17 Cute Bunny Behaviors

There are a wide array of bunny behaviors that rabbits use to communicate how they are feeling.

As a rabbit owner, you may be amused by all of the different cute bunny behaviors he or she is displaying. Jumping, running, circling your feet and chinning everything, BUT…do you know why they are doing it and what each of them mean?

We are going to take a look at some of the “cute” non-verbal bunny behaviors that rabbits use for communication. These bunny behaviors help them convey their feelings and intentions, but sometimes it is hard for us to decipher what they mean. It is important for you to become familiar with and understand them. This way you can help provide the appropriate care and response to your bunny’s needs effectively.

Did you know that bunnies use every part of themselves when displaying different behaviors?

• Body Language:
  • Ear Position: A rabbit’s ear position can indicate its mood. Ears erect, ,facing forward or back to a 45 degree angle usually suggest curiosity or contentment, while ears laid flat against the back signal fear or aggression.
  • Tail Position: A relaxed rabbit often holds its tail up or slightly raised. A tightly tucked tail can signify fear or stress.
  • Body Posture: Rabbits may sit upright when alert or flop onto their sides when feeling comfortable and safe. They show signs of confidence when sitting contently with ears partially back and looking alert with a softly twitching nose. They may also flatten their whole body to the floor, including their head, ears back and legs straight out behind them when feeling safe and secure. (This is not to be confused with a fearful flattening, that has them ready to run (when feeling scared or submissive). Also a hunched or tense posture can indicate unease or aggression.)
  • Feet Position: when a bunny slowly creeps forward with their feet out in front on tippy toes it usually means they are curious.
• Facial Expressions:
  • Eyes: Wide-open eyes typically denotes a curious or interested rabbit, while half-closed eyes can indicates relaxation.
  • Nose and Whiskers: Vibrating or twitching whiskers often suggest that the rabbit is exploring or interacting with its environment.

Quick “Bunny Behaviors” Reference Guide

Bunny Behaviors A-Z

Binkies

“Binkying” is the most joyful and playful of bunny behaviors and one of my favs! It’s a series of quick, leaping jumps in the air, often accompanied by twists and kicks. When a rabbit binkies, it’s a sign of extreme happiness, excitement, and well-being. This behavior is more commonly seen in young rabbits, but can be observed in rabbits of all ages. (If you are my age and familiar with the show Seinfeld, I liken a binky to the Elaine dance!)Here are some key characteristics of binkying in rabbits:

catching a binky or even zoomies is really hard to do. I suggest getting a video recording device to watch and record your bun doing these fun things!

• Jumps: A binky usually starts with a jump into the air. They may jump vertically or at an angle.
• Twists: As the rabbit is in mid-air, it often twists its body, sometimes making a full 360-degree spin.
• Kicks: While in the air or upon landing, the rabbit may kick its hind legs out to the side or behind it. These kicks are often rapid and can add a playful flair to the behavior.
• High Energy: Binkies are energetic and exuberant displays of happiness. Rabbits may perform multiple binkies in quick succession, running and leaping around their enclosure or play area.
• Tail Flicking: Sometimes, a rabbit’s tail may flick or wiggle during a binky, adding to the overall excitement of the behavior.

Chinning

Did you know that rabbits have scent glands located under their chins? They will rub their chin on objects to mark their territory or assert dominance. Years later my rabbits still chin everything!

Circling

“Circling” is your bunny’s way of letting you know how much they love you and are excited to be with you. This is a huge compliment! Ellie is my one bun that consistently circles!

Digging

Digging is one of the most natural and instinctual of the bunny behaviors. In the wild, rabbits dig burrows for shelter, protection, and raising their young. Domesticated rabbits retained this behavior, and they may dig for various reasons. Here are some common reasons why rabbits dig:

• Exploration: Rabbits are curious animals, and they may dig to explore their environment. They use their strong hind legs and sharp claws to excavate and discover new scents, textures, and objects in the ground.
• Cooling Off: For bunnies that are kept outside or go out to play, digging into the cool earth can help them regulate their body temperature, especially during hot weather. The earth’s cooler temperature can provide relief from heat, and some rabbits may dig shallow holes to rest in.
• Exercise: Digging is a physically demanding activity for rabbits, and it can be a form of exercise. It helps keep their leg muscles strong and their claws trimmed.
• Boredom: If rabbits are kept in an environment without mental stimulation or opportunities for physical activity, they may dig out of boredom. Providing toys, digging boxes, tunnels, and other forms of enrichment can help alleviate this.
• Habit: Once rabbits develop a digging habit, they may continue to do so even when there’s no apparent reason. It can become a regular part of their routine.

Flops

Bunny flops are often seen in rabbits that are comfortable and feel secure in their surroundings. It’s a sign that your rabbit is content, stress-free, and enjoying life. When you witness your rabbit flopping, you may experience that heart-stopping moment, like I do, until you realize they really are breathing! Here are some key features of bunny flops:

• Suddenness: Flops typically happen quite suddenly, as if your bun just can’t resist the urge to relax completely.
• Full Body Stretch: During a flop, a rabbit will often stretch out its legs fully, extending them as far as they can go. This position is a display of complete relaxation.
• Lying on One Side: While flopping, the rabbit usually ends up lying on one side, sometimes with its eyes closed, enjoying a restful moment.
• Exposure of Belly: When a rabbit flops onto its back, it exposes its belly, which is a vulnerable area. This behavior is a testament to the rabbit’s trust and feeling of safety in its environment.
• Can Happen Anywhere: Rabbits may flop in various settings, including their enclosures, play areas, or even right in the middle of a room. The location doesn’t seem to matter to them when the urge to flop strikes.
• Varying Degrees: Some rabbits may do gentle flops, where they simply relax onto their side, while others might do more exuberant flops, including rolling or flipping over.

Footie Flicking

“Footie Flicking” (as I call it) happens when rabbits are annoyed or irritated. They kick up their hind feet while hopping away from you as if to say “I am done with you!”. Sometimes if they are really annoyed, they will turn their backs to you for a bit. My Clover footie flicks when I take her out of her pen for free-roam time! Apparently she does not like me to pick her up to take her out, but she immediately goes off to play so she doesn’t stay mad!

Licking

Licking is often a sign of affection and trust. You can reciprocate by gently petting and interacting with your rabbit, which can help strengthen your bond. (or if you are like me I kiss them back!)

The Loaf

“The Loaf” (or the “floof” or “chicken bunny” are the names we call it here) is when your bunny settles in for a nap in the form of a big puffball. It is a comfy way for them to sleep.

Mr. Winter in the “Floof” position

Miss Clover in the “Chicken Bunny” position

Nipping

“Nipping” to be clear is not the same as biting. Nipping is a soft version of a bite and not meant to be harmful. Typically a bun will give you a nip if they are trying to groom you or after they have asked you politely to move out of their way by means of a hard nudge. (If your bun does this repeatedly, yell “ouch” so they will learn to not do it) You may also see some nipping between 2 or more buns as a form of play. If you notice hard nipping, that is the time to intervene and separate them.

Nudging

Hard nudging typically means “get out of my way” lol! Hopefully you move quickly because they can be persistent and sometimes even give a lil nip! Grilly is my smallest bun yet he always does the hard nudge if we’re in his way!

Soft nudging is a common behavior in rabbits, and it involves gently pushing or poking with the nose or head. Gentle nudging can be a way for rabbits to let you know they want a head rub.  Both Ellie and Clover will nudge at my hand if I stop rubbing as if to say “don’t stop ma”! Here are some common situations in which rabbits may exhibit nudging behavior:

• Social Interaction: Rabbits often nudge each other to initiate play, request grooming, or establish dominance within a group. It’s a way for them to communicate their desires and intentions to other rabbits.
• Seeking Attention: If a rabbit wants your attention or is looking for affection, it may nudge your hand, arm, or even your face. This is a way for the rabbit to ask for petting or interaction.
• Exploration: When exploring their surroundings, rabbits may use their noses to nudge objects or surfaces to investigate them further. Nudging can be a way for them to gather information about their environment.
• Food-Related: Rabbits may nudge at their food bowl or at your hand if they’re hungry or want a particular treat. It’s a way for them to express their appetite.
• Affection: Sometimes, rabbits may gently nudge you as a sign of affection. It’s their way of showing that they feel comfortable and close to you.

Periscope

“Periscoping” is when your bunny stands up on it’s hind legs looking around inquisitively. They may be curious about something or they may be asking for a treat.

Shunning

Your rabbit may shun you at times when they are upset with you, say after a nail clipping or visit to the vet. They will turn their back to you so you can only see their hind end. The funny thing is, they think they are making a statement, but actually it is very cute! Don’t fret, it usually doesn’t last long although some rabbits can really hold a grudge!

Sniffing

Sometimes a rabbit will start sniffing if a new object suddenly appears or in my case, when they have their turn in a shared space they sometimes sniff where another bunny has been sitting.

Sprawling

“Sprawling” is somewhere between the “floof” and a flop or flattening. Your bun will lay down on their belly with their front paws out and head up looking completely content. Sometimes you may see a hind leg as well. I typically see a sprawl before my bun becomes completely flat.

Thumping

“Thumping” occurs when a rabbit stomps its hind legs loudly on the ground. This can be from something that irritates them or they also do it to warn others of danger. My Aggie is a thumper. She is also my largest bunny so it is very loud. Guess when she thumps…that’s right, in the middle of the night! I think the house fairies bother her 🙂

Tossing

“Tossing” is typically a cute form of play. You will see this especially with stacking cups, balls that are not solid or cardboard tubes. I have 3 buns that LOVE tossing their toys around! (and 1 that tosses her food bowl!…not so cute)

Yawning & Stretching

Catching your bun in a yawn has to be one of the most adorable things ever! Not to mention you actually get to see those cute not so little toofs! Typically a bun will yawn (before sleeping or upon waking) as it is stretching with it’s front paws walking forward and the hind end either stationary or the rear paws will stretch backward. This elongates their body just like when we yawn and stretch. I have one bun that stretches like a cat with her back arched high in the air!

Zoomies

Zoomies are a natural and healthy behavior in rabbits, and they’re often seen in young rabbits, but rabbits of all ages can have zoomie sessions. These energetic bursts of activity are usually a way for rabbits to burn off excess energy and express their happiness and enthusiasm. Zoomies are often observed after a period of confinement. They are a sign that your bunny is feeling playful and energetic. Some key features of zoomies are:

• Sudden Energy Burst: Zoomies often start abruptly. Your bun may suddenly start racing around its enclosure or play area at full speed.
• Quick Turns and Direction Changes: During a zoomie session, a rabbit may make sharp turns, change direction frequently, and zigzag across the space.
• Binkies: Some rabbits incorporate binkies into their zoomies, making the display even more exciting to watch!
• Tail Raised: A rabbit in the midst of zoomies may have its tail raised, which can be a sign of excitement.

The “Other” Bunny Behaviors

There are many other non-verbal, as well as verbal, bunny behaviors that rabbits exhibit. These behaviors can be a symptom of stress, boredom, social dynamics or medical conditions. We will discuss these in a different post, but in the meantime you can read up on Hormones and Negative Behaviors.  If you notice any changes in your rabbit’s behavior, it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in rabbit care to rule out underlying medical conditions and provide appropriate care and guidance.  

Other non-verbal bunny behaviors:

• Alertness
• Cautious 
• Chewing
• Flattening
• Hunched
• Licking (excessively)
• Lunging
• Mounting
• Nesting
• Nipping (excessively)
• Pooping
• Scared
• Shaking ears
• Spraying
• Thumping (excessively)

Some verbal bunny behaviors:

• Chattering teeth
• Grunting
• Hiccoughs
• Hissing
• Honking
• Purring
• Sighing, or mumbling in sleep
• Sneezing
• Snoring
• Screaming
• Teeth Grinding
• Whimpering

Then we have the aggressive bunny behaviors which none of us wants to experience. These tend to be part of establishing a social hierarchy within a group or when in conflict such as during bonding if it is not done properly.

• Biting (accompanying circling)
• Boxing
• Chasing
• Lunging

I hope you enjoyed this article and getting to know your bunny’s cute lil behaviors better. If you are unsure of what behavior your bunny is exhibiting, send me a photo or video and I can help you decipher. In the meantime, keep your eyes out for more information to come on non-verbal, verbal and aggressive bunny behaviors.