requiring you to do a lot of apologizing to get back into their good graces. Angered bunnies will sulk and engage in destructive behaviors when they have been pushed too far. Bunnies will chew up and dig at items that they know are off-limits such as baseboards when angered. Also, they will pee and poop on your rugs even if they are litter box trained to show their displeasure.
Below you will find a list of behaviors to watch out for that indicate an annoyed or angered rabbit:
A bunny will thump or stomp with one of their back feet producing a loud “thumping” sound. Usually, the bunny is also trying to retreat from you or another bunny at this time so the behavior is pretty easy to read as not a positive one. Thumping can indicate that a bunny is frightened, mad, or senses danger of some type.
The first time I heard our bunny George thump was when he was extremely mad at his brother for trying to hump him (which is completely understandable). Even after we separated them, George kept running in circles and thumping at his brother. I could hear the thump even from upstairs. So the sound is louder than you would expect from a small bunny body and can be quite shocking.
When a rabbit grunts it usually means they are annoyed or mad at whatever you or another bunny is doing. Grunting is usually paired with another upset behavior such as nipping. Most grunts are used as a warning signal to communicate that rabbits are upset and you should use some caution.
Some rabbits grunt at you when you are cleaning or rearranging their cages or habitat. As creatures of habit, once they get things placed right where they like, they do not like any change and they will let you know with a displeased grunt.
Nipping or Biting
Bunny nips and bunny bites are two different behaviors. Bunnies will nip to get your attention and to communicate with you that they are starting to get annoyed. Nips are gentler than a bite, and most rabbits use them to politely ask you to move out of the way.
Biting is obviously more aggressive than nipping, and the rabbit is usually extremely mad or frightened. Aggressive biting is paired mostly with a charging behavior, meaning back off! Not all biting means you have an mad bunny on your hands. Some rabbits will bite if you surprise them, or they will accidentally bite you when tugging at a pant leg. Rabbits have poor vision when something is close to their face, so they might mistake your finger for food or a predator.
Charging
When a rabbit charges at you or another bunny or animal it is a sign of disapproval. When your rabbit charges, look for pert ears and a raised tail. This behavior is communicating your rabbit’s dominance and aggression. Basically, your rabbit is trying to protect themselves from a perceived threat.
Your rabbit has gloved up and is headed to the ring! Boxing behavior is shown when your rabbit swipes out with their front paws with aggression (much like a boxer). This behavior happens when your rabbit’s personal space has been invaded and they do not want to be touched by either you, another rabbit, or another animal.
Bunny Butt
A bunny will show they are irritated with you when they are facing towards you and then immediately turn around so their butt is now turned towards you and look over their shoulder at you with one eye. This is your bunny’s version of a cold shoulder; they are not pleased and they want you to know it. Take this behavior as meaning “talk to the butt because the ears aren't listening.”
Foot Flicking
Foot Flicking is another behavior that indicates annoyance. If your rabbit runs away from you and kicks up their back feet with a flick it means you have aggravated them and they are done.
To sum up...
All of these behaviors signify your rabbit is annoyed and/or angered. Make sure you exhibit patience with them and be understanding. Make note of what irritates your pet and try something different, sometimes all it takes is a different approach.
Rabbits are prey animals which gives them limited options to express themselves. If you are trying to train your rabbit to be less aggressive, or stop destructive behaviors NEVER EVER hit your rabbit. Use their own language to communicate your displeasure. Stomping your foot or clapping and saying “no” loudly will catch your rabbit’s attention and tell them you are upset. And remember positive reinforcement is the best. Go ahead and give your small pet a treat when they demonstrate good behavior!