Silly Question,

[Carolyn]

Calbert used to tip his head back as far as hecould, a few times, and then start the process of groominghimself. Missus Buck Jones thought that it was because of the'scent of a woman' since Fauna's not spayed.

Well recently, I've noticed Tucker just started this, within the lastcouple of days although he's been exposed to Fauna for monthsnow. Do your bucks do this, or does anyone have a clue whatthis behavior is all about?

Here's a picture of Calbert as he's starting the process of tipping hishead. Apparently Calbert doesn't do it anymore.

Any thoughts?

-Carolyn

 

[Stephanie]

You know, that's funny, because Chompers does thesame thing. I never gave any thought to it until seeing this postthough. I have no idea why he does it, either, but am curious as towhat others think.

 

[pamnock]

It is most likelythe"flehmen"expression demonstratedbymammals when they are attempting to detect ascent. The head is tipped back and the upper lip is normallypulled back when demonstrating this behavior which helps to guide thescent to the vomeronasal organ.

This expression is rather comical in horses, but all mammals (including humans)have this behavior to some degree.

More info:

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro99/web3/Bernstein.html

Pam

 

[BunnyMommy]

All interesting as Sherman does the same thing.

 

[BunnyMommy]

P.S. I wish you all could see himsleeping right now. He looks like a real little bunnyangel!

 

[Carolyn]

I'm so glad that Chompers and The King do the same thing.

Thanks Pam for clarifying it. He's definitely doing it just as you described.



-Carolyn

 

[BunnyMommy]

Oh, hey,Carolyn!

I didn't know that you were here right now!

 

[Carolyn]

Sweetheart!

-Carolyn

 

[Sarah]

Pauly does that too, and it's often accompanied by a little nasal noise. sort of a "choo-choo" not a sneeze, just a nose noise.