Rabbits mean so much to their owners. But, some behaviors can be concerning or confusing. Initially, I used to worry when my rabbits follow me or behave differently. But, now I know exactly the reason rabbits display certain behaviors.
Why does my rabbit follow me? Rabbits follow you if they enjoy your company or are hungry. If they want to mate with you, they can follow you to gain ownership of you. If you experience aggression while following, you need to pay attention.
There are other associative behaviors you can spot in your rabbits. For instance, they can lick you or mate as they follow you. In this article, I will guide you on the right way to address such instances.
Reasons Rabbits Follow Owners
There could be a few reasons why your rabbit follows you around.
- It could be that they enjoy your company and feel safe and comfortable with you.
- It could be that they think you have food for them! If your rabbit follows you and begs for food often, you might want to try giving them some healthy snacks in their own area so they don’t always have to follow you around.
- Another reason why your rabbit might follow you is if they are trying to mate with you. If this is the case, you will need to get your rabbit spayed or neutered.
- Following you around can also be a sign of separation anxiety in rabbits, so if you notice that your rabbit only follows you when you are home, and not when you are gone, this could be the case.
Sometimes, rabbits can follow you if they are frightened.
Here is an article – Can rabbits die of fright?
Whenever you observe weird behaviors in your rabbit when he follows you, it is essential to pay attention. One such example is separation anxiety which is when it can be gruesome to rabbits.
In such cases, your rabbit is begging for your company. Just do not leave him loose! He may break down in your absence. Strangely, your rabbit can also pee on your bed. Here is a guide to preventing such instances.
Do rabbits follow their owners?
Rabbits closely follow their owners and even respond to their commands. They follow owners to pass a specific message or display affection. You need to spend some time understanding the reason.
The breed of the rabbit also matters when it comes to how much they follow their owners. Some rabbits are known to be more independent than others, but all rabbits enjoy companionship and being around their owner.
If you have a rabbit, make sure to give them plenty of attention and provide them with a spacious home where they can roam freely.
When rabbits follow you, it is essential to look at their signs and behaviors. Most of the time, a rabbit that follows the owner around is happy and content. However, there are some instances where a rabbit may be trying to show their dominance.
In general, rabbits are social creatures that enjoy being around their owners. If you have a rabbit, make sure to give them plenty of attention and provide them with a spacious home where they can roam freely.
Why does my rabbit follow me and circle around me?
Following and circling you could often mean that it’s time to spay/neuter them. Sometimes, it is also accompanied by an oinking sound. Other than that, it might just be a sign of affection!
If your rabbit is following you and circling you, there are a few potential reasons why.
One possibility is that they are ready to be spayed or neutered. If your rabbit is unneutered or unspayed, this is something you should consider doing.
Here is an article that talks about the heat circle – How often do rabbits go into heat?
Another possibility is that your rabbit is trying to tell you something. If your rabbit is circling you and making an oinking sound, this could be a sign that they are hungry or thirsty.
Finally, it is also possible that your rabbit is simply showing you affection. If your rabbit enjoys being around you and follows you around often, this is likely the case. Whatever the reason, it is always sweet when your rabbit shows you some love!
Why is my bunny always near me?
A bunny stays near you always if he loves your company and trusts you. Sometimes, it can also be out of curiosity or to gain your attention.
Bunnies are social creatures and love being around those they know. If your bunny always seems to be close by, it’s likely because he feels safe and content in your presence.
There are several reasons why your bunny may enjoy spending time near you. Bunnies are naturally curious creatures, and may want to explore their surroundings – including you! Additionally, bunnies are social animals and love being around those they know and trust. If your bunny always seems to be close by, it likely means he feels safe and content in your presence.
If you’re looking for ways to bond with your bunny, consider spending some quality time together doing activities he enjoys. This could include grooming him, playing with toys, or simply sitting near him while he munches on some hay.
If you think your rabbit needs a friend, here is an article – do rabbits need to be in pairs?
Whatever you do, take things at your bunny’s pace – remember, he’s the one in charge! – and enjoy each other’s company.
Why does my rabbit follow me to the bathroom?
Your rabbits follow you to the bathroom to maintain your company. He may circle your feet or even flop indicating his affection and gathering attention. Your rabbit may also follow you for food if he associates you with treats.
Why does my rabbit headbutt me?
Headbutting is an attention-seeking behavior and you need to check if it is food time or pet him for some time. Rubbing their faces could also seek your attention and they love your company.
The other reason for this could be that your rabbit is territorial and is trying to assert dominance over you. In such a case, you need to show him that you are the alpha in the pack by being assertive and showing him who is the boss.
Yet another possibility is that your rabbit might be bored and is looking for something to do. In this case, try giving him some toys or building him a play area to keep him occupied.
If your rabbit is headbutting you for no apparent reason, then it might be a sign that something is wrong and he could be sick or in pain. In such a case, take him to the vet immediately.
Why does my rabbit stare at me?
Rabbits often stare at their owners indicating contentment and relaxation. When they have erect ears, they could stare suspecting predators around or some kind of insecurity.
If your rabbit’s staring makes you feel uncomfortable, try redirecting the attention by offering a treat or toy.
Why does my rabbit lick me?
Licking you is an initiative to build a bond with you. Rabbits lick their owners out of joy, love, and trust. It’s a way to show you that your rabbit feels comfortable with you and wants to express affection.
If your rabbit licks you and then nibbles on you, it may be telling you that it’s time to groom them!
Should I let my rabbit hump me?
Rabbits hump out of joy but can also indicate dominance. It is a sign of readiness to mate. Hence, you may have to discourage regular humping.
There are different ways to do this, including:
- Ignore the behavior
- Give your rabbit a time out in their hutch or pen
- Distract your rabbit with a toy or food treat
- Squirt your rabbit with water from a spray bottle
- Teach your rabbit a ‘down’ command and provide a treat when they obey
If you are not comfortable with your rabbit humping you, then it is best to discourage the behavior. However, if you don’t mind, then there is no harm in letting your rabbit hump away.
Final Thoughts
When a rabbit follows you, it could often mean a symbol of trust, care, and affection. However, as it accompanies by aggression or hurting behavior, you need to assess the cause. Humping is one such behavior of a rabbit that you should certainly discourage any day.