I can't decide on the binky. Do bunnies do it (hurl themselves skyward, twisting and kicking up their heels) as an expression of joy, as we so fondly believe, OR do they binky as an automatic response to being in a place where they feel exposed and threatened?
I've noticed mine binky when out in the open garden, or when they think I'm trying to catch them up, or when around another rabbit that they feel unsure of, or defiant of.
This makes me think of a rabbit being chased by a predator. How would it escape the jaws closing fast on it's tail? Well, by leaping, twisting and kicking sideways of course! That would confound any predator!
When Tia was alive, she'd hurtle round the garden, binkying so hard she didn't stop to eat the grass. She looked so suprised every time she landed, like, 'What on earth did I just do then??!' A bit like a baby after it sneezes :lol:
It was great to watch because she looked 'happy' by human standards of behaviour, but rabbits aren't human - Did she, I wonder just feel more vulnerable out there, having always been a hutch bunny before, and instinct kicked in with the binky behaviour?
If only they could talk!
I've noticed mine binky when out in the open garden, or when they think I'm trying to catch them up, or when around another rabbit that they feel unsure of, or defiant of.
This makes me think of a rabbit being chased by a predator. How would it escape the jaws closing fast on it's tail? Well, by leaping, twisting and kicking sideways of course! That would confound any predator!
When Tia was alive, she'd hurtle round the garden, binkying so hard she didn't stop to eat the grass. She looked so suprised every time she landed, like, 'What on earth did I just do then??!' A bit like a baby after it sneezes :lol:
It was great to watch because she looked 'happy' by human standards of behaviour, but rabbits aren't human - Did she, I wonder just feel more vulnerable out there, having always been a hutch bunny before, and instinct kicked in with the binky behaviour?
If only they could talk!