Finger Tapping- instinct reaction?

[laurabee]

From researching and owning a few rabbits over the years, I’ve come to learn that almost all of their behavior is based on pure instinct. It’s one of the reasons why they’ve always been my favorite animal!

I recently adopted two baby mini rex bunnies from the same litter.  They are still rather timid of me, but they no longer run away when I walk around and go about my business. Sometimes, though rarely, they will approach me out of curiosity when I am sitting or standing. For the most part they ignore me unless I have spinach.

One behavior I have noticed is that whenever I crouch down and tap my fingers on the floor- in a Mr. Burns’ “excellent” way- they always approach me and sniff my hands.  What I’m wondering is if this is an arbitrary act specific to these bunnies; or is this some sort of instinct behavior. The only reason I think this is not random is the fact that they both do it (though they often copy one another)

 Do they think they hear another rabbit thumping around?  That is my best guess.

Just curious!  I am constantly learning more about rabbits– another reason I have adored them since I was little

-Laura (with Max and Penny)

[BlueMoods]

Natural curiosity, they hear what sounds like something small hopping around in their territory. To them it might be a bug or a small rabbit, they naturally come to investigate. Tap your fingers, then give the spinach when they come, they wii learn to come to that just as if you called them like a dog does to their name.

I use a training clicker to call mine and, always give a reward when they come, makes it easy to get the rabbits form anywhere in hearing range.

[justwildbeat]

Your rabbits are probably just curious why you’re making noise and come over to investigate. I tap/pat the floor when I want to get my rabbit’s attention or for him to go to that spot. Whenever he does this I reward him with a treat. It makes them work for their treats, being adorable isn’t enough lol.

[Author]

Messages