This facet of bunny body language is straightforward. A bunny with a very relaxed pose indicates an equally relaxed bunny. In the wild, rabbits need to be ready to run at a moments notice. But if it looks like your rabbit would need to get up before running away, that’s a sign that they don’t view you as a threat. They may also lay with all their legs tucked in beneath them in a loaf position. Their face should look calm, with their eyes slightly closed and their ears pointed slightly backwards in a relaxed pose.
If a curious bunny is investigating something, they may approach it cautiously with their neck stretched out and their ears angled forward.
To discourage this behavior, loudly shout “ouch!” whenever your bunny gives you a nip and pull away. Don’t pet or interact with them after a bite. The loud sound and lack of attention should communicate to your rabbit that nipping won’t get them what they want.
A single thump is often all your rabbit needs to get the point across, but continued thumping can mean your rabbit is afraid of something. Try to calm them down or distract them with a small treat. [7] X Research source Make sure there is nothing nearby that might be frightening your rabbit.
Some rabbits may relax their ears back when they are calm or sleepy, so look for other signs of tension to confirm this is a result of stress.
If you are lunged at, remove your hand or part of your body speak softly then slowly move your hand towards the bunny again and they shouldn’t lunge at you over time. Sometimes they will lunge at you and if you flinch but leave your hand there, just in front of them, they will take a minute, sniff and nudge your hand with their nose - this is good, it means they are getting to know you as a friend and the lunging will gradually go away.
If the rabbit is provoked further, they may also scream. This startling and often very unpleasant sound is a result of extreme distress or possibly pain. Seek veterinary attention if your rabbit screams without an apparent cause.
