Our first bunny, chopsticks!

[chopstix]

hey everyone
ive recently gotten my first rabbit, personally ive always been a cat person but since my husband is allergic, we've compromised and have gotten a bunny! he is just the cutest little thing! we think hes about 2 years old. we hung out with him all day. we sectioned off a large portion of our living room and bunny proofed it. this was the first full day we had him and he seems to already be absolutely in love with us. he was dancing and "purring", chinning me, licking and sniffing my face. so cute i think my head is going to explode! currently hes even watching tv with me from his cage. sitting up on top so hes almost sitting next to me instead of in the bottom.

is it normal for a bunny to bond so fast? ive read that it can take days, weeks, or months.

do they thump when playing too? not just when theyre scared?

and how do you tell the difference between upset teeth grinding or purring?

:]

 

[JBun]

Welcome and congratulations on your new bunny! He sounds like a sweetheart That is pretty fast to settle right in! How fast they adjust, will depend on the individual rabbit's personality, it's past history, and how well socialized it is with people. Some rabbits can take months to get over being scared and start to feel safe in it's new home, other's can feel at home immediately. Sounds like that's what your little guy is like.

Thumping can really mean all sorts of things, usually to convey a strong emotion. Like when they are upset, irritated, impatient, scared, or really happy. I've also noticed some of my rabbits use it as a take off maneuver, right before a big jump. Maybe to give added lift, haha. So, definitely not just a scared thing.

The teeth grinding/purring is usually a situational thing. Like if you are giving head rubs or doing something your rabbit likes, most likely purring. If he's sitting hunched up, not moving around much, acting uncomfortable, or not acting normal, then it is probably tooth grinding from pain, stress, or fear. Usually the tooth purring is a softer sound, or can sound more like chattering. Tooth grinding often sounds louder, harsher, and more intense.

http://language.rabbitspeak.com/

This is a pretty good website. They explain the different ways rabbits communicate with each other(and us), though my rabbits still confuse me. Of course, I'm sure I confuse them just as much

 

[whitelop]

Welcome to RO!
Congratulations on your new bunny and his new love for you! Its so nice when they settle in like that. Can't wait to see some pictures!

I just found out that Ellie thumps. She thumped at my husband for picking her up and she thumped yesterday when she was about to hop over something.
So thumping, as Jenny said, means a world of things! haha.

I love that link Jenny gave you, its so interesting to learn about the way they communicate.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[HEM]

Congrats and welcome to RO!!