Trying to figure out how to tell if a rabbit is happy? If you're the proud pet parent to an adorable little bunny, then chances are their wellbeing is really important to you.
While you might think you need a degree in veterinary medicine to decipher what it is your rabbit is trying to tell you, it turns out that it's actually pretty easy to figure out whether your bunny is feeling happy or sad.
Investing in one of the best indoor rabbit hutches and the best rabbit toys are two of the easiest things you can do to ensure your bunny thrives, but if you've done that and still aren't quite sure if your beloved ball of fluff is happy, this guide will help.
Below, expert vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey reveals 10 signs your bunny is content and how to make sure they stay that way.
How to tell if a rabbit is happy
Wondering how you can tell if your rabbit is happy? We were surprised to learn just how easy it is to decipher how our floppy-eared friend is feeling! Here's 10 signs to lookout for, according to Dr. Godfrey:
1. Hopping around: "While rabbits enjoy a rest and some quiet time too, hopping around and generally being playful, curious, and active is a good sign that your rabbit is happy and healthy," she says.
2. Zoomies: We thought it was only dogs and cats that got the zoomies, but it turns out rabbits get them too! "Sometimes rabbits have bursts of energy where they’re suddenly very active and racing about. This is a good sign as long as it’s not a response to fear or stress," Dr. Godfrey explains.
3. Licking or nudging you: "Your rabbit might lick or nudge you if they’re feeling playful or want attention or a treat — all great signs that you’ve got a happy bunny."
4. They're well-groomed: "Rabbits are naturally clean animals who spend plenty of time grooming when they are well. Since they may stop or be unable to groom when they’re not feeling themselves, being well-groomed is a good indicator that they’re happy," says Dr. Godfrey.
While it's true that rabbits take care of a lot of their grooming needs themselves, they will still benefit from regular brushing and nail trimming. Check out our guide to rabbit grooming for tips and tricks on how you can do this at home.
5. Flopping over: "Rabbits often sleep in unusual positions, and this is a great sign that they’re feeling content, free from stress, and safe from threats."
6. They do a binky: Have you heard of the term bunny binky but not sure what it means? You're not alone! "A binky is an exaggerated hop and twist that rabbits do, often thought to be due to excitement," explains Dr. Godfrey. If you notice your rabbit doing this movement, it's a good sign they're feeling content.
7. Eating well: "Rabbits need to eat to keep their gut healthy, so happy and healthy bunnies will eat almost constantly!" If you've just welcomed a bunny into your family, our vet explains what to feed a rabbit (and 4 surprising things they should never eat) so you can ensure you're giving them the best possible diet to help them thrive.
8. Playing: "Showing an interest in toys and their surroundings is a great sign that your rabbit is feeling well."
9. Nose twitching: "Nose twitching is a normal behavior for rabbits and it’s something that’s more obvious when they’re excited." However, Dr. Godfrey says that a rabbits nose will also twitch more when they’re frightened too, so if you're trying to decipher whether or not your bunny is happy, you'll want to be on the lookout for other signs on this list too.
10. Relaxed body language: "Rabbits are prey animals, which means they have to stay alert to threats. Therefore, if your rabbit is sprawled out long and relaxed, showing interest in their surroundings, or calmly tucking into their food, it’s a good sign that they’re not feeling stressed," says Dr. Godfrey.
How do you know if a rabbit is sad?
When it comes to how to care for a house rabbit (or an outdoor-dwelling bunny), their health and wellbeing is often our top priority.
But alongside watching out for signs that your rabbit is happy, are there any signs you can lookout for that will let us know if your bunny is feeling blue?
Well, according to Dr. Godfrey rabbits will definitely give you some clues if they're feeling sad.
"A rabbit who is sad or feeling unwell may eat less and pass less feces, which can be really serious. They’re also less likely to want to interact with you and may show little interest in their environment and their toys," she explains.
If you're concerned your rabbit's mood may be low, it's worth speaking with your vet who will be able to rule out any underlying health conditions and offer advice and guidance.
How to keep your rabbit happy
So, now that you know the things to watch out for that will let you know how your bunny is feeling, Dr. Godfrey has offered some tips on how you can ensure your rabbit stays happy.
"Aside from making sure that your rabbit has access to fresh water, pellet food, fresh veggies, and grass, and making sure that they have veterinary care if they are showing any signs of being unwell, there are a few other things that can help keep your rabbit happy," she says.
Firstly, make sure they have plenty of toys and enrichment in their environment to keep them occupied and mentally and physically stimulated. Secondly, make sure they have plenty of space to exercise and explore while keeping them safe from any perceived threats like very young children or other pets. Finally, if they’re sociable try to interact with them regularly doing something they enjoy, whether that’s playtime or a cuddle."
Also, when it comes to the question 'can rabbits live alone?' it's worth noting that rabbits are very sociable little creatures, so getting your bunny a buddy is well worth considering if you're looking for ways to give their happiness a boost.
Looking for more great bunny content? Our vet reveals how to house train a rabbit (and it's just 5 steps!)
Dr Hannah Godfrey studied Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College London. After graduating in 2011, Dr Godfrey went on to become a veterinary surgeon, conducting surgery consultations on a range of animals at a small independent practice in Cardiff, South Wales, UK. Dr Godfrey has a strong interest in soft tissue surgery. When she’s not helping animals back on their feet, Dr Godfrey writes a number of veterinary and animal-focussed articles.
