Details

Do you think rabbits are just those cute little creatures quietly munching on hay in their cages? In fact, their world is far more complex and fascinating than it appears. From mysterious body language to astonishing physiological traits, rabbits hold many little-known "secrets." Understanding these secrets will not only help you take better care of them but will also deeply captivate you with these intelligent and sensitive animals. Ready to uncover the "true nature" of rabbits?

Secrets of Behavior and Body Language

The Flop:

This is one of the cutest yet most startling behaviors for new rabbit owners. Rabbits will suddenly flop onto their side or even onto their back, looking as if they've passed away. But this is actually the ultimate sign that they feel extremely comfortable, safe, and content! It means they've completely let their guard down around you.

Tooth Purring:

When you pet your rabbit, if you hear soft, rhythmic teeth grinding while their body is relaxed, this is similar to a cat's purr and indicates that they are very happy and enjoying themselves. However, if the grinding is loud and sharp, and the rabbit is hunched up, it may be a sign of pain, and a vet should be consulted immediately.

Binkying and Circling:

Binky: Rabbits will suddenly jump into the air and twist their bodies and heads mid-air. This is their way of expressing extreme joy and excitement, as if saying, "I'm so happy!"

Circling: When a rabbit circles your feet quickly, it is usually a courtship behavior or a way of begging for food—a sign of friendliness and anticipation.

Digging on You:

When a rabbit uses its front paws to dig on you, it is not an act of aggression. This is instinctive behavior, possibly meaning "Pay attention to me!" or "Give me a treat!"—or they might just be trying to find the most comfortable position next to you.

Secrets of Physiological Traits

360-Degree Panoramic Vision:

Rabbits' eyes are positioned on the sides of their heads, giving them an almost 360-degree field of vision. This helps them detect predators from the sky and surroundings. The trade-off is a small blind spot right in front of their nose. This is why sometimes, when you place food directly in front of them, they might need to move their head around to find it.

Teeth That Never Stop Growing:

Rabbits have "open-rooted" teeth, meaning they grow continuously throughout their lives. They rely on eating large amounts of hay to grind their teeth down naturally. If their diet lacks sufficient hay, their teeth can overgrow, leading to serious health issues like abscesses and an inability to eat.

Ears Are Their Cooling System:

Rabbits are covered in fur and have very few sweat glands. Their primary way of cooling down is through the blood vessels in their large ears. In hot weather, blood flow to the ears increases to help dissipate heat. This also makes their ears a "barometer" of their health.

Eating Their Soft Droppings (Coprophagy):

This is a very important and normal behavior for rabbits. They produce a special type soft, nutrient-rich dropping (cecotropes) and consume it directly from their anus to absorb essential vitamins and nutrients through secondary digestion. This is not a form of pica but a key aspect of maintaining their health. You rarely see this process, as it usually happens late at night or early in the morning.

Secrets of Emotions and Social Behavior

They Are Social Animals:

In the wild, rabbits live in complex social groups. Domestic rabbits can also feel lonely and need companionship. In many countries with high animal welfare standards (such as the UK), it is recommended to keep rabbits in pairs (after neutering) to prevent loneliness and promote mental well-being.

They Hold Grudges and Build Trust:

Rabbits have excellent memories. They remember who has been kind to them and who has scared them. Through patient and positive interactions (such as hand-feeding and gentle petting), you can slowly earn their trust. Forced cuddling or loud scolding, however, will make them fearful and distant.

They Can Be Litter-Trained:

Similar to cats, rabbits are very clean animals and can easily be trained to use a litter box. This makes free-roaming indoors much more convenient.

Secrets Requiring Special Attention (Health Risks)

They Are Masters at Hiding Pain:

In the wild, showing weakness makes them a target. Therefore, rabbits instinctively hide their pain and illness. By the time they show obvious signs like not eating or drinking or appearing lethargic, their condition is often very serious. Owners need to carefully observe subtle changes in their eating habits and droppings.

Incorrect Handling Can Be Fatal:

Rabbits have very powerful hind legs and fragile spines. You should never pick them up by their ears! When frightened, they may struggle violently. If held incorrectly, this can easily cause spinal fractures or dislocations, leading to paralysis or even death. The correct way to hold them is to always support their hind legs and bottom.

Summary:

The secret world of rabbits is filled with subtle behaviors and unique physiological traits. They are not just quiet and adorable pets—they are also intelligent, sensitive, and emotionally rich little beings. Understanding their "secrets" and respecting their nature is the key to building deep trust and friendship with them.