Therapy with Bunnies

When you come to my office, one of my friendly therapy assistants will usually join us. 

Petting bunnies:

Source: https://bunnylady.com/how-to-pet-rabbits/

Eevee and Disco both love being petted. Bring your hand closer from the side so they can see it. If they tip their head, it means they want you to pet their forehead. Eevee really enjoys being pet on her cheeks, forehead, ears, the back of her head, and along her back. She even likes gentle pats like a baby. She doesn’t think it’s fair if only she receives love, so she’ll lick your arm. Disco follows this chart. Both bunnies pur if you get the sweet spot just right.

Rabbit language:

• Binky – a joyful jump with a little twist, showing pure happiness.  
• Loaf – sitting comfortably with all paws tucked under, a relaxed and neutral position for rabbits. 
• Flicking –  kicking out their back feet instead of hopping forward, which shows they’re annoyed (they are flicking you off). They might hold a grudge, but often forgive you once you pet them.  
• Purring (teeth grinding) – when their jaw muscles move quickly back and forth, sometimes with a teeth chattering sound, or slightly closing their eyes, meaning they feel happy and safe.
• Flopping – throwing themselves on their side with legs extended outward in a dramatic fashion which is only performed in front of humans they trust. 
• Licking – they have soft tongues and may “groom” humans as an expression of affection. Licking is the main way that rabbits groom themselves and bond with each other. Rabbits lick each other as a sign of affection and establishing social hierarchy. They may also lick objects to leave their scent. 
• Gentle nudge– they might nudge your hand or an object to get your attention. If they nudge your hand, it usually means they want to be pet. 
• Hard nudge – they want you or something else to move. If you don’t move yourself or it, they will probably bite you and/or try to throw the item.
• Reverse Fetch – rabbits sometimes pick up toys or sticks and toss them so you can fetch them back. There are some toys and sticks in the office you can try playing this game with.  
• Petting – petting rabbits on their forehead helps them feel safe and allows them to establishes trust with you, kind of like how grooming bonds rabbits together. Rabbit do not like having their stomach, feet, or tail petted.
• Grooming – they sit up on their hind legs, flick their front paws together (to get them clean?), lick their paws, and wipe their face and ears. This is very entertaining to watch and often occurs after human pets (because we make them unclean). Depending on their modesty, they may groom their bodies in addition to their faces. 
• Nipping – they gently bite with their teeth, more like pinching. They usually do this to tell you to move aside or pay more attention. If the bite hurts, say “OUCH,” and they’ll learn to be gentler with their grip. 
• Periscoping – they stand up on their hind legs and look to see everything around them, showing they are curious and interested in what’s going on.
• Sprawling – laying down on their side or belly with back legs extended is a sign they are comfortable and relaxed. 
• Running away – suddenly running away and hiding is an expression of fear. Something they saw, heard, or felt frightened them—sometimes you might not even notice what scared them.  
• Thump – loudly thumping their strong hind leg against the floor, it usually signals they are annoyed or upset with you.  
• Zoomies – racing quickly from one place to another, sometimes going back and forth, it’s a sign they’re excited and full of energy. They often follow binkies. 
• Bonding – a crucial process that enables two rabbits to coexist safely in the same environment. Rabbits that are not siblings or littermates will require a bonding period to ensure harmonious interactions. Currently, Disco and Eevee are not bonded and must be separated by fencing to prevent any potential conflicts. Despite their adorable appearance, unbonded rabbits can critically injure each other.

Additional information: 

• https://bunnylady.com/rabbit-body-language/
• https://www.rabbitsinthehouse.org/