Visual signals are not the main communication system of rabbits. This is not a surprise, as we know that rabbits spend most of their time in the dark. So how do rabbits communicate? There are variations that we can look for to know how rabbits feel. Variations can be different ear placements showing submission, fear, aggressive intent, contentment, and relaxation.
Usually, when a rabbit is feeling relaxed, it will lie on its side or on its abdomen with its hind legs stretched out behind it. Either that or he’ll squat down with his legs tucked under him and eat bent over against his head. These are very obvious signs that your rabbit is feeling relaxed at the moment.
When a rabbit feels submissive, it will usually crouch down. This will make it look smaller and less threatening. Generally in the animal world, making the body look smaller means that it is submissive. Often this happens without eye contact with the dominant animal. This sign is more obvious and clearly seen in dogs that shrug their body, lower their body, and lower their head and look away from the more dominant dog or person.
Whenever a rabbit is afraid of something or frightened, it displays a posture very similar to that of a submissive animal. However, the main difference is that when rabbits are scared, their facial muscles tense up. This gives a look to the rabbit’s face that its eyes are about to pop out of its head. The body will be pressed against the ground and the ears will be flattened firmly against your head. When a rabbit adopts this posture, it tries to appear as inconspicuous as possible while keeping a close eye and nose on the source of its fear.
Rabbits shake their heads to show irritation or disgust at the strange introduction to smell or taste, for example. This action is sometimes followed by one of the most familiar visual communications we know. They dramatically slam their hind legs on the ground. It is both a visual and auditory signal of potential danger. A rabbit that is really worried about such a possibility of danger will retreat at high speed towards its burrow. It also raises its hindquarters as it runs, showing off the white underside of its tail. This white colored fur is visible to other rabbits even in low light. This signal is a strong indication for all other rabbits to seek shelter and safety in the burrow immediately.
