Loafed / Splooting: Loafing or splooting is when your rabbit is in relaxation mode. They're either bundled up and looking like a little loaf with their front legs tucked in to form a rounded shape or stretched out with their back legs stretched out behind them.
Rabbits can let you know that they're relaxed, comfortable and happy by just lying down. There are three distinct ways of lying down that show this: If they're lying with their legs tucked underneath them. If they're lying with their front paws pointing forward and rear legs stuck out sideways.
Loafing: Tucking their front paws underneath them is often a relaxed, comfortable position for your rabbit when resting. Sprawling posture is when your rabbit is relaxed, their back legs are to one side, and their front feet are forward with the head up. This type of lounge means they are very comfortable and relaxed.
Laying down is (usually) a sign of a comfortable rabbit
But, even a rabbit who chooses to settle into a loaf position is generally feeling quite comfortable and content. Laying down next to you is a compliment in rabbit body language too.
Rabbit ears that are pinned flat back with a tense body may indicate the rabbit is upset, angry, or scared. Rabbit ears that are flat back with a relaxed body just mean the rabbit is resting.
If you're lucky, it will warn you first with growls and angry foot scrabbling, but then again, it may not. After all, you should know better and respect the bunny. It may help to think of your rabbit as one of those martial arts grandmasters. They seem peaceable enough, but disrespect them, and they will kick your ass.
Signs of stress may include: appearing nervous (freezing, hunched up with ears flat against the body) being excessively jumpy and watchful (bulging eyes) being aggressive to people or other rabbits, particularly if the behaviour is unusual.
Typically this isn't something you should worry about especially since it often doesn't hurt. Many times this is how your pet rabbit will show its love for you. When a rabbit nibbles or bites you softly it is often accompanied with licking, which is a sign of love.
They put their head on the ground and close their eyes in contentment. They also love getting a good back scratch around the shoulders. That said, they tend not to like being touched on the ears, neck, feet, stomach or tail. Usually, my bunnies are most receptive to petting when they're relaxing after a meal.
Rabbits can take a variety of positions when they're feeling content - they may tuck their legs under their bodies; lie down with their front paws pointing forward and rear legs stuck out sideways; or fully extend their bodies and stretch out their back legs while pointing their front paws forward.
Relaxed body.
Their bodies will look relaxed and comfortable and they won't seem on edge. There are lots of ways your rabbit might show they are relaxed, usually when lying down. They might sit with their legs tucked under their bodies (like a little rabbit loaf!), or lie down completely stretched out.
Bunny Butt. A bunny who is angry with their owner or another rabbit may let them know by giving them a cold shoulder, or Bunny Butt. They will turn their back on you and refuse to look at you. Bunnies hold grudges.
Petting a rabbit may be a great method to soothe them and help them relax. If your rabbit is defensive, scratch him behind the ears and forehead. Keep an eye on your rabbit's body language to see if he's still on the lookout for danger.
Rabbits are relaxed when they lay with their feet sprawled out. Since it's more difficult for the rabbit to get up and run away in this position, it signals a feeling of calm and safety for the rabbit. Other signs to look out for include: laid-back ears, purring, and a healthy appetite.
Your rabbit is warning you that he or she senses danger. Thumping is usually an alert to danger, although it can also be an expression of annoyance. The key to knowing what your bunny friend is trying to say comes from the environment. What situation was your rabbit in before the thumping?
Flopping: A flop is when your bunny rolls over onto their side. This indicates contentment when bunnies roll over and flop down to relax.
If your rabbit has ever run around the room as fast as they can as though something is chasing them then you've witnessed the bunny 500. This behavior is a happy one and your bunny is zooming around out of pure excitement. Perhaps they are playing with you or a furry friend or are expecting a favorite treat.
If a rabbit is honking, grunting, and circling, it's a sign that the mating dance has begun. Both males and females make these noises. If your rabbits have been neutered, they may honk and grunt out of general excitement, like if they see you coming with a treat. They may also do it to get your attention.
Rabbits explore their environment by sniffing and nudging. It may be a greeting or their first line of investigation. But nudging can also indicate a level of bossiness. Your rabbit might be telling you, “You're in my way!” They may also be trying to get your attention because you're not petting them.
Pet bunnies need more than a hutch, food, and water. To be happy, rabbits require social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical exercise. They also bond strongly with other rabbits and their caregivers, and can become sad if separated from them. Rabbits can also experience stress and anxiety.
The best places to pet a rabbit are their forehead and behind their ears. The cheeks and strokes down their backs are also good spots. But rabbits dislike being pet on their bottom, feet, chin, and underside.