General Question About Shazy

[Oppa1995]

Hey fellow rabbit lovers! 

I know this question may be better suited in the “Behavior” category, but I figured that since there were multiple questions/statements being asked, this thread would suffice. A little background information: Shazy is my Lion Headed rabbit around 1+ year of age. I use the word “around” as I had previously adopted Shazy from a shelter. His last owners neglected him and he was confiscated (among other animals in the home) when the humane society was contacted to investigate the mater. He was about 2 pounds and you could see his spine protruding from his back and the poor thing had blisters on his heels and the saddest look in his eyes that compelled me to adopt him, with no prior knowledge of rabbits. It’s 9 months later and the little guy is at a healthy 4.5 pounds (maybe I spoil him a little too much, but can you blame me ) and he is just the most exuberant little thing I have ever seen. 

I just have a few question to ask, and please, try not to judge me too hard! 

1) I notice that since Shazy and I have moved back home from school there is a very distinct way that he interacts with individuals of my family. If say my siblings walk into the room, Shazy will back into the corner of his cage and not even give them the light of day. However, if I enter the room he will bolt right to the cage door and put his paws up on the door as if recognizing me. Now, my question being, does he recognize me? I like to think he does, but I am not too sure whether or not rabbits are capable of recognizing a face? or even a sent? 

2) When Shazy and I are playing around I notice many different mannerisms exhibited by him to which I don’t really know the meaning to. Firstly, just not we were on my bed and when I pretended to dig into my bed sheets and within moments he too began to dig into the sheets, was he mimicking me? or was this a coincidence? Secondly, shortly after I began to dig, he thumped his feet and made a soft grunting noise, once I stopped he began again. Whenever I began to pretend to dig, he would stomp his feet and grunt yet again and once I stopped, he would begin…this went on for quite some time. My question being, why? Was he getting annoyed with me? Or was it as simple as him saying, “Hey dummy, look, this is how you’re supposed to dig!”. The final mannerism that I question is when I am petting him or combing him, he sometimes will click his teeth together and make a noise that sounds like a purr? but it is sounds like it may be a gurgle also (very hard to explain)  and then lick me. Does this mean that he is being hurt by the brushing? or that he is uncomfortable with it? Or is it affectionate?

I know this is a long post, but I am just very interested in getting a few of the questions I have had answered in order to ensure Shazy is as comfortable as possible!!!!! I want to make sure he knows that where he is now, is NOT like the place he once was. 

(Since I am a proud rabbit owner, I will attach a picture so you can all see how beautiful he is hehe)  

[Sarita]

Welcome – so glad you rescued Shazy – what a lucky little rabbit.

1. I don’t think we can know this for certain but I can only speculate he does know you and recognizes you – it is possible it is your scent or maybe your voice.

2. I don’t know why rabbits dig in sheets but I just imagine they think it’s fun…it’s a pretty common behavior. Rabbits thump for many reasons and really we can only guess based on the situation – I think the idea that he is telling you that you are doing it wrong is a good one, but who can really know – he sounds like quite the character!

Tooth purring is contentment. It is affection.

I think Shazy is very happy where he is – you sound like the perfect rabbit owner to me.

[Oppa1995]

Thanks for the response!!

I try my best to be patient with him, although he does make brushing him into quote the processes…he thinks he is too cool for a grooming session

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