Well folks we're all in top academic company in believing our buns are highly intelligent.
First let me make it clear that this particular research unit doesn't use animals it uses human volunteers, & works in neurosciences! So one day I went up to see if my brain was lighting up anywhere, & proudly told Prof that my rabbit had made his 1st sentence - "I want to play with you in the lounge. Open the door please" I suddenly realised that this statement could get me certified on the spot:shock: so I clarified, describing the behaviour involved, & translated it.
Prof was amazing. He leaned foreward , & stroked his chin, thought a lot & then said "that is an
incredibly complex thought process!" Thereafter whenever I had any contact with them, they'd immediately ask about what Thumper was doing & saying, then suddenly remember to ask about me as an afterthought!!!:lol:
Yes, Mimzmum, it wouldn't surprise me if they're
the most intelligent of our pets. We get far too confused between intelligence & instant obedience to our commands. In terms of problem solving ability, & getting me disconnected from the internet when I spend too long on here - both Benjie & Thumper must be insurpassable in knowing it's the little 2 wire cable to go for, perseverance, subterfuge, & devious behaviour - the lot.
I've now got 4 separate layers of "defense" round the internet cable area - blow me, he cut off the sound through a double defense & I didn't spend that long at the loo!:lol::lol: Neither of them bother with any other cables either. I'm now totally convinced that those rabbits PLAN in advance, await an opportunity, & then GO for it baby!!:lol:
It's funny you should mention about him going out. I had a real shock last night when I put out some rubbish very late &
thought I saw a black shadow slip outside quietly. He wasn't on the side paths, nor in the lounge where last seen. His norm would have been to take himself back upstairs, but I didn't dare leave the outside unattended. Fortunately he came to call quite fast. I think he's a very rabbit rabbit. He actually
feels safest under cover of darkness (when it's the most dangerous time of all in a town, & when I'm least able to protect him.)
He's still very timid in the day time. He's still very scared of traffic too, which could be another major factor as I have a busy road at the front.
I think the difficult thing for both of us is that we both became very ill at the same time early on. All we've both had the strength to do has been cuddles. We're quite good at that now!:lol: