Rabbits are smart and can understand several words; two of the words he should be able to understand are his name and the word 'No'.
Rabbits will know if they have done something wrong during play if they are immediately put back into solitary, for example. Some owners also use spray bottles (see below) for small misdemeanors like a bite.
Always be consistent when disciplining rabbits and don't expect too much from them. Here are two humane things to try if your rabbit is being a bit ornery: Shout “no” or clap your hands. Thump your foot, like a rabbit, to convey your displeasure.
No matter how badly your bunny behaves, it is never a good idea to try to physically discipline your rabbit. Not only does it not work -- it can kill your rabbit. Rabbits have been designed to be easily frightened and broken; never physically discipline your rabbit.
The first thing you shouldn't do is hit them in any fashion. A rabbit will not construe any form of smack as a constructive comment on their behavior. Instead, they will become angry, affronted, and possibly even more aggressive.
It is common for rabbits to be offended and hold grudges against people. The most common sign that a rabbit is upset is when they give you the cold shoulder, ignoring you and refusing to take any treats. Rabbits holding a grudge will also flick their feet and people and urinate in places they normally wouldn't.
Bunnies show affection by grooming, so if your rabbits gently nuzzle, lick, and perhaps even try to nibble you gently, they are showing you that they love and care for you. This is also a sign of submission. Sometimes your bunny will lick and nibble your clothing or a piece of nearby fabric instead of you.
If he turns his back on his companion and sits or lies down, eyeing him over a shoulder, he is saying very adamantly, “I'm not speaking to you again until you apologize.” Although rabbits are easily offended, they easily forgive. A gentle nose rub or a scritch between the ears usually makes things right again.
Rabbits are not the kind of pet that you can ignore and keep out of sight all day. If they are not given enough attention, rabbits can exhibit destructive behaviors or become severely depressed. They are social animals that need the company of others in order to be happy.
Common reasons for unfriendliness in rabbits include illness, changes in their environment, loud noises, strong smells, and stress. Thankfully, this behavior will often go away in a few days, and your rabbit should be back to normal.
Rabbits that become depressed will usually sit around for most of the day. They will often lose interest in eating, grooming, or even socializing. Some rabbits who become depressed will even resort to aggressive behaviors, such as biting and swatting.
Nudging, head butting or rubbing against you is rabbit body language for loving attention. 'Give them a stroke or cuddle, or what you know they enjoy', says Rosie. 'Rubbing their faces against you is a way of sharing their scent profile, and showing that you really are friends.
If your rabbits look tucked up and quiet with their chins tucked in and noses not twitching this can be a sure sign of them feeling unhappy or stressed, as this is not a normal position for a rabbit. Moving or running away. Your rabbits may turn and move away from you (or each other) if they're unhappy.
When a rabbit nibbles or bites you softly it is often accompanied with licking, which is a sign of love. He is trying to groom you and is simulating the grooming process (however, you have no fur to build up knots in so it results in just a little nibble of the skin).
Rabbits enjoy being around people and can usually recognise their owners by sight and sound.
- Signs a rabbit may be suffering from stress/fear can include hiding/chewing cage bars/over-grooming/altered feeding or toileting habits/over-drinking/playing with the water bottle/sitting hunched/reluctance to move/repeatedly circling the enclosure.
Rabbits aren't “starter pets”—they're high-maintenance, long-term commitments. While healthy adult rabbits will typically use a litterbox to do their business, they do a lot of business—and you will have to keep their box clean by changing it at least every other day.
Rabbit spritzer
You can use a plant spray/mist bottle to gently spray water on your rabbit's ears which can help them to cool down.
Depending on the severity of the offence, a rabbit can hold a grudge from hours to several days. Sometimes, a simple stroke on the forehead or an apologetic treat can remedy a miffed bunny, but if your rabbit is truly offended, they can sulk for quite some time!
You may worry that your rabbit will be lonely. If you spend a lot of time with your rabbit, they will undoubtedly miss you when you're away, the same way you miss them. The two of you have developed a bond and friendship that your pet rabbit also understands.