As bunny people, we tend to view the animals in our lives as more of a family member than just a pet. That being said, we tend to think of them on more of a human level and we are always curious as to just how "human" our pets can be.
Have you ever wondered if your bunny is depressed or anxious? Or maybe you wonder if your bunny is happy in his/her environment. Research has shown that rabbits can indeed, express emotion. In my personal experience, I have found that my bunnies tend to be easy to read when it comes to their mood. In addition, every bunny has a different personality along with their own individual likes and dislikes.
Happy bunnies tend to exhibit relaxed body language such as lounging around with their back legs kicked out behind them, breathing calmly and evenly. They usually don't flinch away when you come near, and if your bunny trusts you, she/he will even let you gently pet them! Have you ever heard of a "binky?" If your bunny is happy, they will perform little hops and mid-air kicks and flips! These are extremely fun to watch. My first rabbit, Patches would do these "binkies" around the living room and when I happily laughed at his antics, he would get even more excited! Our Happy Manes bunnies Draconia and Katla love to make laps around their enclosures throwing in little hops and kicks as they make their laps!
Bunnies can also pick up on our own emotions. This can be good or bad. When I was going through my divorce a couple of years ago, Patches would get very anxious when my ex and I would argue. The poor bunny would pace the room and find a place to hide. I could hear him thumping his back foot as if warning of danger. I would pick him up and lay him in my lap, cuddling and gently talking to him. This was calming for both of us. My bunnies could always sense when I am upset and they instinctively come up to me for cuddles.
How do your bunnies show emotion? Let us know! Do you have a cute video or picture of your bunny doing Binkies or other happy bunny antics? Share them with us. We'd love to see them!
