I have read that rabbits will understand the head-to-head apology gesture in other animals (including humans). I also read they greet each other with small nose bumps. So, if I give my rabbits a gentle nose-to-nose nudge when they come and see me, do they understand I am greeting them? (or do they just think I am a weirdo who wants to get up in their face?!)
Speaking their language
- Thread starter SuthSeaxe
- Start date
Cinnabun14
Warren Scout
Ooo, interesting question! I'd love to know the answer as well. Whenever I get in my rabbit's face, they just leave...
My three, even though they are not cuddly (yet; they're all under a year) will quite happily come up to me and allow me to bump nose/whiskers with them. But then they leave and go elsewhere to do their own bunny things. Like ripping up the rug.
Cinnabun14
Warren Scout
Mine aren't very cuddly either, since they live outside. They use me as a jungle gym when I sit down with them, but that's about all the cuddles I get right now! (unless they think I have food!) Does being over a year make rabbits more friendly to people? Mine are only thirteen weeks.
joey&boo
Wise Old Thumper
i do both with my buns. Only i use a fist to nose bump. I can't say they always accept my apologies
Rabbits are weird so if they think you are a weirdo too, that means you are all in great company
Cinnabun14
Warren Scout
A fist is probably less threatening than my giant face leaning over in their personal bubble! I think I'll try this instead.
Honestly, I have no idea! I just know that it took a year before our last rabbit, Basil, started licking us. He was always accepting of us, but my wife swears he was not as friendly until he was a bit older. Not unfriendly, just more interested in doing his own thing than being with us. I don't really remember.
Preitler
Alpha Buck
Some rabbits do warm up over time, others, well, not in the ways one would expect.
My late Red never liked to be touched, something that fully manifested during puberty, but she was a docile, friendly, laid back girl, got along well with other rabbits, including rabid dominant ones. But me touching her - no way.
When she got old and I had to brush, bath and medicate her she got somewhat lenient about that - still didn't like it and still tried to rip me to pieces when I picked her up, but - and that wasthe big change - she wasn't angry at me anymore
. No more thumping or so, no hopping away asap. Had a special, thick winter jacket for handling her, it now looks like I had several run-ins with Freddy Krueger .
I think petting a shy rabbit works better for me when I keep the hand low and don't reach over them, just touch their side, shoulder that's facing me, like with dogs, and don't follow when it hopps away.
My late Red never liked to be touched, something that fully manifested during puberty, but she was a docile, friendly, laid back girl, got along well with other rabbits, including rabid dominant ones. But me touching her - no way.
When she got old and I had to brush, bath and medicate her she got somewhat lenient about that - still didn't like it and still tried to rip me to pieces when I picked her up, but - and that wasthe big change - she wasn't angry at me anymore
. No more thumping or so, no hopping away asap. Had a special, thick winter jacket for handling her, it now looks like I had several run-ins with Freddy Krueger .I think petting a shy rabbit works better for me when I keep the hand low and don't reach over them, just touch their side, shoulder that's facing me, like with dogs, and don't follow when it hopps away.
Bunnyfan25
New Kit
Interesting post, I tried twitching my nose and my bunny started staring at me - not sure if he understood or what I was telling him, 
Bunnyfan25
New Kit
I have noticed our aloof bunny since his castration appreciates a good head stroke and when in sleepy mood will chill out on your lap. The friendly bunny has remained friendly and enjoys washing us all over our faces until he gets confused n tries eating my blonde fringe thinking it's hay 
