Is she scared or wanting to be pet?

[ChesnutKC]

When I moved out of state I took my roomates’ bunny with me as our rabbits were bonded and she didn’t ever play with her rabbit.

Her rabbit is a female new Zealand white and I know her first home she was not well taken care of and was often chased around a grabbed by little kids so she’s rather skittish. However, since living with me and my rabbit, she’s calmed down and become much more sociable. However, whenever I pet her head, the flattens it on the ground and holds very still until I stop, then she goes on her way. Is she scared or does she enjoy it? How can I tell the difference?

[wintermelon]

Yes my bunny does that too and i’m pretty sure it means they enjoy it because whenever i pet my bunny he would do that and position himself in a more comfortable posture. He closes his eyes whenever i pet his head and when i stop he looks around and try to get me to pet him again lol. Also pretty sure if they are scared you wouldn’t even be able too touch them because they will run away.

[Mikey]

Its submission. Shes letting you know that she is submissive to you, and that you are the boss. She may start to feel more comfortable over time and push her head against your hand while you are petting her, implying that she wants you to continue

[flemishwhite]

Giving a bunny and neck massage, shoulder massage, and gently stroking their forehead, is something they enjoy.  The commonly put their neck flat on the ground.  It’s normal. What you must do is place your ear next to their head.  If they enjoy your grooming they will make a purring equivalent sound.  For Bunny you could hear her chattering her teeth and taking deep breaths.  For my big Flemish girl, Snowy, if you put your ears down next to her head, you will hear a cooing like sound. They put their neck flat on the floor, because they do not want you to touch the underside of their neck.

[Bam]

Yep, normal. My Yohio does it too. He can even drop what he’s eating. Bunnies do enjoy getting pet, esp on the head and ears.
The purring sound can be very soften, sometimes it can be be felt like a vibration in your fingers.

[GeorgieTheBunny]

My Georgie does the same. Sometimes she comes over and puts her head down as you approach because she wants you to know that “you shall bestow your head pats: now”

I can’t hear her ‘teeth purr’ (I don’t hear well) but I do see her cheeks quiver. It’s like watching someone use mouth wash, rabbits do these things when they’re happy.

Sometimes I bet your bunny stays still for a few moments after you stop petting her, as if to say, “if you want to groom me more I’m right here…. No? -Okay, I’ll go play”

[Author]

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