Want to learn to understand these furry friends a little better? Twitch your nose twice for ‘yes’
Rabbits are creatures of few words, so, in honour of spring, we’ve put together this short guide to interpreting your pet rabbit’s innermost thoughts. The guide works for wild rabbits, too, but we’d be surprised if you got close enough to any wild rabbits to read their body language. Without further ado, here’s a guide to speaking rabbit, or ‘Leporid in Translation’, if you will…
Rabbit: Turns her back on you, or flicks her back legs towards you as she hops away.
English: I’m furious with you. What you’re seeing here is the rabbity hump. Be afraid.
Rabbit: Clicks her teeth.
English: I’m happy. What? You don’t click your teeth when you’re happy?
Rabbit: Grunts.
English: Leave me alone. I want some me-time.
Rabbit: Throws herself on her side.
English: I might look like I’ve fainted, in fact I’m just so chill I’m horizontal.
Rabbit: Pokes you with nose.
English: What does a girl have to do to get a nice stroke around here?
Rabbit: Ears flat back to head.
English: All is good in my world.
Rabbit: Ears standing up straight.
English: I’m freaked out. Something here isn’t right. I’ve got a Mr MacGregorish feeling in my waters.
Rabbit: One ear back and one up straight.
English: I’m concerned something is amiss but I’m not sure. I’ll hedge my bets.
Rabbit: Binkies. (Does a little twisty jump in the air).
English: I’m so ecstatic, it’s like all my Carrotmases have come at once.
So now you know. If you want to read more about rabbits and why we think they are magical creatures, buy our April issue, in shops now.
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